The above original photograph of Jigoro Kano (October 28, 1860 - May 4, 1938) was given to my father by his Judo instructor Inspector Obata of the Japanese Police as a gift.

In 1950 my father studied Judo in Kokura Kyushu Japan with the Japanese Police. On January 11, 1953 he was awarded a Shodan (first degree) by the Kodokan Institute.

English Translation of the below certificate: Shodan certificate number 3262 dated Showa 28 (January 11, 1953) issued to Charles V. Gruzanski signed by Kano Risei Kodokan Chairman.

Requested a copy of his Shodan from the Kodokan Institute in Japan.

In 1967 the Chicago Academy of Martial Arts receives a membership certificate from the United States Judo Federation. 

Site contents copyright © 2002-2009 Robert C. Gruzanski, all rights reserved. No part of this site may be reproduced or copied, in part or in whole, without the express written prior consent of Robert C. Gruzanski.