Sumiyuki Kotani, the Kodokan Emissary to Brazil

Abstract

In 1882, in a temple called Eishoji, Jigoro Kano unified the knowledge of ancient jujutsu schools into a system he called Kodokan Judo. At the beginning of the twentieth century, judo became popular outside Japan and during this period Kano traveled through several countries to propagate his method. Traveling with Kano was Sumiyuki Kotani, one of the most important names in Kodokan history. The two traveled to countries such as England, France, Germany, the United States of America, and many others. After Kano’s death, Kotani continued the work, visiting regions yet unexplored. This article investigates the reasons behind Kotani’s visits to Brazil and the importance of those visits to the development of judo in Brazil. Through this research, it is possible to conclude that Kotani assumed the role of charismatic and traditional authority in Brazil. He was instrumental in the spread of judo in the country, reinforcing the Kodokan tradition and connecting and updating Brazilian practitioners on Japanese judo culture and technique. He actively participated in the process of judo development in Brazil from the 1930s to the 1970s, playing an important role in the establishment of Brazil among the international players of post-war judo.