Kanō Jigorō, the father of judo, passed away on this day (May 4) 1938. He was a visionary who transformed Japanese martial arts, merging physical training with mental discipline and ethical values. Born in 1860, Kanō’s intellectual curiosity and drive led him to study jujutsu, but he saw its limitations and set out to create something deeper and more accessible. He founded judo in 1882, reshaping traditional techniques into a system that prioritized leverage over brute strength, making it safe for broader practice, including children and students. More than a martial art, Kanō’s judo embodied the principles of seiryoku zen’yō (maximum efficiency) and jita kyōei (mutual benefit), blending sport with philosophy and forging a path for personal growth and social harmony. A reformer and educator, he pushed judo into Japan’s schools and championed it on the global stage, becoming the first Asian member of the International Olympic Committee. Kanō passed away on May 4, 1938, but his legacy endures not only in dojos worldwide but also in the spirit of judo as a lifelong practice of respect, resilience, and improvement for oneself and society.