Unlike many forms of martial arts that have unclear histories and origins, Judo is one of the few forms of martial arts that has a clear founder and creation. Judo was conceived by Kano Jigoro (1860-1938) who was a very affluent and well-heeled Japanese educator and polymath. Kano Jigoro’s grandfather did very well in the sake brewing business, however, Kano Jigoro’s father failed to become heir to this wealth as he was not the first born son.