Although University of Tsukuba was established based on a new concept, it inherited the history and traditions of the Tokyo Higher Normal School, Tokyo University of Literature and Science, and Tokyo University of Education. The history of the School of Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences is also built on the brilliant traditions described below.
| October 1878 | The National School of Gymnastics [Taiso Denshu-jo] was established. |
| December 1885 | The National School of Gymnastics [Taiso Denshu-jo] became attached to the Tokyo Normal School [Tokyo Shihan Gakko]. |
| April 1886 | The Tokyo Normal School [Tokyo Shihan Gakko] was renamed the Higher Normal School [Koto Shihan Gakko]. The National School of Gymnastics [Taiso Denshu-jo] was reorganized to become the Gymnastics Department. |
| March 1902 | The Higher Normal School [Koto Shihan Gakko] was renamed the Tokyo Higher Normal School [Tokyo Koto Shihan Gakko]. |
| March 1913 | The Tokyo Higher Normal School [Tokyo Koto Shihan Gakko] established the Gymnastics Department. |
| October 1924 | The National Institute of Health and Physical Education [Taiiku Kenkyu-jo] was established at Yoyogi (Hatagaya), Shibuya Ward. |
| March 1941 | The Tokyo College of Physical Education was established. |
| April 1944 | The Tokyo College of Physical Education was renamed the Tokyo Institute of Physical Education. |
| May 1949 | The Tokyo Institute of Physical Education became the core of the Faculty of Health and Physical Education at the newly established the Tokyo University of Education. |
| April 1960 | The Institute of Sport Sciences was established as an affiliate of the Faculty of Health and Physical Education. |
| March 1964 | The Graduate School of Physical Education (Master’s Program) was established at the Tokyo University of Education. |
| April 1967 | The department of martial arts was established. |
| October 1973 | The School of Health and Physical Education was established in the newly founded University of Tsukuba. |
| April 1976 | Graduate School of Sport Science (Master’s Program) and Graduate School of Sport Science (Doctoral Program) established at University of Tsukuba. |
| March 1977 | The Faculty of Physical Education at Tokyo University of Education was closed. |
| April 1989 | Graduate School of Health and Sport Sciences (Master’s Program, Department of Coaching Science, Department of Health and Physical Education) started (day and evening courses available). |
| April 1990 | Graduate School of Health and Sport Sciences (Master’s Program, Department of Physical Education Methodology) started (day and evening courses available). |
| April 1997 | Master’s Program in Sport and Health Science was established. |
| April 2001 | Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Doctoral Program in Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences and Doctoral Program in Sports Medicine were established. |
| April 2003 | Master’s Program in Sports and Health System Management was stablished. |
| April 2006 | Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Doctoral Program in Coaching Science was established. |
| April 2008 | Graduate School of Comprehensive Human Sciences, Master’s Program in Physical Education, Health and Sport Sciences was established. |