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Dr. Jigoro Kano
Founder of Judo
The Philosophy of Judo
By Clyde Tichenor
Fourth Degree Black Belt
Encino Judo Club
The subject should start with the word Judo itself because it means a gentle way. The interpretation of gentle (ju) and way (do) requires more understanding than the simple statement above allows.
Judo is a dichotomy because it is both gentle and dynamic in activity. The sport uses the same concept borrowed from the ancient Japanese jujitsu where ju also meant gentle. In both systems it meant to not resist, to give way, to be compliant. It referred to conditions where someone imposes their will upon you. Usually this is a physical action, but it could be verbal as well.
The Judo response is to give way, to not meet force head-on. However this is for the purpose of defensively beating the oppressor. When the appropriate Judo-based action takes place it may not appear to be gentle. The action is a result of what happened, how it happened, and what the future implications will be.
The sport is a means of exercise that has meaning and significance to its practice. Each technique is a method that may apply to the situation of physical attack or how not to be injured when thrown to the ground. Since many of Judo's finest sporting techniques result in body throws, it is essential that Judo students learn how to fall from every conceivable manner and direction. It basically takes about three months' practice, but years to perfect. Once learned it is also applied to accidental falls during one's lifetime. Thus in a matter of months a lifetime benefit may result.
The Judoist practices defensive and offensive (after an overt movement) techniques in a realistic manner because once they learn the falling art they may freely engage in seemingly violent actions. To a fellow judoist the actions are not violent, but to a lay person they appear that way. Also if done to an opponent on the street they can result in severe trauma.
The combative techniques of Judo have the most scientific analysis and application of methods of any martial art. The founder has taught that via his schools (Kodokan Judo Dojo) for about 120 years. He was already a top expert in two jujitsu schools when he culled and improved all techniques as the martial art methods for his new system and school of Judo (the Kodokan). His maxims for all students were "maximum efficiency" and "mutual benefit".
By these rules he and his disciples have spent about 120 years perfecting the most effective and efficient self-defense system known. To be of mutual benefit he separated the sporting moves from the harmful self-defense system. As a student's proficiency improved they gradually learn more significant techniques because their control has increased with their knowledge. They will not apply a technique to a fellow student that is beyond their safe capability. Safety is an important part of the training.
Therefore Judo combines techniques of jujitsu, karate, wrestling and its own highly perfected techniques. It uses the hands, arms, body, legs, and feet to defeat an opponent. Judo techniques do not reject strength as long as it is efficiently applied in a highly controlled manner. The application of strength as used in Judo is multiplied in effectiveness to the point where a weaker exponent of Judo can best a larger and stronger opponent. Dr. Kano, when about 140 pounds, once fought a young Russian merchant seaman (Mark Bagello) who was undefeated even with an open $100 bet that he couldn't be beaten. No one had been able to win the bet. Hearing of this brought to Dr. Kano's mind that this might be a good test for his newly perfected self-defense system. The sailor was in the 240 pounds class and was happy to oblige him. After all Mark was six feet tall with a large frame and successfully had challenged any man in the world to fight him and had suffered no losses. During their fight he grabbed at the small Japanese expert, but he immediately found that no matter what he did he ended up on the ground. He tried, but nothing worked. He was embarrassed and later commented, "He was so small and I couldn't lay a hand on him". Try as he might it was like fighting air, but with harsh consequences. In worse condition than when he started and in frustration, he even try to hit Dr. Kano with a chair. This was quickly taken from him. Finally he stopped, realizing the futility of his efforts. Dr. Kano admired his tenacity in spite of his injuries and put his arms around him saying, "I love your spirit!" He also told him that if he wished to understand what defeated him, he would be very happy to personally teach him.
This offer was accepted and in time the sailor became both an expert Judoist with a fourth degree black belt and a medical doctor. Dr. Bagello related this experience himself to a Judo friend (Bill Nauta, godan of the Encino Judo Club). Dr. Kano was among the very best Judoists and rightly held the highest black belt rank of tenth degree. Dr. Kano was also an Oxford scholar, president of Tokyo University of Education, and a noted world lecturer.
The purpose here is to discuss Judo philosophy, but it's perfected physical results are also well worth remembering. The sport is practiced in most countries of the world and also in Olympic competition. The use of the original Japanese terminology and formal courtesies make it easy to practice in any Judo club in the world.
With the above perspective on the purpose and effectiveness of Judo sport and self-defense it is possible to examine how all this reflects in his philosophy. Dr. Kano meant for his gentle way to be a way to live, a path to follow. He chose a word (do) which translates as, a road or pathway. His self-imposed restriction, that he taught what can be a violent response to provocation as instead a controlled and limited response, certifies that he sought peace and harmony in life and between human beings.
Consider that you are a Judo expert and find your present company imposing, overbearing, and obnoxious. Suppose among them there is a physical altercation and a threat of fighting. You are a practiced specialist at this. A real expert. You know how badly people can be injured how simple it is for this to happen. You probably were active in Judo contests that same week. Would you find need and incentive thus to engage with amateurs? You do not have to prove yourself, and your philosophy is to minimize your reactions if you are somehow involved. You might even find yourself an amused bystander. You would not have incentive to either participate or incite such activities.
A time comes to mind where one such Judo expert in a restaurant found himself punched at by an unruly customer who didn't like Japanese people. This Judo expert was a U.S. champion and easily dodged the blow while reacting automatically with a foot technique he often used on the Judo mat. However on the hard, slick, floor his opponent promptly hit the deck and slid along it some distance unconscious. The Judoist thought he had killed him. Assured otherwise, he sat back down with his companion Judoists and expressed amazement at his devastating results. "I had no idea an unskilled person would go so far." He apologized in a tone that said he had overdone his response. Next time he would use a more moderate response to such a ruffian.
Thus the true Judoist needs prove nothing and pride themselves on the minimum response when forced to defensive actions. The assurance this creates to the ego does not make them belligerent, but rather very tolerant. They submit to more provocation and indignity than the average person who feels the need to save face and prove himself. This translates as self-assurance which frees the Judoist from peer pressure and encourages true self-expression. The directive of "maximum efficiency" in the use of your mental and physical energy when applied, means that your schoolwork or vocational efforts will be enhanced.
If you applied only "maximum efficiency" (seiryoku zenyo) to all in life it certainly would be efficient in a cold, calculating, way. Hardly a person for others to enjoy or with which they could relate. While you might not be selfish, the result of your efficiency would seem selfish. Therefore the philosophy of maximum efficiency, while highly productive, is by nature self-serving.
uki otoshi
The solution is one more directive from Dr. Kano which is "mutual benefit" (jita kyoei). This then requires that one act not just in one's own interest, but rather with consideration for one's fellow humans.
The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights are famous for what they do not say as well as what they do say. By specifying a few general rules there is a leeway and flexibility that covers numerous unforeseen circumstances and contingencies. Dr. Kano's principles translate into an advocacy to live a gentle life, in a very efficient manner, with thought and consideration for all. Thus he too has prescribed a simple premise to guide us in the great variety of life's tasks and inter-relationships. Its value is its simplicity.
To emphasize that Dr. Kano meant for his students to use judgment, and control their responses and actions according to his principles, the following quotation is of value, "To become excited is a benefit to no one, but rather harmful to one's self and others." I have found that this is an important interpretation by him. During the occasional emergency situations I have faced I find these words running through my mind calling upon me to calmly act efficiently to solve the problem.
Many Judo students practice the sport without the philosophy. Many Judo students, come and participate for a while and then drop back into the mainstream with limited benefits. The student who stays with the sport gradually realizes the overall value and implications of the philosophy. This student is the one in a thousand to achieve the black belt rank and acts to teach his art and philosophy to the many other students. Dr. Kano's gift to us of his magnificent sport and self-defense system, is no less a gift than that of the balance of his philosophy. The young sport enthusiast has an opportunity to meet life on Dr. Kano's terms with the additional guidance of their life when they include the philosophy of Judo. Frequently Asked Questions
This Judo FAQ is intended to help a beginning Judo student understand some of the important concepts, terms, rank system, and history of Judo. It is not as useful for the Judo expert or an individual who has not yet begun Judo training, but it is the kind of basic information that lower rank students may be required to know for promotion. This page is also available en espanol.
What is the English translation or the meaning of the word Judo?
Gentle Way
What is the purpose in learning Judo?
The development of character, mind, and body so that one can contribute something of value to the world.
What are the other main principles in learning Judo?
The principle of cooperation (jita kyoei), working for mutual welfare and benefit. The principle of maximum efficiency (seiryoku zenyo), using the least amount of effort to achieve the greatest results.
Where did Judo come from?
Modern Judo is a martial art based on the traditional Jujutsu fighting and self-defense techniques of Japan.
What is the difference between Judo and jujutsu?
Judo is the modern scientific application of selected jujutsu techniques that may be practiced for self-development, physical education and sport. Jujutsu retains more dangerous self defense techniques, while Judo can generally be practiced with full force and complete safety. Check this description of Judo by Jigoro Kano himself.
When and where did Judo begin?
Judo was first officially taught at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan in 1882.
Who created Judo?
The father of Judo is Professor Jigoro Kano (1860-1938). He studied jujutsu at an early age and founded the Kodokan to teach the art of Judo.
What must every beginner learn about Judo?
How to fall (ukemi) and the rules of safety and courtesy.
What are some of the working principles of Judo?
The use of balance and off-balancing. The use of leverage to achieve greater power. Taking advantage of the opponent’s strength. Taking advantage of the opponent’s weaknesses. The value of yielding and giving way. The proper application of timing, momentum and force.
What is kuzushi?
Kuzushi is breaking the balance of an opponent.
What are some of the ways kuzushi can be achieved?
Hands: pushing and pulling.
Feet: for example, blocking the opponent from stepping forward.
Body: bending, pivoting, twisting or bumping the opponent to unbalance.
Voice: distracting, or mentally unbalancing, the opponent.
What is kiai?
A sudden concentration of physical and mental power, combined with a loud shout used to defeat the opponent. Often also applied effectively to distract the opponent.
By what means is kiai achieved?
1. A sudden concentration of the abdominal muscles.
2. A forceful exhalation of breath.
3. A sharp loud yell or shout.
What are the main types of Judo techniques?
Nage waza (throwing techniques), Katame waza (grappling techniques), Atemi waza (striking techniques)
What are the types of Judo throws?
Te waza: hand and arm techniques
Koshi waza: hip techniques
Ashi waza: foot and leg techniques
Ma sutemi waza: rear sacrifice techniques
Yoko sutemi waza: side sacrifice techniques
What is a combination throw (renraku waza)?
A series of attempted throws in which the last one is successful.
What is a counter throw (kaeshi waza)?
A throw that is executed in answer to a throw attempted by the opponent, taking advantage of the opponent’s movements or the loss of balance involved in his throw.
What are the types of grappling techniques (katame waza)?
Osaekomi waza: matholds and pins
Shime waza: choking and strangling techniques
Kansetsu waza: arm bars and joint locking techniques
What is tori and uke?
Tori is the person executing a technique such as a throw, while uke is the person receiving the technique.
What are the main methods of Judo training or practice?
Kata: formal exercise.
Uchi komi: repetitive throwing practice.
Randori: free practice.
Shiai: contest
What is kata?
A formal demonstration of prearranged techniques of Judo. There are forms for throwing techniques (nage no kata), grappling techniques (katame no kata), self defense techniques and other aspects of Judo.
What president introduced Judo into the United States and at what date?
Theodore Roosevelt, about 1902.
When did Judo become an Olympic sport?
Judo, the first Asian martial art to become an Olympic medal sport, has been an official Olympic event for men since 1964. Olympic Judo competition for women was added in 1992.
What are the referee and contestants called in a tournament?
The referee is called shimban. The contestants are aka (red) and shiro (white).
What are the Judo ranks?
Achievement in Judo is recognized by awarding different color belts. The six student ranks are called kyu. The ten black belt, or expert, ranks are called dan. Juniors under 17 years old earn different color belts than seniors. In the US most dojos use the following system:
English Japanese Senior belt Junior belt
6th grade rokyu white white
5th grade gokyu white yellow
4th grade yonkyu white orange
3rd grade sankyu brown green
2nd grade nikyu brown blue
1st grade ikkyu brown purple
1st degree shodan black
2nd degree nidan black
3rd degree sandan black
4th degree yodan black
5th degree godan black
6th degree rokudan black or red/white
7th degree shichidan black or red/white
8th degree hachidan black or red/white
9th degree kudan black or red
10th degree judan black or red
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