THE FOUNDATION OF KODOKAN JUDO
AND ITS DEVELOPMENT
By Prof. Jigoro Kano
Interpreted by Yukio Matsumoto
What is widely prevailed all over the world now under the general
name of judo means the Kodokan Judo which Prof Jigoro Kano founded
in the 15th year of the Meiji era (1882) as a means of realizing
his new ideal by systematizing the theory and techniques of the
traditional jujutsu of various schools.
Training of Jujutsu and Serious Study
Prof. Kano who was small and weak by nature began to practice
jujutsu at the age of I8 for the purpose of making himself not
to be underrated by others. He learned "Atemi?waza" (striking
techniques) and °Katame?waza" (grappling techniques) of Tenjin?shin'yo
Ryu style jujutsu and "Nage?waza" (throwing techniques)
of Kito Ryu style jujutsu. Based upon these he mastered his knowledge
deeper and wider borrowing strong and reasonable points form other
schools. Besides he invented new techniques of his own. He came
to feel sure that jujutsu is useful not only for the training of
competitive sports. but also for the cultivation of sound character.
Thus, Prof. Kano, adding new devices to his knowledge of traditional
jujutsu which was a precious cultural asset of Japan founded the
Kodokan Judo, with physical education, competition and moral training
as its objective.
Foundation of Kodokan Judo
Prof. Kano established the Kodokau in 1882. At the time the dojo
was only 12 tatami mats wide and the number of followers was as
small as 9. The jujutsu was replaced by judo for the reason that
while °Jujutsu" means techniques, "Do" means road
which has two meanings of a road we walk on and a path of life
or moral doctrine. As the means of teaching he adopted Randori,
Kata. lecture and catechetical method. Adding physical education
to intellectual training and moral culture, he considered these
3 the main aspects of education. Harmony of these 3 will make the
ideal of he education through judo.
Principle of "Ju" (gentleness)
Around the 20th year of the Meiji era (1887), judo had dominated
over jujutsu and was sweeping over the country. The theory of win
and loss was generalized on the basis of reason. "Ju" in
judo was considered to mean "in" in the phrase that says "Ju" (gentleness)
overcomes "Go" (stiffness).
Extracts from Prof. Kano's Lectures (1889)
All waza (techniques) must be reasonable and scientific. Reasonable
waza doesn't put a strain on one, has great effect on improving
the physique and is excellent as a means of competition. In order
to develop reasonable waza, it is best to resort to randon in which
`Tsukuri' (management of body for preparation of attacking) is
practiced in Sizen-tai (natural posture). The object of training
is to be instrumental in physical. intellectual and moral education.
Good Cultivation and Use of Energy
Prof. Kano said in the 43rd year of the Meiji era (1910) that
the theory of cultivating energy was to take up the method to increase
mental and physical ability by storing them up as much as possible.
He also said that its good use is to cultivate and use human energy
for good and that the theory can by acquired through judo training
and may be applied to all aspects of life. Before long Prof.'s
view of Judo came to form two great guideposts of "Best use
of one's energy" and "Mutual welfare".
Best use of energy and mutual welfare
One can't hope to understand "Best use of energy" and "Mutual
welfare" without knowing his idea of judo.
At the initial stages, primary importance of judo were attached
to "Do" (road) and techniques were considered concomitant,
in a word, a means to get into "Do". Besides the win
and loss, therefore, a serious view was taken of its applicable
facets. The theory of win and loss was the spiritual foundation.
From around the 20th year toward the 30's of the Meiji era (1887
- 1906) the theory of win and loss was taught to obtain a win by
dint of the theory of "Ju". in which one utilizes the
opponent's strength without acting against it. Prof. Kano said
the theory can be applied not only to competition but also to general
human affairs. It was not long before, however, that he came to
feel it difficult to explain the technique only by the theory of "In".
His idea progressed to the principle of "Good cultivation
and use of energy" and finally in 1922 to the slogans, "Best
use of energy" and "Mutual welfare", which he announced
at home and abroad.
The theory coherent in the methods of attack and defense in judo
is "to work mental and physical strength most effectively".
This principle could be applied not only to competition but also
to everybody and the society in general. In a word just is not
merely a means of "Best use of energy" to be applied
to attack and defense, but it was the name of the road of "Best
use of energy" which would be brought into practice of everything
in life. Prof. Kano left his last teachings to the effect that "Judo
is the way to use most efficiently one's mental and physical strength.
By training, one should discipline and cultivate his body and spirit
through the practice of techniques for offense and defense, thereby
to master the essence of this way. And. by dint of these means,
it is the ultimate goal of judo to build oneself up to perfection
and benefit the world". "Best use of energy" and "Mutual
welfare" is the condensed version of these teachings.
While talking about the relation between "Best use of energy" and "Mutual
welfare". Prof. Kano said the former goes ahead of the latter. "Best
use of energy" is the basic principle of technique as well
as that of social life. We can say these two slogans ultimately
mean the same thing.
Prof. Kano was an excellent calligrapher. Chinese characters (Best
use of energy) and (Mutual welfare) are printed here just as were
written by him with a brash and India ink. His handwriting is considered
to be the highest reach of calligraphy.
When we cast our eyes on the Prof.'s' writing, we are impressed
with its artistic skill and feel as if we heard him speak. It makes
us realize again the essential qualities of judo and its international
significance. It reminds us of his great contribution toward the
elevation of cultural standard and the mutual prosperity of mankind.
and gives us a renewed sense of duty.