Contributed by Prof. Robert W. Zambetti (6th Dan in Taekwondo & Judo):
"Judo is an art or instrument, the efficiency of which depends upon skillful application and mental and physical condition. To attain a high standard of efficiency requires arduous training over a long period. In the course of training we learn and assimilate the working of the natural laws, the vital basis on which to tune our being to God or the cosmic laws. Creation of Judo was caused originally by opposition, but manifestation depends on unity, not opposition of opposing forces.
The ultimate objective of Judo is to serve the cause of life which is propelled by the power of the natural urges: its course is steered by the law of cause and effect, which goverens the mental, physical, emotional and sensual actions and reactions, towards the destination, the state of happiness and contentment, which rests on the principle of balanced unity of the opposites or dual factors of the universe.
As we advance in the study of Judo, we realize that as the opponent is a necessary partner in that advance, so are all other fellow men for human progress, and that human life is founded on a common basis. The idea of regarding others as potential enemies is utter folly and a seed of retrogression."
-G. Koizumi 1960
"Judo is a means of using mental and physical energy most effectively. This training means improving oneself physically and spiritually and learning through experience the essence of the "way". This then is the ultimate object of Judo, to perfect oneself and thus be of use to the world around. For devising means of defeating an opponent, the exercise of the power of imagination, of reasoning and judgement is indispensable, and such power is naturally developed in competition. As the study of competition is the study of the relation, mental and physical, existing between two competing parties, hundreds of lessons may be derived. In competition we teach the student always to act on the fundamental principle of Judo, no matter how physically inferior his opponent may seem to him and can by sheer strength easily overcome the other. If he acts against this principle, the opponent will never be convinced of his defeat, whatever brutal strength may have been used on him. The way to convince your opponent in an argument is not to push this or that advantage over him - be it from power, from knowledge or from wealth - but to persuade him in accordance with the inviolate rules of logic. This lesson that suasion, not coercion, is efficacious - which is so valuable in actual life - we may learn from competition." -Jigoro Kano 1882 "Seiroko Zenyo" means maximum efficiency with minimum effort and "Jita Kyoei" means mutual benefit for all mankind. All Judo must be applied in accordance with these principles...and can be assimilated and applied in all spheres of life. The application of "the best use of energy" must depend in turn on the fundamental principle of "mutual prosperity". Mutual prosperity is the ideal condition where the differences between oneself and others have been transcended. This is the ultimate ideal of competition." -Jigoro Kano 1882 "The essential respect for the opponent is critical, without the opponent you cannot perform, your skill is meaningless. He is just as important as you are, his existence validates your skill." -Donn Draeger "Asian Fighting Arts" |
