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Jita Kyoei
(Mutual Benefit)
Judo (Japanese: the Gentle Way) was invented in Japan in 1882 by Dr. Jigoro Kano (shown at right), who wanted to preserve traditional Japanese martial arts techniques, including throws, hold-downs, chokes, and arm locks, while making them safe to practice in a modern setting. Dr. Kano was a professor of physical education, but saw his art as a way to develop moral character as well. His philosophy is summed up in the two great statements:
Seiryoku-Zenyo
(Maximum efficiency, minimum effort)
Dr. Kano's school, the Kodokan, still exists in Tokyo as the cultural centre of judo training in the world.
Today, Judo is an Olympic (since 1964) and Paralympic (since 1988) sport practiced around the world by more than 40 million people. It was featured during the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games in Toronto in 2015 and many powerful Canadian judoka competed at the Rio Olympics. There is no doubt that it will be at the heart of activity during the Tokyo Olympic Games in 2020.
Judo is more than just sport, though: it is a developmental exercise for children, a method of physical fitness, a means of self defense, an introduction to Japanese culture and language, a philosophical approach to life, and a way to have fun. Judo has something to offer to people of every age and skill level.
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