General Information

In human body there is a typical pleasure for movement, which is expressed through dancing and sports. If movement does not have a specific aim, if it is inspired by aesthetic impulses, it is separated from action getting closer to art. Judo as physical education is close to the limit between art and action.

Basic principles of judo are ethics, respect of rules and of the opponent, therefore when considering only its competitive aspect, we would neglect the spirit on which this discipline is based on. Judo is an art which does not elevate only the body, but especially moral and spiritual characteristics of the person, helping outstandingly psycho-motion development of the person and therefore its education.

As a matter of fact, when we talk about education we mean at the same time development of ones motion and psyche. This is the reason why a superficial analysis of judo would not make any sense, the technical educational aspect needs always to be considered. Physical exercise is important in the process of a technique. Furthermore the main key to art is the conscious increase of self-control through patient tolerance of pain and tiredness.

The main goal when learning judo is spirit's philosophical development (mind and soul). Prof. Kano thought of a modern application of this concept and said: everyone belongs to a group, a nation and has to work in peace with others of other groups and nations for wealth of society. There has to be a relation, a meeting of minds, which asks for constant effort. Therefore everyone has to first develop its own working relation in order to reach common wealth. Benefits that will come, will not only be materialistic-economic ones, but rather, once the goal is reached, there will be a general moral and mental benefit.

To conclude: use your energy in a virtual way.

Judo has been built on this theory and its teaching method tends towards it.

The second goal of judo is physical development. Without a body, highest thoughts or noble actions may not reach their full realisation. The physical factor is very important in throws nage waza, controls katame waza and in conventional figures kata. Best results will be achieved when including exercises of the three above mentioned approaches to art.

The third goal is self-defense's development. Unexpected events are fundamental factors in ones life. Through experience it is possible to learn prevention of unexpected factors, and even if they occur, through daily judo practice everyone may learn to overcome them. To summarize, the three goals are: spiritual development, good physical health and self-defense. Basics of judo are these, together with the constant search for goodness and the principle that sweetness may overcome brutal power.