|
Author: Steven Hatfield  Jigoro Kano Jigoro Kano, the visionary founder of Judo, was not merely a martial artist; he was a philosopher and educator who sought to transform not just the physical aspects of combat but also the ethical and moral dimensions of human interaction. Born in 1860, Kano's journey led him to craft one of the most influential martial arts, deeply rooted in his own ideals and convictions.
The Birth of Judo: A Holistic Approach to Combat Judo, which translates to "gentle way," emerged as a response to the harsh and often brutal nature of traditional Japanese martial arts. Kano envisioned a system that would emphasize mutual benefit and maximum efficiency, allowing practitioners to utilize an opponent's force against them. In his own words, Kano described Judo as "the way to utilize mind and body most effectively." The fundamental philosophy of Judo, as articulated by its founder, goes beyond the physical techniques. It encourages practitioners to strive for self-improvement, fostering not only strength and agility but also mental resilience and moral integrity. Kano aimed to create not just skilled fighters but well-rounded individuals capable of contributing positively to society.
0 Comments
Author: Steven Hatfield  Let's explore the aggression between different ranks of the same art from different schools. In the world of martial arts, a phenomenon occasionally surfaces where individuals of "higher" ranks display an aggressive WWE-like demeanor, contradicting the principles of respect and discipline inherent in martial arts philosophy. This behavior, akin to chest-beating cavemen, raises questions about the essence of martial arts and the dynamics between senpai (higher-ranked) and kohai (lower-ranked).
Why Higher Ranks Should Avoid Aggression? 1. Leadership and Responsibility- - Higher-ranked practitioners are expected to embody respect, humility, and leadership, setting a positive example for the community. 2. Maintaining Tradition- - Aggression disrupts the traditional and disciplined atmosphere essential for the growth and evolution of martial arts. 3. Risk of Reputation Damage- - Engaging in aggressive acts can tarnish the reputation of the higher-ranked individual and the martial art they represent. Author: Bret Gordon  Kodokan Judo, a Japanese martial art and sport, has a history deeply rooted in tradition, philosophy, and discipline. Developed in the late 19th century, Judo has evolved into a global phenomenon, combining physical prowess with mental acuity. Let's delve into the captivating history of Judo, exploring its origins, development, and the profound impact it has had on individuals and cultures worldwide. Judo's roots can be traced back to the classical Japanese martial art of Jujutsu, which focused primarily on unarmed combat techniques, however some ryuha also incorporated weapons training. In the late 19th century, a visionary martial artist named Kano Jigoro sought to modernize and systematize these traditional techniques.  Kano's Kito Ryu License In 1882, Kano founded the Kodokan, a martial art that emphasized the concept of using an opponent's force against them. What's even more impressive is that Kano did this with only 4 years of prior martial arts training! He began the study of Tenjin Shinyo Ryu Jujutsu at the age of 17, and would later study Kito-Ryu Jujutsu at the age of 21, prior to his founding the Kodokan at 22. Some sources claim he had earned a teaching license in Tenjin Shinyo Ryu, however his only documented rank was a Menkyo in Kito Ryu (listed on the certificate as Nihonden Kito Judo) from Iikubo Tsunetoshi in 1883.
Kano's vision was not just about physical combat; it extended to the development of character and mental discipline. Judo, which means "gentle way" in Japanese, reflects the philosophy of yielding and adapting to an opponent's movements rather than opposing them directly. Author: Bret Gordon  Here are the logos of the various Judo organizations that operate here in the United States (that I know of at least). The top 3 organizations are generally considered the national governing bodies for the sport of Judo, and some of the other organizations have a working relationship with them, but ultimately they all operate independently and have their own standards and requirements.
Some people will tell you that if you don't belong to one of the "Big 3" then you are not a legitimate judoka and your rank is invalid. In nearly 28 years of martial arts training, if I have learned anything it's that there is never a single source of legitimate certification. For years, the Kukkiwon tried to spread that they were the only source for legitimate Taekwondo ranking but the comeback of the Kwans has proven that to be false. It is the same in Judo. Rank exists merely to measure one's progress according to the standards of the person/organization issuing it. It is not a measure of skill, and it is not uncommon to hold different rankings in the same art from different organizations. One gentleman I know holds only a 3rd Dan with one of the "Big 3," but actively wears and claims his 5th Dan from one of the independent organizations when he teaches and promotes his school. Does that make him a fraud for saying he's a 5th Dan in Judo? I don't think so, but I'm also not the Judo police. At the end of the day, what patch you wear or flag you display shouldn't be the deciding factor of legitimacy. If the person issuing the rank or running the organization is of high enough rank, license or appointment to do so, it is legitimate. With the rise of other martial arts, the Judo community should (in my opinion) be looking to bridge the gaps and bring everyone together, finding the common ground in our passion and training, instead of fighting amongst themselves for hanging the wrong banner. If the general public knew how martial artists treated each other, no one would ever enroll again... |
