Shudokan Martial Arts Association: February 2024

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Kano Sensei's Books

Are you interested in the history of Japanese martial arts?

On his way to becoming a renowned Japanese educator, martial artist, and the founder of judo, Kano Sensei made significant contributions to the world of martial arts and physical education. A part of his legacy lives on through the books he authored. Let's summarize each one:

Judo Kyohan (The Kodokan Judo Textbook)

Judo Kyohan is one of Kano Sensei's most influential works and serves as a comprehensive (though somewhat outdated) guide to the art of judo. In it, Kano Sensei outlines the principles and techniques, providing detailed explanations and illustrations. It covers not only the physical aspects of judo but also its philosophical and ethical foundations. Throughout the book, Kano Sensei emphasized the timeless concept of "maximum efficiency, minimum effort," known as seiryoku zenyo, which is a fundamental principle of judo. Judo Kyohan has been instrumental in spreading knowledge of judo around the world and remains a classic for both beginners and advanced judoka.

Kodokan Judo: The Essential Guide to Judo by its Founder

Kodokan Judo is another important work by Professor Kano. It offers a comprehensive overview of judo's history, philosophy, and techniques. This book highlights the evolution of judo from its traditional roots to the modern sport it became under Kano Sensei's guidance. It includes detailed descriptions of Judo techniques and training methods. Kano Sensei's approach to judo as a means of physical and moral education is a central theme, as it was in all his judo work. He explored the concepts of jita kyoei (“mutual benefit”) as well as seiryoku zenyo (“maximum efficiency”) as the guiding principles of judo and emphasized their relevance in everyday life.

Mind Over Muscle: Writings from the Founder of Judo

Mind Over Muscle is a collection of Kano Sensei's writings, including essays, articles, and speeches that provide valuable insights into his philosophy and his vision for judo. Kano Sensei believed that judo should not be limited to physical combat but should also contribute to personal and societal development. He discussed the importance of mental discipline, character development, and the moral aspects of martial arts, which shed light on his efforts to promote judo as a way to build both physical and moral strength.

Kano Sensei’s books are not only important resources for judo practitioners but also valuable contributions to the broader fields of physical education, martial arts philosophy, and personal development. Kano Sensei's emphasis on principles of efficiency and personal development highlights his commitment to the idea that judo is more than a sport; it is a path to physical and moral improvement. His writings continue to inspire martial artists and educators around the world, carrying forward the legacy of one of the most influential figures in the history of martial arts.

Professor Kano's Early Life and Education

What do you know about the history of Judo?

Kano Jigoro Sensei was the founder of Kodokan judo. While he’s mainly known for his contributions to the world of martial arts and physical education, his abilities and his influence extended far beyond sports and the dojo. He was not just a visionary in the martial arts world, he was also instrumental in the careers of many other famous martial artists, as well as a significant figure in the political landscape of Japan during a crucial period of its history. When we’re celebrating this remarkable man, we should not miss the opportunity to showcase his works, his connections, and involvement in education, international diplomacy, and physical fitness as a means of fostering national pride and unity.

Kano Sensei was born in 1860 in Mikage, a small town near Kobe, Japan. He grew up during the Meiji Restoration, a period when Japan was undergoing rapid modernization and a transition from a feudal society to an industrialized nation. It was a time of significant political and social change. This historical backdrop had a powerful effect on Kano Sensei's political outlook and ambitions.

His education also played a pivotal role in shaping his political beliefs. At university, he was exposed to Western ideas and the newly evolving approaches to education, governance, and cultural change. He graduated from Tokyo Imperial University with a degree in political science and economics. These two influences proved instrumental in his later political endeavors.

Further Your Cultural Education at an International Martial Arts Association

Did you enjoy reading about the Extraordinary Professor Kano?