Judo: the Schism Between Sport and Budo

Is judo a sport or budo? 

The late Mr. Donn Draeger said, "Modern judo is commonly described as a sport, a fighting art, a spiritual discipline, a system of physical education and a recreational activity." Budo and sports have in common regular physical training in specific skills and routines. Sports are designed to provide physical fitness, entertainment and, through competition, the attainment of awards, monetary gain, and/or public acclaim. Budo has as its ultimate goal the perfection of the practitioner's moral and spiritual self.

Mr. Draeger goes on to point out that a true definition of judo is elusive because the narrow interests of a few have been allowed to dominate the scope of judo (1). When people decide to study budo they usually come with several goals in mind. They often want to learn self-defense skills foremost. There is also a desire to improve their health and physical fitness. Finally, there is the desire to improve their mind and spirit. Budo teaches discipline, respect, humility, dignity, and compassion.

There is a clear schism in judo between the sport enthusiasts and the traditionalists. Sport judo today is dedicated primarily to the development of contest champions. The overall goal of championship training produces a very steep pyramid structure to the judo population. Increasingly, only the strongest and most gifted athletes are engaged in regular competition to ascend to the pinnacle of victory. In the pragmatic training necessary for victory in this game, self-defense training and the development of spiritual growth is often neglected.

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Notes:

1. Modern Budo and Bujutsu; Donn Draeger; pg. 112.

2. Judo Formal Techniques; Draeger and Otaki; pg. 23.

3. Ibid., pgs. 23-31.