Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

Judo-Ron 64 - Walking the Path of Gentleness

2013, it is a new year to excel with our judo practices. I recall the words of wisdom given to me by one of my past Sensei: Your art of judo must come from your heart; when you walk the path with sincerity and commitment, keep an open mind and you will become the path. In those early days, I was much preoccupied with developing my physical and tactical skills and left the philosophical understandings of their true meaning to a much later time in my career. Now, with the beginning of a new year, having proper time on my hand to meditate, having rediscovered my notes and reopened some of the old judo books in my possession, I will attempt to import further knowledge on what should constitute the art of judo as I have and still practice it.
Judo Goals

Let us start this essay by describing the goals of judo as defined by Jigoro Kano in 1882. They were later transmitted to us by Risei Kano his son and president of the Kodokan in 1951i:
The Founders Precept as is being taught at the Kodokan today includes the following: Judo is a way of applying most effectively ones energy, physical and mental. The secret of the art is to be mastered by training and cultivating both body and mind through exercises in the prescribed methods of offense and defense. And thereby, one may perfect ones self and contribute to the welfare of mankind which is the ultimate aim of Judo.

This description was repeated by his grandson Yukimitsu Kano in the book produced by Sensei Naoki Murata with the title: Mind over Muscleii: The goal of the practice of judo is: to be perfecting
oneself physically, mentally and morally and using those strengths for the good of society.

As we can discover in other writings by Jigoro Kano; the old terms Ju Jutsu or techniques have been replaced by a more profound definition in the word JUDO which was incorporated in the origin of the Kodokan JUDO of earlier years. It signifies a path or way to embark upon in order to obtain Enlightenment as conceived by the Zen Buddhism doctrine. Professor Murata mentioned that according to professor Kano,
The ultimate aim of his judo is to perfect ones self and to contribute to the wellbeing of mankind. The attainment of such a perfection of self can only be achieved through constant striving and through dedication to the art of judo until the ego is completely eliminated from ones life, resulting into the height of harmony between self and society as they become one.

Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

Judo the competitive sport Ever since the inception of judo into the Olympics program and considering the increasingly numbers of international judo tournaments, we are observing a growing tendency to give priority to the competitive side of judo (physical skills) and neglecting the equally important philosophical and ethical sides (mental training) of the art. The International Judo Federation is constantly revising and adjusting the rules of competition to solidify the venues, increase the visibility of competitive judo and render it more appealing as spectacles with due regard to conserve, as much as possible, the original intents of the Founder. In December 2012, after extensive consultations, the International Judo Federation introduced new experimental rules pertaining to the conduct of international competitions in order to reduce the use of unorthodox techniques and attempted to take advantage of new video recording technology. Amongst those rules were: The proper etiquette: The bow: Judo competition always started and ended with the proper bowing. This practice conveys the historical nature of the importance of the combat and the respect opponents should have towards each other. Over the years, western habits of shaking hands were tolerated. With the new rule, we return to the ancient practice: The IJF rule states: When entering the tatami area, fighters should walk to the entrance of the contest area at the same time and bow to each other into the contest area. The contestants must not shake hands BEFORE the start of the contest. At the beginning of the bout, contestants will not be allowed to use other visual signs other than the Ritsurei. The same procedure is to be followed at the end of the contest but, the fighters will be allowed to shake hands and to congratulate themselves with respect if so inclined. Redefining the technical merit of the IPPON: Over the years, judoka were permitted to make use of evasive and defensive manoeuvres in order to avoid falling on their back. Such evasive tactics were dangerous and did not dilute the force of impact with the ground. In keeping with the spirit of judo, if there were no tatamis and safety matts to absorb the techniques, the Uke would be seriously hurt by the impact of the throw. The IJF revaluated the definition of IPPON to give more value by taking into account only the techniques with real impact on the ground on the back. Thus, a clear Ippon is a movement executed with strength, speed, and control, on the back and now, we add that all situations of landing on the bridge position will be considered Ippon. Blocking penalties: It has now been established that all attacks or blocking with one or two hands or with one or two arms below the belt in Tachi-waza merit a serious penalty. This is an attempt to return to the proper use Go- no- Sen techniques such as anticipatory manoeuvres, entering into a timely and effective waza before or after the opponents attempt to throw; thus avoiding the use of force against force.

Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

Osaekomi, Kansetsu-waza and Shime-waza: The IJF will now consider these techniques for scoring when they continue outside of the contest area as long they are initiated inside the combat zone. The Kansetsu-waza and Shime-waza initiated inside the contest area and recognized as being effective (efficient during the first 10 seconds or arm extended) against the opponent can be maintained even if the contestants are proceeding outside the contest area. The only possibility to stop the immobilization will be to get out of it. The same will apply for arm locks and chokes. As long as they are clearly engaged inside the fighting area (outstretched arm, engaged arm lock or choke engaged), their conclusion may be pursued outside. If the arm is not stretched or if there is not throttling, the combat will stop and start again from the standing position. Assessing the changes If we consider these constant changes by the IJF as parts of the evolution process of competitive judo, one would have the tendency to address it along my preliminary statement and acclaim that: The IJF is walking a path of commercialisation with determination, thus if these changes are maintained, the IJF will become the Commercialization path or arm of Judo. We are not here to criticize the efforts of others and we shall not make a hasty process of the IJF. We shall instead concentrate our attention on the other facets of judo and intensify our efforts to suggest to the current and future judoka a return to the fundamentals of judo as imparted by Jigoro Kano. Men of longevity never carried troubles to their bedsiii Historical perspectives As the martial arts developed in Japan over centuries of field trails and having its zenith during the 12-16th centuries, some of the styles associated with hand to hand combat became to be known as Yoroi-Kumi-Uchi, Yawara and Ju Jutsu. They were mostly an array techniques used in close quarters to take hold of the enemy, forcefully throw him on the ground and either kill him or capture him. It is to be noted that the general terrain and styles of fighting promoted lightness and rapidity of movement at a time when soldiers wore only light armour. Influenced by Chinese and Japanese men of literature and religious Monks, many soldiers of all ranks, when not engaged in battle, were dedicated patrons of other arts such as the tea ceremony and the Noh theatre. During the Kamakura period, it is known that the higher echelons of the military as well as noblemen and state officials studied Zen Buddhism. Because of its emphasis on physical and mental training regimes, the Zen doctrine (metaphysical reasoning), practice (ethical behaviour) and activity (forms of meditation) were soon to surround the daily life of the Japanese population who was continuously sustained via the presence of over 14000 temples and teachers. Zen became to be known as the doctrine of chivalry for the resemblance between the Samurai and the Monks whose endurance, discipline, composure and service to the community were their hallmarks.

Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

This is the moment of embarking; all auspicious signs are in place.iv Later, during the Edo period, the unarmed combat distinguished itself from the armed methods and came to form a new body of knowledge well established and with a separate identity known as Ju Jutsu. With the Meiji restoration of the mid 1800, Japan embarked upon a new period of modernization and most of the Ju Jutsu expertise became something of the past. During that time, entered Professor Jigoro Kano, a Renaissance man of the Meiji period and teacher at the Imperial University. David Monteverdev described Professor Kano as follow:
Besides being a master of Ju Jutsu, he was a professor of economics and political sciences, a linguist, an author, a politician, an enthusiastic calligrapher, and a musician; he influenced and instituted numerous reforms in educational matters and is considered a pivotal figure in modern Japan educational system.

We know more of Jigoro Kano for his outstanding contribution to Judo. He studied extensively the ancient methods of fighting as well as the Chinese classics and philosophies. He researched other forms of combat in the western World, and then, he substantially transformed the known types of Ju Jutsu by creating in 1882 his new Kodokan Judo. This is the overall system which he later introduced throughout Japan as a mean of physical education and as a character building programme for the benefit of the Nation. His novel approach was somewhat akin to the Zen philosophy of enlightenment e.g. to become one (in harmony) with the universe (Body and Mind). From his writings, I strongly believed that like many Zen scholars of the past, he came to appreciate that everything in the Universe lives and acts in accordance with its nature (being). As a careful observer of nature, he was able to rise above the mechanical motions and daily changes and identify the spiritual purpose and self-directing forces in all of us: Everything alive has a strong innate tendency to preserve itself, to assert itself, to push itself forward and to act on its environment, consciously or unconsciously.vi With these premises, he formulated the two governing principles of Kodokan Judo which should lead us towards self-improvement for the benefit of others: Seiryoku Zenyo (maximum efficiency) Jita Kyoei (mutual benefit)

Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

Other facets of judo Judo training is not a given, one must exercise patience, understand the principles, observe, experiment and master the different facets over a long period. The normal approach to judo training is to devise it into three parts: 1. The elementary judo or lower level which consists in the acquisition of defensive skills against attacks or what we consider training for fighting purposes.(Offence and Defence) 2. The second dimension of judo or the middle phase is known as the period of consolidation of the technical skills, gaining maturity and developing experience in combat. We identify it as the cultivation of the mental process and the appropriate physical response. 3. Finally, there is the societal phase, where the judoka is able to surpass the physical dimensions and attain a level of spiritual comfort to enable him to muster all the acquired strengths and skills inherited by the regular practice of judo and placing them towards the welfare of the society. This latter dimension demands a certain dedication and expertise level normally obtained after gaining a comprehensive knowledge of Judo principles and by having experimented with the employment of its principles outside the dojo. This is also referred to as the period of Enlightenment where the judoka exercise his skills without consideration for self-rewards and commit his energies towards the betterment of his environment. It is normally accepted that practicing any of the above facets of judo, either as recreation, physical conditioning, and self-defence or for sports competitions, provides mixed results which in the end, deliver some form of mutual adjustments. It is the law of nature which establish balance and equilibrium. Happenings come in pairs and nothing is done in isolation: action and reaction, conflict and harmony, satisfaction and deception, construction and deconstruction, stress and triumph, obstacles and successes, limitation and freedom, etc. Let us remember that even in the simplest judo practice, every action undertaken has its consequences (negative or positive). Everyone will soon realize that our mind is the principal cause of our bodily movements. Therefore, if we have the will to undertake the practice, we are bound to follow our desire. (Our thoughts precede the actions of the body). In order to proceed on the chosen judo path, it is important for all judoka to establish our early goals and to seek the right steps to take. When we desire to make a certain action, you can rest assure that some form of change move will follow in due course. In order to do so, we must believe in our self, strive to master our body, discover both our weaknesses and strengths and develop our mental structure to adequately respond to stimuli thus becoming closer of being in harmony with nature.

Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

The psychologist Warren Hilton wrote:vii All human achievement comes about through some form of bodily activity. All bodily activity is caused, controlled and directed by the mind. In order to progress we must be positive; try to let go of past failures, dogmas and anxieties and doubts that restricted our initiative. We must cast our new goals towards accomplishing what we now desire and which will move us forward. Timidity and hesitation may have been too frequently associated with our past downfall or inaction. We have to believe in our capacity to respond to various kinds of stimulus since we all have an inherent need for continuation and self-preservation; it is part of our nature. Our actions may not be the same as the neighbours, but we can act in accordance with our nature, reflecting who we are and what we desire. Since everything has its own purpose and use in life, we must try to seek ways to make greater use of both our body and mind. If we find an activity which is pleasant by itself and that it fully satisfies our inner carving for action, then, let us try to understand all its consequences and proceed with determination and commitment. Let us take a moment to reflect upon the following thought: No matter what, we must always be true to our inner selves.(Tao 4) Coming back to our goal of practicing judo, let us listen to the philosopher R. Eukenviii who said: A person with superior goals is to be considered liberated from the day to day difficulties as his actions are no longer dictated by external influences but they are the outcomes of his own decision and he continuously aspire to conduct himself in accordance with his choice: To be One with the Universe. So, why are we undertaking judo practice? Not just for the sport, not just for the physical education, not just to gain a form of self-defence, but to better ourselves. There is a Zen thought that says: An action is deemed to be good when it promotes the interest of an individual or a family. It is better when it promotes those of a district or a country. It is best when it promotes those of the whole world. Like many judoka before you, you will soon be consumed by your gains and setbacks that you will entertain some doubts about your decisions to pursue your judo goals. The road is ahead of you, you only have to follow the proper guiding lights. Let us consider the Chinese poem written by Master Sheng-Yen of Dong Shu that describes a learning process, a path similar to the one we shall undertake when practicing Judo.ix
Be soft in your practice. Think of the method as a fine silvery stream and not as a ranging waterfall. Follow the stream, have faith in its course. It will go its own way, meandering here, trickling there. It will find the grooves, the cracks, the crevices. Just follow it. Never let it out of your sight, it will take you.

Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

The judo stream Once you have decided to embark onto the practice of judo, you are bound to encounter many turns and twists. During the first phase, you will easily progress from learning how to wear the judogi and how to conduct yourself in the dojo. You will also discover a new vocabulary that may be confusing at first but which will assist you in identifying correctly what is expected of you. You will learn to pay respect to others and care for your practicing partners. You will then enter into the dynamic forms of judo: the proper breaking of the falls, the standing natural posture, the defensive stances, the proper breathing, the forms of displacement, the maintenance of your own balance, the use of rhythm and harmony, the judging of distances and applying proper timing and ways for breaking the balance of your partner. After learning some basic techniques in standing posture and on the ground, you will be trained to identify the best opportunities to apply them keeping in mind the spaces and different timings and learning the various technical variations. You will be taught how to maximize the use of your body mass and employ natural levers as a kinetic chain to improve your coordination. Thereafter, equipped with these basic principles you will be shown tactical moves and strategies that can be applied during your free practice called Randori and perhaps venture to test yourself by attempting club and regional competitions. When reaching phase two, you will become familiar with how best to make use of your five senses to anticipate and feel the incoming attacks of partners and opponents before applying your favorite techniques at will. With gaining extra knowledge about more difficult and complex techniques, you will experiment freely during the Randori sessions. The latter will be more frequent, intense and become the corner stone of your judo practice. Your competitive skills will be tested more often and you will need to master both your left and right approaches as well as developing various tactics and strategies to maximize the three fundamentals principles applicable to all techniques. (Kuzushi-Tsukuri-Kake). During this period of your training, you will learn the different rules of competitions and their interpretation. You may be paired with coaches and trainers who will evaluate your potentials, guide you in your preparation and accompany you during competitions. This is the time where your energies will need to be devoted to reach maximum physical and mental fitness levels. This is a testing ground for your adaptability to adjust to different scenarios and constantly shift disadvantages into advantages. In Shiai, you will be constantly challenged. All your obstacles will need to be addressed and resolved. Your skills of observation, mental evaluation, quick judgement and right decision making will need to respond to all opportunities. So armed, you can enjoy the hard training (shugyo) demanded of you along the competition route. First, at the local level, and then, at higher echelons of national and world championships you will need to be focussed on the tasks. This period may last several months to numerous years.

Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

The third phase is on the horizon. After having accomplished the first two exercise periods, you will be ready to undertake the final phase of judo training, that of Enlightenment. This is where one can return to others what skills he or she has gained over the years. Here again, a Taoist note to remind us of the need for continuation: Upon completion, comes fulfilment. With fulfilment comes liberation. Liberation allows you to go on. Even death is not a true ending. Life is an infinite continuation.(Tao 365) What you will accomplish during this final phase depends upon your positioning, initiative and your timing. Of course, there are numerous opportunities on the horizon where you can find areas to participate. Your involvement depends upon your level experience and your will to either follow or lead. Do what you can with the resources you possess and act naturally. The challenge is to discover your inner capabilities and how best to use them. The world is out there for you to discover and to test the skills you have acquired from elders and pairs. It is not sufficient to meditate over your past glory and success, you need to continue to make improvements. Jigoro Kano encouraged us to proceed along the path, when he said: Jin Sei no koro wa tada itsu aru nomi. x Such a sentence means: no matter what the situation, there is only one path for people to follow. Having considered what is the right thing to do, proceed in that direction. If we really understand the second principle of Seiryoku Zenyo and practice it daily, we should be capable of obtaining the Enlightenment that Jigoro Kano referred to in his writings. In that sense, we can obtain the same moral satisfaction as others who have spent many years in contemplation and practiced the doctrine of Zen. We would become one with our nature. Conclusion Professor Kano taught that it was important to preserve the three dimensions of Shin-Gi-Tai associated with the Bushi (military) culture of ancient Japan. He not only admired the spirit of the Samurai but also appreciated their devotion to Zen or Meditation in preparing for combat and in regulating the way to conduct their daily life. I have discussed the importance of the three dimensions in a previous volume entitled The Discovery of Judo Arsenal.xi As we undertake another season of judo training, let us not be stressed before the tasks ahead, but appreciate the tools we all gained in the past and employ them to the best of our ability towards achieving the goals of the future. Have a good winter training session. Ronald Dsormeaux Judo Teacher, Hart House, University of Toronto January 2013

Zuihitsu Random Notes about Judo by Ronald Dsormeaux

References
i

Risei Kano, The Kodokan Judo, Kodokan publication ,November 1951, page 5 Jigoro Kano, Naoki Murata, Mind over Muscle, Writings from the founder of Judo, Kodansha International, 2005, page 9 iii Kaiten Nukariya, The Religion of the Samurai, Gutenberg (E Book), 2004. page 575 iv Den Ming Dao, Daily Taoist Meditation 365, HarperCollins Pub, New York, 1992, page 1. v David Monteverde, Judo a Samurai Legacy (EBook) Lulu Publishing 2009,page 49 vi Kaiten Nukariya, The Religion of the Samurai, Gutenberg (EBook)2004, page 289 vii Warren Hilton, Psychology and Achievement, Library Digest, SAP New York 1914, page 71 viii R. Euken, Philosophy of Life, Gutenberg Project 2004, page 127 ix Sheng- Yen, Zen Inspirations, by Miriam Levering, Duncan Baird Pub, London 2004, page 69. x Jigoro Kano, Naoki Murata, Mind over Muscle, page 85 xi Ronald Dsormeaux, The Discovery of Judos Arsenal, Limited Edition august 2008, WWW.Scribd.com
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