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  applications:

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  applications:

       education

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  Judo as a sport

  divided into:

  competition

  recommendation

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Judo as a sport - a statement

Let's try to apply the principles to the common practice, gently, but not in a soft way ...

• The statement of Mitesco is : please let judo as a sport return to its roots.

Like it is with all statements - you can agree with them or not.

1. Judo as a competition sport ?                                      See also menu: 'mentality'

Who listens to some judoka's and coaches often meets some frustration. Especially at the level of the competitions. Although dr.Kano teaches us that frustration and anger is waste of energy (and thus totally against seiryoku zenyo) we can hear besides the tatami and at home (after the match) too much serious complaining. That is more destructive than we want. Frustration makes the motivation to be happy and to continue judo-practice - and enjoy judo as a great life experience - not stronger. Many judoka's do no (more) competitions. It motivates quite a bit, but if you want to keep fun, you can have it sometimes better without tournaments.

Mitesco doesn't believe his eyes and ears when he looks up and listens. He is not frustrated, but is trying to understand the underlying problems. This entire web page is an answer to it. Let us therefore make it concrete.

What's going on? Three problems, sharply :

a. Egocentric judo : the problem of mentality

There seems to be a dichotomy to grow again, as in the time of the founder already existed. A separation between:

• Judoka sportingly and selflessly accommodating others (see menu 'mentality', No. 3 for what we mean)

• Egocentric judoka only practicing judo for winning and personal gain.

But who encouraged them? Who's teaching judoka especially (only) to win medals and awards? Who teaches a judoka not to grant the other their victory? There are many teams and judoka's who returned home after a tournament, disappointed because they were not assessed on the real judo quality of their hearts and their art. There are still too many winners who did go home as losers only to put their own pride on the shelf.

Of course the loss of a tournament is in itself not a disaster, because you will learn from that and cups ultimately end up in the attic in a box, while judo spirit lasts. But it is a question of principle. We can prevent that Jigoro Kano almost every tournament turns around in his grave. Because the principles (noble goals of judo) are missing, unfortunately increasingly because they are exchanged for hard, result-oriented judo. Or 'yuko-judo', in which the very calculating judoka's do as least as possible, practicing judo without the risk being thrown. (No, that's not seiryoku zenyo!)

By that unilateral competition element even good judoka and gyms may be dragged into a downward spiral. What a shame ! Because judo is so much more. That is why so much emphasis is made on the points in the menu on the left.

The ideal of jita kyoei allows of course no egocentric mentality. Judo is never a means to raise your own ego, but rather to improve your own life at the service of humanity. But that judo ideal is at odds with prevailing mentality in the whole world. That world of hardness and competition has slithered into the tatami ...

The judo practitioners of today do not make enough effort to achieve the goals of judo and have overemphasized becoming strong or winning in the competition, which are merely means rather than ends. This is not to say that there is no inherent value in becoming strong, but it is necessary primarily as a means to achieve higher goals.

Jigoro Kano, Mind over Muscle, p.100

"A self-centered mentality is never acceptable"

Kyuzo MIfune, Canon of Judo, p.27

If you win, not boast of your victory. If you lose, or not to be discouraged.

Jigoro Kano, Mind over Muscle, p.121

It is not important to be better than someone else, but to be better than yesterday.

 

Jigoro Kano

 

 

They took the impetus out of Ippon Judo allright. Now its koka Judo, get a koka and nurse it through the match. In fact that is what some competitors are trained to do on purpose.
The koka and yuko were supposed to be tie breakers. It was understood that you're supposed to go for the Ippon, not the cheap victory of a koka victory, at least not on purpose.
This is how the sportifying of Judo, the winning at all costs attitude, is ruining the art.

 

"Teddy Roosevelt" (USA) in 2005 on Judoforum

b. Defensive judo: problem of bent-over tachiwaza

Mitesco sometimes wonders: Who ever started to replace the "standing judo" by "bent-over" judo? No, it's not the fault of the Russians, although they've definitely influenced competition judo. But the bent-over position was created in Japan - Jigoro Kano wrote already against it. Even he failed to exorcise it. But we don't give up. If we keep silent about it, we will be the real cowards.

However, ever had a critical look at a contest or "pretty" action photos? Do some ladies and gentlemen bow so respectful to each other that they still want to continue the formal ritsurei ? Probably not. Or is it a form of defense? Do they try to feel the kuzushi of the other through regular kumi-kata or by a kind of defensive posture, ass-backwards, with curved legs as far as possible away from the other?

Of course it's not so new at all. Jigoro Kano saw it all happen in his time. He wrote in 1936:

If you are afraid of the risk to lose, you must be offensive, try waza and train hard. If you do so, you will no longer practice judo in a fixed direction, or with your hips down, or bent forward in a defensive posture, as I too often see in these days.

Unbelievable huh? We are more than seventy years further and have still not understood ... Nothing like flexibility quick as water (ju), but muscular rigidity. And yet we know, it's written down in the best manuals how it should be:

The ideal posture to freely apply judo throws is an upright natural posture, with knees slightly bent, head centered over the hips, feet directly below the hips and about shoulder width apart. Position your head so you look not down at your feet, but up around your opponent’s waist or above. Movement of the hips will usually signal your opponent’s real intentions better than his or her feet or hands, which often are used deceptively.

The ideal judo posture allows for free movement, and is inherently stable and balanced. The upright natural posture gives the best overall view of the field of battle, prevents you from being dominated, and allows you maximum freedom to react spontaneously when needed. The rules of competition penalize an overly defensive, bent-over position because it inhibits action. ( Neil Ohlenkamp, Black Belt)

That punishment, we didn't notice by the way, it's not quite raining shido's normally...(See the recommendations below, 2nd paragraph)  But we are Dutch, and Ohlenkamp is an American. Since they do know the difference between judo and wrestling. Although? On the large Judoforum (USA) you can find sometimes a lot of nonsense about judo versus wrestling.

Anyway. An additional advantage of upright and offensive judo is that the judoka's will score faster, and that's good for seiryoku zenyo. Not out of breath and still victory, no wasted energy with endless pushing and pulling and getting into a golden score. How will we get back to the ideal: smooth movement, a wonderful kumi-kata, attack immediately and a couple of renraku- or kaeshiwaza, a throw and  - if needed - a fine rapid technique on the ground? Not the strongest who wins, but the most perfect. Then judo will be art again...

In this way it is sadly often the case in the competition between judo schools: using various dirty tricks, or merely running around trying to escape your opponent in order to avoid losing is not in accord with the spirit of judo. [...] If they achieve victory as a result of superior skills, then that is the true victory.

Jigoro Kano, in 1920, Mind over Muscle  p. 132-133

c. Powerful judo: the problem that everything is tairyoku-waza (体力 技)

How many judoka are standing on their strong legs bent forward, pushing and pulling the other until they can get others purely on strength out of balance - as freestyle wrestlers - with a lot of spectacle by letting them fly through the air? Well, maybe, we could call that the fault of 'the Russians' ...? It is more like "самбо".

But the fundamental question is: are the muscles the ratio behind good waza, or is it the smooth technique? Who might have read all parts of the menu, knows the answer. Flexibility and brute force are opposites. Elastic is flexible, strong and giving-in, but not rigid.

Are the te-waza the summit of judo? No. We speak, of course, not about a beautiful original tai-otoshi. But think about all those 'throws' whereby judoka let their opponent land on their side or ass with all kinds of stupid power-tricks. They are scoring points, at least a yuko. Certainly the popular 'leg grabbing'. Who dares to say it out loud that the modern competition judo sometimes starts to look more like wrestling ? Sambo in tachi-waza ? Or BJJ in ne-waza? No judo like this. It is all tairyoku-waza - literally: musclepowertechnique.

What makes you experience the kuzushi of the other ? Your hands? Then they must have grip in the normal place otherwise you feel nothing. Or does it not matter any longer because kuzushi has become a variant of muscle weakness and weak knees ? Do you learn to avoid kuzushi on the tatami or on the machines?

You see it also in ne-waza. Weren't all these techniques originally designed to be controlling and moving, powerful only where necessary and respectful to last? That is something other than grappling: dragging, crushing, choking-off and giving-up. Is it not an advantage of the minus-12-judo that armlocks and chokes are not allowed? Then you have to resort necessarily to an old-fashioned hold for at least 20-25 seconds after a successful throw. Precisely yes: winning by flexible technique and balance on the ground, instead of winning by brute force. It cannot be true that judoka should walk straight to the first-aid-corner after a kansetsu-waza. You could almost say: be like innocent children again: not ruined by powerlifting, but still quick as water on the legs and smooth on the ground as only a child can be.

After seeing a judo tournament Kano called the participants and said: "You fight as young bulls with the horns crossed, I have not seen a single refined technique today. I have never learned to someone to do Kodokan Judo in this way. If you only think about winning by brute force, that will be the end of my Judo. "(Quote from Hajime magazine, the Netherlands)

d. The problem of the tournaments

The problem is likely to be the one-sided emphasis on contest. Jigoro Kano was a supporter of shiai, perhaps even at a Olympic level, only ... with the higher purpose of jita kyoei - the unification of people and nations by the way of judo. As the Olympic ideal of Pierre de Coubertin (see menu 'sportsmanship') originally was meant to be. Judo was never intended to be a ruthless competition! The post-war judo wouldn't have been his way, just to be competitive. The one-sidedness is the imbalance.

Anyway it is obvious - wherever you read in his writings - that the tournament was for Kano not the most important. Nonetheless, the balance in everything, with a higher purpose. The modern judo is in a very specific way kuzushi: main focus on competition and training for it, the second accent on randori and techniques, the third emphasis on fitness and strength training and maybe a little kata - if you need it for your Dan-examination. Well, you do not need to be an expert to know that this is certainly not what Jigoro Kano wanted.

In your everyday practice, as well as in competition, an upcoming contest is often emphasized, while the essential spirit of judo is neglected. While it may be a proud moment, competition between schools is not the ultimate goal of the study and practice of judo. Students should practice judo not for the purpose of competition, but rather to become able to use it to attain a greater purpose in life. Therefore, interscholastic competition is not a goal but a means toward attaining a more noble goal.

(Jigoro Kano, Mind over Muscle, p.132)

And what about the emphasis on strength and condition? Who lives all day in total balance, trains all his limbs in appropriate exercises and has necessarily a top-condition - not only in the arms and legs, but an overall flexibility. But let us be honest: judoka's just like to be strong and they are obliged to be, unless they cannot perform against others who are. Thus everyone is making each other mad. But is it good? Judoka's need the fitness machines just to prevent injuries or for the treatment of injuries arising after the training. But further? The mere fact that judoka's give so much attention to extra body-training apart from the usual warming-up, says something about the imbalance. The fear of losing makes them certifiably crazy! Who uses his healthy brains says: please just behave normally ! Ju, flexibility is more important than strength.

Anyone who understands a little bit of what the O Sensei teaches, does certainly know where the frustrations come form... As with everything: from imbalance! Strength is needed to apply techniques - but excessive force produces imbalance. Competition judo is good - excessive emphasis on competition is imbalance.

In summary, there are three problems that arise from each other:

• The egocentric mentality and the competitive thinking of society is at odds with the real judo spirit (jita kyoei), but is an engine for performance in competition judo.

• The competition-mentality hardens the judoka, and requires a (too) great emphasis on muscle, even against seiryoku zenyo. This changes the gentle and flexible element of judo in the direction of fixed and hard muscle-tricks.

• This powerful judo changes the application of the principles of attack and defense and the techniques in a way that often acts very strongly against the principles of seiryoku zenyo.

Those who are skilled in combat do not become angered, those who are skilled at winning do not become afraid.

Thus the wise win before they fight, while the ignorant fight to win.

 Zhuge Liang (181-234)

Competition is about winning. In competition an artificial conflict of victory and defeat is to be evoked.

That is, however, as Kano himself indicates, in the long run, counterproductive.

Tom Herold

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2. Recommendations to restore the original way of judo

Two basic ideas, on the basis of everything which is written in the Mitesco-menu :

• Restoring the genuine respect for the other. Rei, not as formal bowing, but bowing of the heart. Judo should be a gentle ideal instead of a hard martial art.

• Go back to the roots, the judo principles of the founder (s). Then we also save the sport and competition in judo.

Therefore, below eight specific points / recommendations:

a. Purify your mind of competitive thoughts

b. Make judo "ju"-do again

c. Promote original judo technique

d. Allow only good kumi-kata

e. Do something to the arbitration

f.  Make judo more mature for children and for adults

g. Estimate kata again

h. Keep studying the principles

Mitesco gives these recommendations in the form of a manifesto. Sharply formulated.

Not tested for viability but just to think about it ...

a. Purify your mind of competitive thoughts                                          See also menu: 'respect'

Mitesco repeats what has already been said in the menu item 'respect'  Do not think in terms of 'opponents' and 'counterpart' if possible. To start with it in your thinking and language. In judo, the other is always someone to regard with respect and gentleness. There is the same judo spirit in you as it lives in the other. The hard thinking in terms of enmity, parties and opposing forces is completely against the idea of jita kyoei. If you have called another in your heart already 'opponent', you will possibly feel like it on the tatami and - what would be worse - act accordingly. Especially for modern people who are already so hard, egocentric and stressed for winning and competition, it would be appropriate to think away from enmity unto friendship. Judoka who are injured in their self-esteem should not feel like all 'others' are against them. Judo is also an educational ideal? Well then. Some gyms speak of 'partners'. That is a good choice. But rei is on the inside and you must first feel it...

Kodokan Judo as a pedagogical system learns not in the first place to consider the others like opponents in a result-oriented competition-happening. It wants to be a lot more "with-each other", to insert yourself in an existing situation. It teaches that developing knowledge and skill only together, only could be achieved in connection with the other. Moreover the traditional Kodokan Judo teaches also - contrary to sport judo - that victory or defeat are not really important. Victory or loss are just means, which contribute to a correct way to master the difficulties of self-observation, self-reflection, self-knowledge and the consequent own education. That's the true, pedagogic value of Kodokan Judo.

Tom Herold, Germany

Men are rivals during competitions, but united and friends during practice and even more in daily life.

Jigoro Kano

Fortunately Mitesco knows some young judoka's who are indeed each other's friends outside the tournament. If only it would be true that anyone who practices judo, would experience this friendship...

Back to the recommendations

b.  Make judo "ju"-do again                                                           See also menu: 'kuzushi', paragraph 4.

Mitesco remains (with Jigoro Kano) critical about over-emphasizing muscle strength in the modern competition judo. Of course judoka must be strong (up to a certain level) , in order to be able to apply techniques, but the muscles should be smooth and flexible in the first place. Rigid muscles are more vulnerable for injuries and a little too much effect exercised on another increases the risk of injuries to the other. So, because of the principle that a judoka should never harm another, the right amount of muscle power is a must. Even apart from the basic principle of seiryoku zenyo.

True spirit of judo is nothing but the gentle and diligent free spirit. Judo rests on flexible action of mind and body. The word flexible however never means weakness but something more like adaptability and openmindedness. Gentleness always overcomes strength

Kyuzo Mifune

As we have explained on the page 'kuzushi', the principle of ju includes two things:

1) Yielding or giving in. The first principle of ju means that if another judoka is attacking, you will not counter with the same strength or opposition. In relation to energy it means that you accept the opponent's force by intercepting and warding it off and use it against him. In this way, the energy of the attack is neutralized and converted to the energy of the counterattack by yourself. The energy in one's own (counter) attack will be (in normal cases) not much larger than the absorbed energy of the attack by the other.
 

2) Resistance only if necessary. There are situations where the attack of an opponent can not be accepted because it would be harmful. Then a small opposing force could be deployed. But that is a very short, defined application of force, which will only be applied if it is not otherwise possible. As soon as the resistance has had its impact, the judoka will return to the strategy of yielding.

For an outsider it is sometimes difficult to tell whether a technique is soft or hard. The difference is not included in the technology itself, but how it is implemented. The standard for ju is: there will never be more power applied than strictly necessary.  

Example: tomoe-nage. If uke pushes tori, tori lets himself fall, pulls him over, pushes his leg below uke's axis and throw him. The pushing-movement can come directly from uke (action) or after a push by tori (in response). But the fact that the strength comes from uke, and he will become therefore kuzushi, it makes the application a ju-technique, soft. If tori pulls uke at full strength during kumi-kata, without a slight push of uke, we will not call it a soft technique. Therefore, the first application is judo, the second in fact not. (Other examples in the menu 'kuzushi'.)

To remake judo a 'gentle' way according to the principle of ju, attention must therefore be given to training and randori. It all starts with uchikomi and training. Techniques must be practiced from the principle of ju. That means : no throw will be applied without first using the strength of uke and his kuzushi. First the impulse of uke, countering him if uke gets kuzushi, and then the proper waza. During randori this must be implemented quickly. The trainers need to pay attention whether the application is ju or not. And they should dare to intervene if they see too much muscle-strength.

If that is first applied in the dojo, it could also penetrate into the tournament. The great thing will be that exactly in the application of ju will be visible that whoever is fighting too forcefully, will be at disadvantage. Who still uses excessive force, will learn according to the principle of ju and kuzushi that the same force can also be used against him. Who is too strong can manage his force harder than anyone who applies exactly the proper amount of force, of course.

Beautiful judo is not overly strong, but quickly and smoothly. We know it all, but the question is: are we really doing what we are learning ? During randori or shiai it seems sometimes that we have forgotten everything. Let's not fool ourselves that it's all going on too quickly. Nonsense. Good technique is fast and elusive as a waterfall. Some judoka are so focused on winning that they forget to observe and fight tactically. What we need is: concentration and careful questioning whether we are doing ju-do.

Plea:  

• Learn to control force and emphasize flexible mobility.

• Make distinction in the execution of techniques and intervene in every application which is not ju.
  
  
   

Back to the recommendations

c. Promote original judo technique

 

This is in line with everything Mitesco advocates, including point b.: make in all throws and techniques always clear what the underlying theory of balance and kuzushi means and strengthen the sense of give and take, yielding and moving with the other. Don't tell if a throw is successful, but whether it is a good one. Sometimes an unsuccessful throw is well done, and a successful one bad coincidence. Think of the seiryoku balance! Only those who have the principle of kuzushi clear in their minds, can see what the uniqueness of Kano's interpretation of ju in ju-do is: "Ju is the strategy. Kuzushi the tactic." (See menu kuzushi ', an indispensable menu to understand Mitesco.) Everything that is not in balance with the principle of ju and kuzushi is like wrestling in a judogi.

Teach again the defensive posture like Jigoro Kano has exercised: upright with legs and hips as if they were elastic. That is the essence of the whole change that point d. recommends. Judo is fundamentally offensive (upright) and the defense is best if it's offensive, anticipating (also upright). All defense that is not offensive will be evasive, flexibly open to attack immediately (upright). The essence of good defense is always: ju, flexibility. Think of Kyuzo Mifune, who during randori used to be as elusive as a ghost. (Fortunately there are still many beautiful videos of him, see the menu 'links': youtube.)

Teach also the philosophy behind the throws. A good ashiwaza is a quick reflex to an unbalanced leg position of uke, and not the bulldozer force of a reap of sweep, or a desperate attack. A good koshiwaza works on the flexibility of the own hip and the gravitational balance of the other. If those principles are pleasantly applied by yourself, it will be fun to throw without much force. Therefore, the attitude of study must be cultivated. In the Kodokan training there was not only practice, but also serious lessons. This system shouldn't have been buried with the death of Jigoro Kano!

Beautiful techniques are sutemiwaza. Beautiful, although some sutemi techniques come from jujutsu and are nowadays sometimes applied with poor muscle-power. But the sacrifice principle is totally judo. Each throw which exploits the power of the other and picks uke on his own strength (and kuzushi) is pure judo. Look at the example of tomoe-nage above in b. It is so in harmony with seiryoku zenyo to take someone who pushes rapidly on the hip, shoulder or leg, and let him drop by his own strength. The summit of saving energy ! You don't need to be as strong as the other - if only you are flexible and smart. During sacrifice techniques you can let your own body drop down but it could be even nicer if it's not even necessary. 

Plea:

• Judo in the spirit of Jigoro Kano is: exercise for spirit, kuzushi and original technique.

• Make judo fundamentally offensive again and learn proper defense.

• Learn always the correct theory behind the techniques. Judo in the dojo may also be studied, like it was at the Kodokan.
  
   

Back to the recommendations

d. Allow only good kumi-kata
 

If you are afraid of the risk to lose, you must be offensive, try waza and train hard. If you do so, you will no longer practice judo in a fixed direction, or with your hips down, or bent forward in a defensive posture, as I too often see in these days. (Jigoro Kano)

How can we work on good kumi-kata? Could we still do nothing, after more than 70 years, with the concerns of the Great Sensei? Anyone who seriously want to practice judo, must also try to fight against the bent-over-defense during tachiwaza, but also against a load of powerful moves which are considered as 'waza', but in fact more look like wrestling and pulling each other from a long distance. Get rid of bad kumi-kata, powerjudo or tolerated violations of judo spirit!

Of course that would be a kind of a revolution. Because many judoka's should re-train their defense and balance position. The referees should penalize - as a consequence - in tournaments the exaggerated bent-over defense, resulting in many disqualifications. Because if a judoka would put automatically 'legs and ass backwards' more than 3 times (what everyone is doing now) he would get four shido's and so it would be exit-tournament. But what is worse? Should we do nothing and continue to look at all this negative judo because the problem seems to be so complicated? Passivity is lethal to the spirit of judo. Should the aspiration of Jigoro Kano become true: "in this way it will be the end of my Judo"? We could change of course, if we only would. Better late than never. Besides, judo is always flexible and developing towards perfection, so... would a little change be that problematic? We just need a little ju, discipline and willpower to succeed. Or don't we really want it?
 

Why should we change it? No point of discussion - and we all know. Good waza with bad (bent-over) kumi-kata is impossible. Think logically ! With bad kumi-kata the body of the other is too far away to apply a regular attack or a flexible technique, or to feel whether the other would be kuzushi. The result? Full speed ahead and push or tug the other kuzushi with all your muscle-strength. And what about seiryoku zenyo? Who even then applies waza, will succeed eventually, not because of fine judo technique, but as a result of strength and coincidence, because the other could not be kuzushi and would be of course in fact too far away. Yes, by this way we need a golden score. No surprise this poor prolongation was introduced as a result of all the negative judo during tournaments.

What to do then? If the legs and hips of others are so far away, there is still almost no technique applicable, or not? Not to speak about good observation - you feel nothing of the other and you see only legs and feet.
 

Good kumi-kata (upright) would change everything ! Then we would see proper kuzushi, pretty combinations and refined techniques. Then it would be quickly attacking rather than endlessly defending. Therefore, it is time now. If only it would be to prevent all judoka still in training not to get involved in this anti-judo and force them into the so called 'fitness-centers' (or worse) in order to let them participate in the tug-of-war - what we call 'competition judo' but what is really more a kind of wrestling-with-a-judosauce.

A different thing is the judogi. How many fights are done with the gi loose from the very first minute, and the belt over the exposed sickpack? That is só stupid ! You see some judoka's looking and feeling during a fight if the belt is not completely gone, but it's not permitted to tie it up again without mate. Maybe the arbitration should give more mate for it, as the rules provide (art.17.4) in order to restore the original situation and make proper kumi-kata possible. Because it should be clear that a loose gi excludes proper kumi-kata and a large number of essential throws. For (no-gi) wrestlers preferring to grasp a leg that lack of kumi-kata would be no problem, but for real judoka it should be. That you should often pause the combat, let it be so. Better pure judo with respect and fine technique, even in 'dress-code'.

If judo would be less 'power-sport', and if there would be less tugging (and especially less powerful tugging!) to the gi, it wouldn't get loose so easily. The gi is designed originally for Kodokan judo and not for overly powerful judo or a kind of wrestling ! Who applies rapid kumi-kata and proper waza, has scored an ippon before the gi could get loose.

Plea:    

• Dare to tackle fixed patterns and attitudes.

• Force judoka to proper kumi-kata.

• Promote the natural upright posture and offensive judo.

• Penalize bent-over defense and passive judo and give even hansokumake for judoka who don't want to learn.

• Discourage any technique that requires excessive force, and 'throws' grasping the legs.

• Pay attention to the judogi : never loose gi and belt properly tied.
   

Back to the recommendations
 

e. Do something about the arbitration

 

This point must be made from general observations from in the rest of the menu. A sensitive issue! The best referees are not on the tatami, because all spectators are the best arbitration - of course... Easily criticized. For that reason, the critics should be always cautious and respectful. However, the arbitration should care about a lot of criticism. A referee is not standing above the law and fair play requires respect for rules and principles. Any sportsman or -woman must look critically at himself, but organizations must do so either.

General plea:

1) Get rid of the golden score. This is in line with the plea for compulsory good kumi-kata. Shouldn't the competition judo get rid quickly from the terrible 'golden score', only lately introduced in 2003? Is that a 'golden' score, or a mudscore? If two judoka don't score in the regular time, they haven't done mostly anything, or competed too passively. It simply can not be true that two judoka are attacking constantly, with good kumi-kata, close together, and neither of them would be thrown properly. Even if that would be true in a exceptional case, it would be up to the referees (or jury) which of the two 'topjudoka' would be better - not having scored the points, but still being the better judoka. In short, apply more hantei, but no prolongations. Oh yes, we know the argument of Jan Snijders: "Golden score is exciting, because the decision is to be made by the judoka's, not by the referees." (Referee Meeting Stavanger 2007) Yes yes. Where were these referees before, or do the judoka gave the points to themselves? Could it possibly be more like this: the judoka are too strong and the arbitration is too weak? A little bit more balance would be preferable: less powerful judoka and a more powerful arbitration...

It is however all about the principle. All the original judo is affected by a variety of practical arguments that only circle around competition interests. (For instance commercialism, TV rights, etc. Please say nothing! Competition judoka are more like walking billboards, with their blue/white gi's full of advertisments and patches to make television judo 'attractive'...) Our plea is: go back to the heart! The whole golden score is a poor reward for inactivity, waste of energy, and mostly negative judo. Passivity is, however, so heavily against the spirit of judo that no reward should be given, and thus no prolongation. No score? No favorable judgment by the referees? Then it should be like in football : 'zero to zero', both lost, and if it would be a final - no winner at all. Even better! Passive judo has no winners at all... Let the highest place be visibly open - a right decision to be made after an ashaming contest.

But the war on passivity might be more actively done. Instead of yuko's for accidental powermoves in 'overtime', it should be raining shido's for any attempt to delay an attack in the regular time; penalties for those too cowardly to creep out of their defense. Punishment should also be given to the so-called 'Koka-judo' : judoka's doing nothing after getting a small score because they reckon they will also win by this stupid single koka. In some competitions you will have a full scoreboard in regular time and so no need for a golden score. But then we stumble on point 2 below...

2) Apply rules consistently. Mitesco doesn't understand why the clear rules of prohibited acts (IJF 1998) are simply not fully applied. There are so many elements of art. 27 (forbidden acts) which are currently not to be penalized, that it seems as if the over-tolerant culture of the Netherlands has flooded the tatami more than drugs have conquered Amsterdam. Is that what we call 'fair play'? 'Fair play' is also: apply the rules and don't look away. (See menu 'mentality', no. 2) Of course, the argument that referees do not believe in 'punishment-judo' can be particularly positive. But that is typically the mentality that we know from the tolerant society: punishment is almost necessarily negative, instead of the misconduct to be punished. In that way we deal with everything nowadays, and we don't allow even the police-officers on the streets to be more than powerless losers who could expect questions in parliament if they should even think about using a weapon. Are the referees afraid of the big mouths of the judoka? Kano was in his time at the Kodokan time at least not from the tolerant culture and although that was of course a different time, it is rather about the same judo. Or have we changed judo itself after so many revised regulations ...?

Anyone who wants to know more about this, should go around the judoforum.com for a few hours ... Then you will understand better the modern rules (and how it could all happen like this).

One Day the Devil challenged the Lord to a Judo tournament.

Smiling the Lord proclaimed, "You don't have a chance, I have Kano, Mifune, Kotani, Kimura and all the greatest players up here".
"Yes", snickered the Devil, "but I have all the referees."

     (Source: judoinfo.com)
 

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f. Make judo more mature for children and for adults

 

The impression might occur that in our country a judo is a sport for children. Take a look at the gyms and the time-table of the trainings. How many groups for senior-judoka are there really in relation to the youth groups? How many tournaments for seniors are there, in relation to tournaments in -12, -15, -17 and -20? Can adults no longer practice judo or is fun gone after puberty? Is this normal? The Dutch Football Association is pleased that it is different with the football players.

(Im) Maturity

Judo is one of the best educational tools in order to keep balance. Jigoro Kano encouraged youth judo from the goal of physical education. (See menu 'education') But he did more than 'child-judo' and there was also considerable focus on immediately taught virtues and principles. Even though that was in Japan, a country which is over-disciplined and very loyal to rules. Most soft and free educated Dutch children don't feel the same by themselves (unfortunately) - couldn't feel it perhaps because of the upbringing at home and their stage of development. Yet youth judo is good and important, if only to bring order into the chaos of the kid-souls.

But something else is the mentality to educate children. Shouldn't we give children always back "their game" if adults themselves are too much demanding of the children? Mitesco often shakes his head when he views webpages of young judoka. Less than twelve years old and already totally focused on cups, medals and winning by all means. Oh no ! Don't call a child of 10 years old (which has almost nothing understood about judo principles) a 'competition judoka'. Then you overestimate the child to understand what judo is:  not a mere game but a way of life. Young taught wrongly, is old done wrongly. Or usually: not done anymore. Let a child first grow in playing, technique and mentality. Don't bring a child to the gym in order to make him strong with artificial machines! Avoid to make a child focused on achievements, awards and over-demanding efforts which he still cannot handle, even if the child says he likes it. Protect childhood! Otherwise the goal of judo will be lost and the whole education to be a judoka failing. And they almost all stop - there are very few children mentally so strong that they can cope with the inevitable losses in their young spirits. Especially if they are not accompanied by the gym in real judo mentality (and the nightlife and other pleasures are even more attractive).

Mitesco fears that it is partly a result of the previously outlined problems with mentality and competition, that there are so few adults on the tatami. If judo is a martial art just to be hard, strong and winning - there is not so much to do after 20. An adult man or woman stops romping at a particular time. After the hormone-rush there will be only place for genuine peace and ideals. Then the judoka might ask himself : what did I do? Was it all about competition? For puberal fun? Traveling to Japan? These pleasures are suddenly no longer there, unless you belong to the happy few who are going their way to the Olympic Games. But not all judokids are like their idol Mark Huizinga (or whtever idol). If you newly discover after 20 that there is more judo than competitions and dreams about Olympic Gold, you are far too late.

Another problem is the emphasis on being strong. Physically, it is at a certain point no longer healthy. A child of 39 kilograms can stand ten rounds randori. But if you are heavier, older and stiffer? How much do you have to train to be sufficiently capable to remain upright if judo is so powerful? Then everything loses balance and you'll have to work on the machines (or worse ...). Anyone who doesn't want to, stops too often. There should be more opportunity for adults to practice judo in a less powerful way, with more principles, more adult instruction, and for example more kata ...

Plea:

• Make youth judo in the first place an element of education. That is the main goal.

• Make children never competition judoka's if they have not yet understood what judo education as a human being means.

• Protect them quitting the dojo during puberty, by making judo attractive enough without powerful tricks. 

• Keep judo in terms of mentality (life / principles) consistently mature and attractive to adults.

• In all situations, avoid imbalance in physical or mental development and education, and pay attention to the development phases for each age group. Children are not adults and vice versa.
   

About ranks

On international tournaments in other countries, judoka are sometimes surprised to see a Dutch child of twelve already walking proudly around with a brown belt. In our country is that quite common, especially for 'competition judoka'. In the minus fifteen almost everyone has the 1st kyu. But it is also good to strew so quickly with higher ranks? What do those ranks really mean? Is this claim true in all facets? Or is it a nice reward for children who perform well? Of course, the rank examinations are serious. But still the question arises: have the kids learned 'the trick' well, or have they really understood what they are doing? Mitesco knows the answer from experience, he has himself ikkyu from the moment that he was just twelve. Well, afterwards he knows that it was absolutely impossible - the true principles and ideals he did not understood, they came later. Principles were not taught and not requested. Is that bad? Yes. Judo ranks indicate that you have a certain level of education, culture and service, and that is more than just technique in the dojo. Judo is simply "no ordinary martial art - but the basic principle for human behavior." Who said that? This is true especially for Dan ranks. They cannot be given in the middle of puberty, in the year that you will be sixteen (the Dutch rule) or younger. Don't devaluate ranks and don't forget the higher purposes! Keep judo pure. That is better than an educational reward to be given too fast.

Make judoclubs not a "McDojo '... a term that is not common for us in the Netherlands, but for Americans immediately to know what you mean: rank-inflation, depreciation of the ranks and judo-values.

Anyway, it says something about the quality of the national judo if we have a whole lot of children with high ranks, and all these 'advanced judoka's' and 'masters' are dropping off their belts before they even mature. Then judo is in our country apparently not a way, but child's play. That can never be the intention. So, we have to make judo more attractive for children to mature, and for adults to practice with pleasure.

Plea:

• Give ik-kyu and ni-kyu only to judoka's who are visible controlled and balanced, physically but also mentally.

• Apply the German age-system: at least fourteen years for ik-kyu and twelve for ni-kyu.

• The shodan to be granted if someone has matured completely - that is to say: +20.

• Beware of a McDojo culture, keep the level of judo and ranks high.
   

The one who fully understands his own abilities and skills, realized he has obtained these abilities and skill through his hard work and dedication, and further more has the capacity to cherish what he has done only for himself and not for the sake of those that may judge him is a thousand times more enlightened than a man who relies on a certificate of achievement or a worthless rag around his waist, awarded to tell him what he has gained or accomplished in the eyes of others

   Hiroshi Yachigusa, Sensei
 

For many people, advancing to a higher rank is an honor. However, it is not simply an honor to be wielded like some symbol of power. More important than the additional power a rank implies, is the additional responsibility it requires. Each time we are advanced to a new rank, we first express our gratitude for that advancement. Then comes the realization that we must now increase our level of service to our colleagues and to those who are of a lower rank. (…) Even as we advance in rank, we will also advance in humility. The awareness that our increased rank does not imply that we have automatically increased our skill or knowledge. Instead, we become open to adding new knowledge from wherever it might originate. If you are a Rokudan, and a Shodan visits your dojo who has just won a major tournament using O-Uchi-Gari on every opponent, you will realize that you might have something to learn from that tournament winner.

Richard Riehle, at Judoforum

Rank is unimportant when you have it but important when you don't. Perhaps? (...) Nothing wrong with rank in judo. It is something we should be proud of and aspire to. Do remember though the higher the rank the greater the service you must give judo not expect to receive.

Mike, at Judoforum
 

Do not ask what rank the person in front of you has, but ask whether he can teach you the first kata.

Micha, Germany
 

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g. Estimate kata again

Unfortunately, there is now much more judo focused on results rather than on form. Even apart from the beauty of a good kata, the gyms should be able much better to promote effectively the judo mentality by the respectful style and flexibility of the kata. The kata is not just an annoying exercise for the Dan-examination! It teaches the judoka to manage his body and to deal with different results. Winning is not always overcome the other, but also overcoming your own energy. The best judoka dominates his natural aggression, and never uses all his energy. Therefore, a variety of kata and randori during training is the best way to integrate the purity of the kata and the speed of randori into a harmony of control, energy and respect. Oh, how judo could be so beautiful !

Mitesco believes that the kata is in our country really underestimated. You don't really have to be a freak for this, but it is simply unbelievable that we laugh and mock in our country about kata, while in the United States in some places the ju-no-kata (!) is practiced with young people who have just the yellow belt. However, that could be somewhat exceptional, but it is something to reflect upon. We reject it all to easily, find it cheesy, too much like 'dancing' and are going back to randori.

Jigoro Kano states about kata something different: "If you advance further [in judo-levels], you have an opportunity to observe skillful kata and to acquire aesthetic sentiments." For Kano aesthetic kata is the transition from judo as physical education (lower level), to the jita kyoei (upper level).

Besides, master Kano himself is also very clear about the value of kata in the training:

I have heard from masters and others that it was no different in the past, but most of those who practice judo in the dojo put their efforts into randori and tend to neglect kata practice. The reason is that, because it entails competitive training, randori is more enjoyable than the very formalized training of kata. However, it is not good to pursue only what interests you. If something is beneficial, you should practice it regardless of how little interests you. Your immediate interests cannot always be used to your permanent benefit. For that reason, you should pursue kata practice with the same enthusiasm as randori.

Jigoro Kano, in 1936, Mind over Muscle p. 140.
 

On my Dutch website and weblog I have written extensively about kata, especially since I practice it myself.

You can find it in the Dutch menu or on mitesco.blogspot.com and you can use Google's language tools.

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h. Keep studying the principles
 

Finally this. It is certainly striking that the practitioners of aikido and modern ju-jutsu are (on the Internet) very active in proclaiming the theory behind martial arts. Where do you really read more about something as fundamental like kuzushi? If judo would be such a 'world-sport', you should be drown in good judosites on this topic. But no. You will be more helped in your study by the web pages on the "smaller martial arts." It's a shame, judoka's! Books? Also not available. Endless bookshelves on throws and techniques. All okay. But who is searching seriously about the sources? Where can you buy a good book on kuzushi, or texts of Kano in Dutch?

There is no market for the opera omnia of Jigoro Kano, for example, even in English. Kano has also written a lot. But it is a terribly bad signal if judoka's are no longer (or insufficiently) fascinated by the original teachings of the judo principles. Where is the theory examination for a judo rank? No, not that obligate test of Japanese names for techniques, or the list of kata's. Let a judoka demonstrate how it works in theory and practice it together. That is really Kodokan judo like the founder meant it to be. In the Kodokan there was initially more to be done than mere practical dojo-training!

"Professor Kano expounded on the method of Judo instruction and put forth four items: (1) kata (form), (2) randori (free practice) (3) kogi (lectures), and (4) mondo (questions and answers). Lectures include those of a long duration for the purpose of understanding Judo more deeply and those of dealing with technique, practice lessons, and matches in general. The content of the lectures covers the history of Judo development, fundamentals, the value of training, the sport as a science, theory of physical education, and other topics. This is done logically and systematically over a long period. The latter are directly related to technique, directly related to dojo etiquette and practice attitude as well as social life, and directly related to social life as well as a social attitude."

(Shinichi Oimatsu , in his description of the Kodokan history. (judoinfo.com/seiryoku2.htm.)

It is high time that judoka's are not behaving so indifferent or even ridiculizing on study and fidelity to the principles. Regarding the (photographs of) modern competition judo, we can see how necessary it is that we all will be studying the principles again...
 

Techniques are nothing more than illustrations of concepts and scientific principles. While some can be useful for the movements contained within them, and can definitely be used as taught, it is more important to understand them at a deeper level. Like any illustration they are meant to make something very complex clearer, give a student an example to support the principle, and to show the principles usability.

     Gary Moro, Yachigusa Ryu
 

In order to raise judoists in this manner, nurturing the attitude of study and resourcefulness in dojo Judo training is of first importance. At the same time this does not stop only within the dojo, but forms an association. More than being born merely as a individual, think of one's personal role in helping society as much as possible. For the advancement and development of society, study continuously and foster the attitude that endeavors to create. This is something that should be thought of during the instruction of practice sessions.
 

Shinichi Oimatsu (Kodokan)
 

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3. Conclusion: a new Judo?

 

If only we could do something with the points and recommendations above to make a small step forward, judo would get back a little from its original shine and shape. In the line of Jigoro Kano judo is an educational martial art. Judoka would be better living and more people would be able to live controlled and more perfectly. Seiryoku zenyo leads to jita kyoei and peace.

Perhaps judo has become too tolerant on the waves of modern society. Maybe some gyms are too afraid to lose members. Rather a tatami full of wild competition-kids than a smaller group of peaceful friends. There are other interests than just the noble way and the principles of the founding fathers - the chimney must also smoke. Moreover, international commerce holds (Olympic) competition judo down - judo must also be 'fun' to watch on TV. Thus, we must be realistic. With disquiet.

However, a plea for resourcing is not wrong. Also impossible ideas are sometimes true. Often simple adjustments are enough to achieve discipline and respect. Even ideas that you could never realize in competitions and tournaments, could be promoted nevertheless in the own dojo. Because of the gentleness and the original judo principles. It has value in itself.

Mitesco is by the way convinced that you can get your judoclub full of enthusiast judoka, especially with these original ideals. It's just how you promote it. A tournament is not always to be winned by the most powerful schools. If the judoka would really practice the original judo principles, they could also throw the largest muscle-bounds - like the founder could only convince about the new way effectively while winning every tournament ... It is really not impossible! Let history repeat itself...

The best evidence for the theory is: practice. Mitesco would say: just try yourself !
 

• So, the statement of Mitesco is : please let judo as a sport return to its roots.

Justification of Mitesco

 

There are perhaps visitors of this website wondering about Mitesco and after reading 'judo as a sport' and the other menu pages asking themselves: "What has this Mitesco against competition judo?" or "What difficulty does he have with powerful judo?"

Perhaps certain competition judoka's will not be happy with this website.

Nevertheless. Mitesco is an idealist. He believes that powerful judo is very often not 'ju' anymore and that is what he dislikes most. Mitesco is not against competition. He is also not against the proper use of muscle power - he knows as a judoka that you need strength. But he also knows from experience how important the right amount is. And that is the point.

Hopefully, some judoka are actually pleased with this website. Anyone who reads this, has already reached the end...  Chapeau!

Mitesco hopes that in particular the statements about kuzushi, (the most basic judo item of this webpage!) in relation to the many moral exhortations of Jigoro Kano and Kyuzo Mifune relating to the basic principle of human behavior, will convince the judoka that we have with judo a treasure to be found for ourselves, if only we would apply the original principles of the founding fathers again. Therefore Mitesco has made every effort to translate a variety of sources, to collect, and clarify what seems to be too few systematically available in our language.

But ... that means that he must sometimes be very critical. You couldn't be otherwise when you examine the sources. The modern judo is sometimes more 'tairyoku-jutsu' (体力术), becoming muscle-skill. That is the big main problem. Not for nothing this page is called 'Mitesco', a big plea for ethics and the technique of gentleness. Opposite to the current opinions, as a human being, and in the application of waza. Ju-waza (柔技) instead of tairyoku-waza (体力技).
 

Shortly...

The fundament still remains: judo is a beautiful way - morally and practically - and always ju. According to the fundamental purposes of seiryoku zenyo, kuzushi and waza the way leads to the higher purpose of jita kyoei.

 

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