Shin Gi Tai

Philosophy Of Judo

Putting your energy to work most effectively-Seiryoku Zenyo

This is the core of the philosophy of Judo. Do not waste your mental, physical and spiritual energy on things that do not accomplish your goals. In Judo we try not to waste our energy when trying to throw someone. There is a correct timing and position to executing a throwing technique. If done correctly, the technique will work with almost no strength…like a hot knife through butter. If done incorrectly, then you will find the technique difficult to accomplish and requires a tremendous amount of energy. This is why in Judo a smaller weaker opponent can defeat a larger and stronger opponent.

Consider Fully, Act Decisively! -Many times, we practice our techniques halfheartedly or “testing the waters” with our techniques. This will often result in your partner applying a counter-attack to our poor and weak first attack. It is better to come in with your technique whole-heartedly. If it fails…it fails; and we will learn from it. But if we never attempt it with full intent, we will never be successful.

Shin Gi Tai – Literally translates into Mind, Skill, Body. One of the goals of a judoka is to develop all three of these elements and to get them to work in harmony to create a higher level of Judo.

Dr. Kano wrote:

“The study of the application of judo ultimately led to the teaching of seiryoku zenyo, which is the principle behind competing in earnest. I have demonstrated in these pages that this principle can be applied to everyday life. With regard to our daily activities and social interaction, the teaching of seiryoku zenyo means bringing about maximum results through the use of every sort of energy. ...human faults like anger, for example, violate this principle. Becoming angry consumes mental energy. How does anger benefit you or anyone else? The results of anger are invariably a depletion of mental energy and being looked down on or disliked by others. By following the principle of seiryoku zenyo, people will not be able to get angry.

Being disappointed or troubled by failures or setbacks, or harboring grievances are also ways in which mental energy is consumed. Arguments, fights -all these things are violations of seiryoku zenyo. Those who practice judo must take great care to follow this teaching.

No matter what the situation, there is only one path that people must follow- in every case, the only course is to consider what is the right thing to do and proceed in that direction.

...

What is the Application of Seiryoku Zenyo:

To Be a Person of Value, or a person who displays good values, or a person of good character
As a human being, one must set his/her goal in life and discipline his/her naturally endowed abilities. Moreover, since people “are not something that can exist apart from society” and since the fortune of today is a result of the past, everyone should develop his/her given abilities. If one contributes to society, the personality traits-even if there is a difference in achievements-can develop.

“This teaching, one of the most important concepts in judo fighting, says, ‘If you win, do not boast of your victory; if you lose, do not be discouraged. When it is safe, do not be careless; when it is dangerous, do not fear-simply continue down the path ahead’.

Jitai Kyoei

Mutual Welfare and Benefit: Jita Kyoei

The second part of Dr. Kano’s philosophy was the emphasis on the betterment of our society. While in the first part he emphasizes bettering yourself, he then believes one should use that new found development of self to then help others and to benefit society.

In Judo classes we practice this principle as well. In the beginning, others help you get better with advice and by letting you throw them so that you can get a feel for the techniques. As you improve, perhaps they help you by giving you a tougher challenge. Later as you develop your judo, you will do the same for others like give advice, take falls and give your judo friends a tough challenge.

Google Sites

Report abuse