A STUDY OF WHAT REMAINS OF JIGORO KANO'S VALUES IN JUDO AFTER WORLD WAR II
2000 Volume 32 Issue 2 Pages 14-31
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2000 Volume 32 Issue 2 Pages 14-31
The purpose of this study is to clarify how Judo practitioners since World War II have continued to employ Jigoro Kano's values in Judo. The study was conducted through an analysis of articles in the Judo Newspaper published between 1951 and 1996. Jigoro Kano's values in Judo are divided into the following eight categories based on Nagaki's study (1999): 1) Morality,2) Intellect,3) Physicality,4) Technique,5)Martial Art,6) Seiryoku-zenyou,7) Jita-kyoei, and 8) Cultural Identity.
The following points more clearly define the categories:
1. The value of moral training, which is considered most important in Kano's values, appeared most often. Therefore, it is clear the value has been retained. However, after the middle 1980s, the importance of ths value has declined. A couple of reasons for this trend could be that Judo competition has become more international and old generation practitioners have been replaced by younger practitioners.
2. “Seiryoku-zenyou”, definde as the most effective use of one's spiritual and physical strength, and “Jita-Kyouei”, defined as a harmony between oneself and others, are clearly an invaluable part of the Judo philosophy. However, this study makes clear that these values have become merely names lacking any connection with concrete practices.
3. On the technical side of Judo, the principle of beating opponents by using one's strength continued to be passed on. However, the value placed on technique has not been comparable to that placed on other sports and gymnastics. In addition, popular appeal and interest in technique, as currently practiced, are less significant than they were in Kano's traditional values.
4. Kano valued Judo as a strong martial art, and this value has been retaine to some degree. However, the value hasn't been emphasized recently. The limitation placed on this value is probably due to the very strict rules of competition in placee today.
5. Kano valued Judo as a form of Japanese culture, and this value has been retained to some degree. On the other hand, the significance of Judo and its concern with the Japanese nation and its people has not ben satisfactorily emphasized. Furthermore, the worldwide popularization of Judo has been declining considering the facts that Judo has become international and a universal value of Judo has been required since World War II.
