Judo Blog

What is the judo moral code?

Jigoro Kano invented a set of values for judoka to follow which is called the judo moral code. 

In this series we look at how we can encourage these values in a dojo through every-day examples, with supporting coaching resources including eight moral code posters and eight study sheets.

Friendship

Learning judo is a great way for children to build friendships, with plenty of opportunity for shared experiences and fun. These are bonds that will last a life-time, and friendships are one of judo’s greatest gifts to us all. 

Six examples of Friendship in the Dojo

1. Accepting and respecting all judoka for who they are.
2. Cheering your club mates on at tournaments
3. Encouraging a team mate who is going through a hard patch.
4. Attending club events and volunteering to help out when you can.
5. Lending your judogi to a friend who forgot theirs so they can participate.
6. Checking in your mates and asking how they are.

What is the judo moral code?

The judo moral code is an eight-part set of values, invented by judo’s founder Jigoro Kano. The eight values are courage, courtesy, honour, honesty, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship and all eight are covered in the Koka Kids judo moral code series, with supporting material for coaches to use including poster and sticker templates.

In this eight part Moral Code series we look at how we can encourage these values in a dojo through every-day examples.

Self-Control

Judo is a great teacher of self-control, as it makes us learn how to deal with a myriad of emotions from an early age. And as we get to know ourselves and our needs better, we are able to control those emotions a little better. But it’s an ongoing lesson.

Six examples of Self-Control in the Dojo

1. Focussing your attention on what you are doing during a whole judo class without getting distracted.
2. Remaining calm and composted after losing a contest
3. Staying quiet and paying attention and listening to your sensei even when you really want to chatter is a great example of self control in the dojo.
4. Coming to training even if you don’t feel like it
5. Turning doubts and fears and negativity into possibilities and positivity.
6. Keeping your patience while you learn a new technique, and you can’t quite do it yet. 

What is the judo moral code?

The judo moral code is an eight-part set of values, invented by judo’s founder Jigoro Kano. The eight values are courage, courtesy, honour, honesty, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship and all eight are covered in the Koka Kids judo moral code series, with supporting material for coaches to use including poster and sticker templates.

In this eight part Moral Code series we look at how we can encourage these values in a dojo through every-day examples.

Respect

Mostly, we think about respect in the sense of respecting others. But what about respect of the environment? And very importantly what about self-respect? It’s one of the most important values for young judoka to get to grips with.

Six examples of Respect in the Dojo

1. Bowing to your partner before and after each randori is a sign of respect in judo.
2. Keeping the dojo tidy and clean and respecting and looking after training equipment is another important aspect of respect
3. Accepting decisions of referees without complaint, even if you disagree with it.
4. Giving your full attention to you coach when they are speaking or explaining a technique.
5. Complimenting another judoka on their good technique is a sign of respect for your club mates and for their efforts.
6. Giving other judoka enough space on the mat to practice

See more examples of how you can apply the judo code of ethics in a judo situation.

What is the judo moral code?

The judo moral code is an eight-part set of values, invented by judo’s founder Jigoro Kano. In this series we look at how we can encourage these values in a dojo through every-day examples.

Modesty

Be without ego. But what does that mean? And how can you teach that to children? It is a fine line to understand the difference of being confident or being arrogant, or being proud and being conceited. One way to explore the judo moral code, is by using every-day examples that highlight modesty in practical terms like ….

What is the judo moral code?

The judo moral code is an eight-part set of values, invented by judo’s founder Jigoro Kano. The eight values are courage, courtesy, honour, honesty, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship and all eight are covered in the Koka Kids judo moral code series, with supporting material for coaches to use including poster and sticker templates.

In this eight part Moral Code series we look at how we can encourage these values in a dojo through every-day examples.

Honesty

Honest hearts produce honest actions! An honest person does what he or she says they will do, and so becomes a trusted member of the dojo.

There is also the aspect of self-honesty, being truthful about your own abilities. Once you are honest about your weaknesses then you can begin to improve them. So, how can we get our young judoka thinking honestly and acting honestly. Perhaps we can do so by highlighting every-day situations in the dojo like these…

What is the judo moral code?

The judo moral code is an eight-part set of values, invented by judo’s founder Jigoro Kano. The eight values are courage, courtesy, honour, honesty, modesty, respect, self-control and friendship and all eight are covered in the Koka Kids judo moral code series, with supporting material for coaches to use including poster and sticker templates.

In this eight part Moral Code series we look at how we can encourage these values in a dojo through every-day examples.

Honour

Honour – it means to do what is right. Even (or especially) when it’s the harder choice. It’s about sticking to principles, and acting with integrity. But how do we teach that to children in our dojo? We can try to show by example. Here, are six examples that are common in judo and show honour…

Six examples of Honour in the Dojo

1. Competing with a spirit of FairPlay, with integrity and without trying to bend the rules in your favour.
2. Shaking the hand of your opponent, no matter if you win or lose
3. Learning and respecting judo’s history and traditions
4. Keeping your word and sticking to your principles. 
5. Following the judo moral code!
6. Bowing to a photography of Jigoro Kano in the dojo.