In the context of judo, courage (勇気, yūki in Japanese) extends beyond its general definition. It encompasses the mental fortitude and willingness to face challenges, both physical and psychological, that are inherent to judo.
For full teaching resources on Courage in the Dojo:
For teaching resources on all the value of the judo moral code:
Courage in judo can be defined as:
The ability to confront fear, uncertainty, and adversity on the tatami (judo mat) while adhering to the principles of judo. It involves pushing one’s limits, embracing vulnerability, and maintaining composure under pressure, all while respecting the opponent and the rules.
a) Facing a Significantly Stronger Opponent
A judoka demonstrates courage when they step onto the mat to face an opponent who is known to be more skilled or physically stronger. Despite the likelihood of defeat, a courageous judoka has an attitude of determination, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and learning.
b) Attempting a New Technique in Competition
Courage is displayed when a judoka decides to try a newly learned or high-risk technique during a crucial moment in a competition. This requires overcoming the fear of failure and trusting in one’s training, even when the stakes are high.
c) Returning to Practice After an Injury
A judoka who has experienced an injury, shows remarkable courage by returning to the mat after recovery. This involves confronting not only physical challenges but also psychological barriers.
Courtesy, is a fundamental principle in judo that goes beyond mere politeness. It is a cornerstone of judo philosophy and practice, playing a crucial role in shaping the character of practitioners and the atmosphere of the dojo.
For full teaching resources on Courtesy in the Dojo:
For teaching resources on all the value of the judo moral code:
a) Building Mutual Respect
Courtesy encourages judoka to see their training partners and opponents as companions in their journey, rather than adversaries to be defeated.
b) Creating a Positive and Safe Learning Environment
A courteous atmosphere allows practitioners to focus on learning and improvement without fear of judgment or disrespect. And to respectful behaviour leads to a safer dojo.
Bowing
Clean Judogi, Tatami and Dojo
Politeness
The principle of courtesy learned in judo has far-reaching applications in everyday life, contributing to personal growth and positive social interactions.
By consistently applying the principle of courtesy learned in judo, judoka can contribute to creating a more respectful, considerate, and harmonious society. The ripple effect of these small acts of courtesy can lead to significant positive changes in our community.
Honour in judo is not about seeking glory or recognition, but rather about embodying the core values of the art and striving to be a person of strong moral character. It’s the internal compass that guides a judoka’s decisions and actions, ensuring they remain true to the principles of judo even when faced with challenges or temptations.
For judoka, honour encompasses:
The concept of honour in martial arts has deep historical roots, particularly in Japanese culture.
Bushido Code: The samurai warrior code heavily influenced the development of honour in Japanese martial arts. Bushido emphasised virtues such as rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour, and loyalty.
Zen Buddhism: The influence of Zen philosophy on martial arts brought focus to personal development and the idea that perfecting one’s character was as important as perfecting technique.
In modern judo, these historical influences are still evident:
Olympic Spirit: Judo’s inclusion in the Olympic Games has further reinforced the importance of honour, aligning with the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.
The historical significance of honour continues to shape judo today. It reminds us all that judo is not just a sport, but a way of life that demands us to pay attention to our personal growth.
Honesty (誠, Makoto) is a cornerstone value in judo, playing a crucial role in the development of the character, a honest attitude also leads to improvement of skills
Self-Awareness and Resilience :
Losing and Winning Honestly
a) Humble Acknowledgment:
b) Objective Analysis:
a) Accepting Responsibility:
b) Learning Opportunity:
By dealing honestly with both victories and defeats, judoka develop resilience, sportsmanship, and a balanced perspective on competition. This approach not only enhances their judo skills but also contributes to their overall character development, embodying the true spirit of judo as a path of continuous self-improvement.
Modesty (謙虚, Kenkyo) in judo encompasses humility, self-awareness, and respect for others. Achieving a balance between confidence and humility is crucial for judoka:
a) Self-Assurance Without Arrogance:
b) Humble Approach to Learning:
c) Respectful Competition:
Despite being the founder of judo, Kano consistently sought knowledge from others including and his own students. Kano was the first to say that judo was a lifelong learning process, even for himself.
Known for his exceptional career with 203 consecutive wins, Yamashita always talked about the respect he had for opponents. After winning the1984 Olympics despite a severe leg injury, he humbly credited his victory to his years of training and the support of his team.
Renowned for his innovative seoi-nage and spectacular ippon throwing skills, Koga was known for his humble demeanor both on and off the mat. He often spoke about learning from losses and the importance of respecting every opponent.
Despite his numerous world and Olympic titles, Riner consistently is looking at improvement. He is known for his respectful attitude and his acknowledgment of the role his coaches and training partners play in his success.
One of the most decorated judoka in history, Tani is known for her modesty despite her impressive achievements. She often speaks about the importance of hard work rather than focusing on her talent.
Friendship (友情, Yuujou) plays a vital role in the judo community, with friendship breaking down cultural barriers and building Jita Kyoei (mutual welfare and benefit.)
Friendship in the dojo can take many forms like in these examples:
Self-control (自制, Jisei) is a crucial aspect of judo, essential for personal development, as we learn to control our emotions.
a) Safety:
Maintaining control over one’s actions and emotions ensures the safety of both the practitioner and their training partners or opponents.
b) Emotional Regulation:
Managing emotions such as anger, frustration, or overexcitement is vital for consistent performance and sportsmanship.
c) Long-term Development:
Disciplined practice and patience, both requiring self-control, are essential for continuous improvement in judo.
d) Strategic Thinking:
Self-control allows judoka to think clearly and make strategic decisions during intense matches or training sessions.
Practice deep, rhythmic breathing to regulate heart rate and take control of your emotions.
Visualise staying calm and focused in challenging situations.
Counter negative thoughts with positive, action-oriented self-talk.
Regularly check and adjust body tension, releasing unnecessary muscle tightness.
Self-Control, like all the values in the judo code, can be applied on and off the mat. In our daily lives, we can:
Respect (尊敬, Sonkei) in judo is shown in the way judoka bow to their opponents, sensei, and the dojo, acknowledging the mutual benefits of training and competition. This core value is a mixture of humility, gratitude, and the recognition that every person in the dojo—from beginners to advanced practitioners—has something valuable to offer.
On the Mat:
Off the Mat:
So, how do we Integrate the values into training routines? Here are some ideas on bringing the moral code into training sessions.
Clear Communication:
Group Discussions:
In today’s fast-paced the Judo Moral Code remains as relevant now as it has ever been. This code not only guides judoka in their but serves as a blueprint for life itself.
We invite you to reflect on your journey with the judo moral code and share your insights:
By sharing our experiences, we honour the legacy of Jigoro Kano.
Let’s work together to ensure that the spirit of judo continues to thrive both on and off the mat!
Koka Kids offers several resources to help judo coaches effectively teach the moral judo code to their students, including books, banners, posters and digital templates. Let’s see how these materials can assist coaches:
Specific Benefits:
How to use
Covering all ages:
Visual Appeal:
By incorporating these visual aids and resources, judo coaches can create a more immersive and effective learning environment ensuring that students understand and embody the judo moral code.