The Canon Of Judo
Encyclopedia
The Canon of Judo is a book was originally published in 1956, and written by Kodokan
10th dan
, Kyuzo Mifune
(1883-1965). The book covers almost all of the Kodokan recognized techniques, adds variations and new techniques, although Do-Jime
is barely mentioned (p.126). The book also describes fifteen Kata
developed by Mifune to teach adaptation through reversal and counters. Notably, the book organizes the techniques differently from the official Kodokan Gokyo.
This book is based on new and revised material by the author made between the original publish date and the authors death. The original book, "Canon of Judo", does not contain this information. Furthermore, the original book was translated by K. Sugai whose translations were poor at best. (For example, "Or this is to throw him down by foot sweeping instant before his advanced-feet are fixed in order to change his position or break your balance.")
of the martial arts
in Japan
, a long list of historical text sources, people, and schools and styles are mentioned.
In the book, Kyuzo Mifune
explains his metaphysical view of Judo, its role in Japanese society (and the world), and benefits to the individual player. He notes that Judo initially only included throws, and explains the difference between Judo and J-ujutsu. He goes over the role of competition in Judo, and the purpose of free practice, randori, and explains that it is an indispensable part of Judo.
Although the book mentions the five kata,
it does not cover them.
Furthermore, it does not cover Atemi-waza
, but states that Atemi-waza include strikes, kicks, hits, and attacks using the fist, foot, elbow, kneecap, side of the palm, shoulder, or head, to attack the opponents vital points.
Lastly before going into each technique in detail, the book covers some basic concepts of techniques, such as Tai-sabaki (Body Control) and Hen-nou (Adaptability). It can be surmised that throwing techniques have at least three phases
Kodokan
, or the Kodokan Institute, is the headquarters of the worldwide judo community. Literally, kō means "to lecture" or "to spread information," dō means "the way," and kan is "a public building or hall," together translating roughly as "a place for the study or promotion of the way." The Kodokan was...
10th dan
Dan (rank)
The ranking system is a Japanese mark of level, which is used in modern fine arts and martial arts. Originally invented in a Go school in the Edo period, this system was applied to martial arts by Kanō Jigorō, the founder of judo and later introduced to other East Asia countries.In the modern...
, Kyuzo Mifune
Kyuzo Mifune
has been categorized as one of the greatest exponents of the art of judo after the founder, Kanō Jigorō. He is considered by many to be the greatest judo technician ever, after Kanō.-Early life:...
(1883-1965). The book covers almost all of the Kodokan recognized techniques, adds variations and new techniques, although Do-Jime
Do-Jime
Do-Jime is a chokehold in judo. It is one of the twelve constriction techniques of Kodokan Judo in the Shime-waza list. Do-Jime is one of the four forbidden techniques, Kinshi-waza....
is barely mentioned (p.126). The book also describes fifteen Kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
developed by Mifune to teach adaptation through reversal and counters. Notably, the book organizes the techniques differently from the official Kodokan Gokyo.
This book is based on new and revised material by the author made between the original publish date and the authors death. The original book, "Canon of Judo", does not contain this information. Furthermore, the original book was translated by K. Sugai whose translations were poor at best. (For example, "Or this is to throw him down by foot sweeping instant before his advanced-feet are fixed in order to change his position or break your balance.")
Subjects covered
The book gives a brief history of Ju-jutsu in Japan, and gives the lineage of Judo, referencing Ju-jutsu masters prior to Jigoro Kano. To show the early origins and continuous developmentof the martial arts
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
, a long list of historical text sources, people, and schools and styles are mentioned.
In the book, Kyuzo Mifune
Kyuzo Mifune
has been categorized as one of the greatest exponents of the art of judo after the founder, Kanō Jigorō. He is considered by many to be the greatest judo technician ever, after Kanō.-Early life:...
explains his metaphysical view of Judo, its role in Japanese society (and the world), and benefits to the individual player. He notes that Judo initially only included throws, and explains the difference between Judo and J-ujutsu. He goes over the role of competition in Judo, and the purpose of free practice, randori, and explains that it is an indispensable part of Judo.
Although the book mentions the five kata,
- Nage (Throwing Forms)
- Kime (Forms of Decision)
- Katame (Grappling Forms)
- Ju (Forms of Gentleness)
- Koshiki (Ancient Forms)
it does not cover them.
Furthermore, it does not cover Atemi-waza
Atemi
In Japanese martial arts, the term designates blows to the body, as opposed to twisting of joints, strangleholds, holding techniques and throws. Atemi can be delivered by any part of the body to any part of the opponents body. They can be percussive or use 'soft' power. Karate is a typical...
, but states that Atemi-waza include strikes, kicks, hits, and attacks using the fist, foot, elbow, kneecap, side of the palm, shoulder, or head, to attack the opponents vital points.
Lastly before going into each technique in detail, the book covers some basic concepts of techniques, such as Tai-sabaki (Body Control) and Hen-nou (Adaptability). It can be surmised that throwing techniques have at least three phases
- KuzushiKuzushiis a Japanese term for unbalancing an opponent in the martial arts.The noun comes from the intransitive verb, kuzusu, meaning to level, pull down, or demolish...
, Balance Breaking - Tsukuri, Positioning
- Kake, Execution
Book references
- KojikiKojikiis the oldest extant chronicle in Japan, dating from the early 8th century and composed by Ō no Yasumaro at the request of Empress Gemmei. The Kojiki is a collection of myths concerning the origin of the four home islands of Japan, and the Kami...
- NihonshokiNihon ShokiThe , sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan, is the second oldest book of classical Japanese history. It is more elaborate and detailed than the Kojiki, the oldest, and has proven to be an important tool for historians and archaeologists as it includes the most complete extant historical...
- Judo Higakusho,"Secret Records of Judo".
- Honcho-Bugei-Shoden, "A Brief History of Japanese Martial Arts" by Hinatsu Shigetaka, Shotoku, Shotoku period 1711-15
- Kogusoku: taijutsuTaijutsuis a Japanese blanket term for any combat skill, technique or system of martial art using body movements that are described as an empty-hand combat skill or system. The term is commonly used when referring to a traditional Japanese martial art but has also been used in the naming of modern martial...
, taidoTaidoTaidō is a Japanese martial art created in 1965 by Seiken Shukumine . The word taidō means "way of the body." Taidō has its roots in traditional Okinawan Karate...
, jujutsuJujutsuJujutsu , also known as jujitsu, ju-jitsu, or Japanese jiu-jitsu, is a Japanese martial art and a method of close combat for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon....
, wajutsu, gujutsu - Takenouchi Hisamori ( 1532-54) founded Takenouchi-ryūTakenouchi-ryuis one of the oldest jujutsu koryū in Japan. It was founded in 1532, the first year of Tenbun on the twenty-fourth of the sixth lunar month by Takenouchi Chūnagon Daijō Nakatsukasadaiyū Hisamori, the lord of Ichinose Castle in Sakushū...
- Araki Muninsai, capturing and binding techniques
- Fujiwara Katsumi 1573-91
- Bugei-ryūsoroku, "Record of the Founders of Martial Arts Schools"
- Dobogoen
- Nomura Gen-I of Shinmachi
- Hitotsubashi Jokensai
- Miyamoto MusashiMiyamoto Musashi, also known as Shinmen Takezō, Miyamoto Bennosuke or, by his Buddhist name, Niten Dōraku, was a Japanese swordsman and rōnin. Musashi, as he was often simply known, became renowned through stories of his excellent swordsmanship in numerous duels, even from a very young age...
- Yawaraki Ichiryu
- Shin-shin-ryū Yawara, "New-mind Yawara" by Sekiguchi Jushi, 1632
- Shibukawa Bagoro Yoshikata, master of Shibukawa Jujutsu, senior student of SekiguchiSekiguchiSekiguchi may refer to;*Fusao Sekiguchi Japanese industrialist*Gen Sekiguchi Japanese film director*Hisao Sekiguchi Japanese footballer*Kazuyuki Sekiguchi Japanese musician*Kunimitsu Sekiguchi Japanese footballer*Mai Sekiguchi Japanese actress...
master Hachiro Zaemon. - Chin-Gen-Pin (-1670), Chinese martial arts master, immigrant to Japan
- Samurais Fukuno Shichiroemon, Isogai Jirozaemon, and Miura Yojiemon
- Ryoi-shito-ryū, aka Fukuno-ryū
- Miura Yojiemon, founder of Myura-ryū
- Terada Masashige, founder of Kito-ryūKito-ryuis a traditional school of the Japanese martial art of jujutsu. Its syllabus comprises atemi-waza , nage-waza , kansetsu-waza and shime-waza...
- Yoshimura Hyosuke, senior student of Terada Masashige
- Horiuchi Jidaku, senior student of Yoshimura Hyosuke
- Terada Ichiemon of Kyoto
- Takino Yugyo of Edo
- Types of jujutsu: taijutsuTaijutsuis a Japanese blanket term for any combat skill, technique or system of martial art using body movements that are described as an empty-hand combat skill or system. The term is commonly used when referring to a traditional Japanese martial art but has also been used in the naming of modern martial...
, yawaraYawaraThe yawara is a Japanese weapon used in various martial arts. It is also the specific weapon of Yawara-Jitsu....
, judoJudois a modern martial art and combat sport created in Japan in 1882 by Jigoro Kano. Its most prominent feature is its competitive element, where the object is to either throw or takedown one's opponent to the ground, immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an...
, kogusoku, torite, kempoKEMPOKEPCO may refer to:* Korea Electric Power Corporation, a South Korean power provider* Kansai Electric Power Company, a Japanese power provider...
, shirauchi, shuhaku, ... - Other schools: Yoshin, Kyushin-ryū, IgaIGAIga or IGA may stand for:-Given name:* a female given name of Polish origin. The name originates from the female given name Jadwiga and stands for gia,or gina in the USA....
, Teiho-zan, Muso, Jiki-shin, Seigo, Kanshin, Isei Jitoku Tenshin, Tenshin Shinyo, Shin-shinto - Fukuda Hachinosuke, master of Tenhin Shinyo school, teaches Jigoro Kano
- Iso Masatomo (-1882)
- Tsunetoshi Ikubo, master of Kito-ryūKito-ryuis a traditional school of the Japanese martial art of jujutsu. Its syllabus comprises atemi-waza , nage-waza , kansetsu-waza and shime-waza...
, teaches Jigoro Kano - Jigoro Kano starts teaching jujutsu after graduating from Tokyo University (1882) at the age of twenty-three, establishing the KodokanKodokan, or the Kodokan Institute, is the headquarters of the worldwide judo community. Literally, kō means "to lecture" or "to spread information," dō means "the way," and kan is "a public building or hall," together translating roughly as "a place for the study or promotion of the way." The Kodokan was...
, "House of the Ancient Ways".