Judo: a moral code for a lifetime of benefits

Beyond the teaching of physical techniques, judo initiates practitioners into the moral values of judo, some of which have their origins in Bushido (the moral principals of the samurai).  Far be it from us to transform you into a modern-day samurai, but trust us, you'll love the values of this sport for their simplicity, wisdom, and beauty.

 

In judo, moral values are much more important than the techniques themselves. Judo cannot exist without respect or mutual trust.Each participant must trust their opponent, as it is they who execute the throw on to the mat. A poorly executed technique, an uncontrolled fall and the risk of injury is much greater.  That's not what you came here for!

Respect is something you should notice as soon as you set foot in a dojo. The photo of its founder in pride of place, the bow as you step onto the mats before beginning the training session, the bow to your partner when you begin a match or exercise, to end the training session and as you leave the mats. Respectful bows accompany many aspects of this marvellous sport, and it is one of the first things you will learn as a beginner. This first value is a mutual bond, that we express to each other and is found in people around the world.

 

Helping one another and mutual prosperity also feature heavily in this historic sport. While the sport is an individual sport, judo cannot be practised alone. A partner (if talking about training) or opponents (if talking about competition) are required. And we only progress by coming into contact with both. A partner helps us better ourselves by helping us execute our techniques in training, while an opponent in a competition pushes us to do better. Both help us make progress. And is that not something that we are all looking for in life? To be surrounded by benevolent beings that help us surpass our limits?

In addition to the values shared with the samurai code, Master Shozo Awazu created his own moral code for judo. Each practitioner is taught these from the very beginning, and they form an integral part of the discipline. Each judoka is required to hold themselves to this moral code as a code of honour. As they put on their uniform to step onto the mats, they must fully embrace this moral code in order to participate in their favourite sport! This is a great way to set a moral code for everyday life.



This is the moral code of judo as you will see displayed in all judo dojos:

Politeness, respect for others.

Courage, to do what is right.

Sincerity, to express oneself without hiding one's thoughts.

Honour, being true to your word.

Modesty, speaking of yourself without pride.

Respect, as without respect trust cannot be given.

Self-control, knowing how to remain silent when angry.

Friendship, the purest and strongest of human emotions



These 8 values accompany the judoka throughout their experience, whether as a hobby or in competition. It is thus very natural that they easily transpose into everyday life and provide a framework for living well.