Ju No Michi, the true original martial art Judo founded by Dr. Jigoro Kano, is practised when all the essential elements are in place.
Without meeting these criteria, it deviates from Judo, resembling nothing more than subpar wrestling.
The foundation rests on two key pillars:
First: Mutual Help and Mutual Prosperity
Second: Efficient Utilisation of Energy
For us, there are not just idealistic principles, they are real
To study and approach these foundations, there are five core principles:
1 – Non-Opposition
2 – Hara Mobility
3 – Encompassing
4 – Decision
5 – Self-Control
Techniques are then employed to study and understand these principles effectively.
Throughout the seminar, we diligently adhered to each of these principles. The bonds formed when there is a solid cement of friendship.
On Sunday, we commenced our practice promptly at 10:00 and concluded at 5:00, including a one-hour lunch break.
In Junomichi, we forgo warming up, emphasizing the necessity to be always ready, mirroring real-life scenarios where there is no time for warm-ups. Our session commenced with Ne Waza, focusing on finding freedom when UKE has control in Kuzure Gesa Gatame and Kata Gatame.
We wrapped up this segment of the study with randori. Two friends from Belgium joined us, eager to experience Martial Judo, having a background in the sport. We emphasized the importance of always facing your partner, highlighting that in real situations, failure to do so could result in kicks to the face or ribs, which surprised them.
Our approach to study always starts with fundamentals, delving into the kata, specifically Katame No Kata.
We then progressed to Tachi Waza, focusing specifically on the study of O Soto Gari and Uki Goshi. Exploring how to apply these techniques without relying on strength and contact was crucial, emphasising the connection to Ju No Kata.
The final randori sessions provided an excellent opportunity to put into practice what we had learned.
Real Judo, or Ju No Michi, extends beyond the tatamis; it is our way of life, as outlined in the five principles. This underscores the importance of friendship, highlighted by our shared Scottish meal on Saturday.
The study resumed on Sunday morning at 10:00 and concluded at 14:00 without a break.
Immediately, we continued the study of Kuzure Gesa Gatame and Kata Gatame, incorporating randori, O Soto Gari, Uki Goshi, and additional randori sessions.
To unify all aspects of the study, we concluded the seminar with the practice of the Nanatsu No Kata.
Thanks to all the attendees. This seminar is a part of Junomichi’s development in Scotland.
(We had to decline requests from individuals who identified themselves Judo players. The practice of Judo is not a play. Additionally, we turned away those solely seeking preparation for a competition, as we strictly adhere to Jigoro Kano’s principles, and one of them is no championship.)