Autonomy in Junomichi — A Continuation of Jigorō Kanō’s Vision Junomichi, the original path of Judo-Jujitsu, places autonomy at the centre of its approach to practice. This orientation echoes the educational ideals of Jigorō Kanō, founder of Judo, who described his discipline as a path for cultivating the whole person — physically, intellectually, and…
By Rudolf di Stefano, January 2025 We wish to dedicate this 2025 New Year Wishes Ceremony to Werner Knoll. Many people among us knew him and had the honour of being his friend, but of course many others did not have the good fortune to meet him on the tatami. Yet, without fully realising…
In 1925 Kano Jigoro explained why it is necessary to advocate the principles of mutual prosperity and help in human society 1925. As long as we coexist, each member of society and the groups organised within must function in harmony and cooperation with the others. Nothing is more important than living prosperously together. If…
Kokorozashi – The Moral Foundation of Junomichi At the heart of Junomichi lies the moral principle of Kokorozashi, a concept that can be understood as “intention” or “aspiration.” In Junomichi, Kokorozashi can be understood as working with the intelligence of the heart, guiding practitioners to act not only with their minds but also with…
The roles of Uke (the receiver) and Tori (the giver) are central to the practice of Junomichi. Most of time and too often, these roles are seen as fixed: Tori initiates a movement or technique, and Uke simply receives or counters it. However, in Junomichi, these roles are fluid and interdependent. Uke and Tori…
At the heart of Junomichi is the creation of an Ippon. The meaning of Ippon symbolises a moment of perfect harmony, where the interaction between two practitioners is completely balanced and their movements are unified. Creating an Ippon is the result of a deep, mutual understanding between partners. It requires Tori (the giver) and…
Judo (柔道) is composed of two kanji, 柔 (Ju): Meaning “gentle” or “flexible.” and 道 (Do): Meaning “way” or “path.” Ju No Michi (柔の道) is composed of three kanji: 柔 (Ju): Meaning “gentle,” “soft,” or “flexible,” reflecting the principle of adapting and yielding to external forces, の (No): A possessive particle in Japanese, meaning…
In Junomichi, uke and tori work together to achieve a delicate balance, what you might call the “crest line.” This crest line symbolises perfect balance, the point where all forces harmonise. It is here that the ippon can be created, not as an act of domination, but as a moment of purity and connection…
The Meaning of “IPPON” IPPON IN VIDEO In Japanese culture, there is a strong focus on the idea of “oneness” and the harmony of all things. “Ippon” (一本) represents this mindset. The character “本” (hon) can mean “origin,” “source,” or “root.” When combined with “一” (ichi), meaning “one,” “ippon” suggests a deeper sense of…
In Junomichi, teaching is not reserved solely for professors. Every practitioner, regardless of their level of knowledge, is encouraged to share their understanding through the exchange of sensations. Even a kyu, despite their limited experience, possesses a certain intelligence in what they do and is encouraged from the start not to develop a dependent…