Principle of Judo is Like the Nature of Water

The principle of Judo is like the nature of water. Water flows to a balanced level. It has no shape of its own but molds itself to the receptacle that contains it. Its surge is irresistible and it permeates everything. It has existed and will exist as long as time and space. When heated to the state of steam it is invisible, but has enough power to split the earth itself. When frozen it crystallizes into a mighty rock. Its services are boundless and its uses endless. First it is turbulent like the Niagara Falls, and then calm like a still pond, fearful like a torrent, and refreshing like a spring on a hot day. So is the principle of Judo.

The art of Judo has been commercialized under many colourful labels and books have been published which, with a few exceptions, are either very much influenced by journalism or are of an elementary nature.

Dr. M. Feldenkrais has made a serious study of the subject, himself attaining Black Belt efficiency. He has studied and analyzed Judo as a scientist in the light of the laws of physics, physiology and psychology, and he reports the results in this book which is enlightening and satisfying to the scientific mind of our age. Such a study has been long awaited and is a very valuable contribution to the fuller understanding and appreciation of the merits of Judo.

Dr. Feldenkrais explains how Judo training educates one to be "independent of heritage." This phrase is the keynote and hallmark of the standard of his treatise. It is universally recognized that judo practice promotes the sense of balance and self-confidence, cultivates the ability to overcome brute force, inherited weaknesses or shortcomings, but the logical and scientific reasons for these effects were left unexplored. Dr. Feldenkrais, with his learned mind, keen observation and masterly command of words, clarifies the interrelation and the intermingled working of gravitation, body, bones, muscles, nerves, consciousness, subconscious and unconsciousness opens the way for better understanding.

However, a scientific study is by its nature sectional and a matter of conscious knowledge. Readers and students must therefore put the theory into practice, and digest and assimilate it beyond the state of consciousness before they can appreciate the claims or derive the full practical benefit from it. When practicing they should keep in mind the broader and more fundamental aspects of Judo. As an art and a philosophy, the ultimate object of Judo is the attainment of harmonious unity of the opposite in tune with life’s realities; in short, unity of Man and God or Nature.

Photo Notes: This was the last photo taken of Gunji Koizumi, 2 days before his death on April 15, 1965. Mr. Koizumi, 8th dan, was responsible for the formation of the British Judo Association and the European Judo Union, which led to the formation of the International Judo Federation.

In 1918, Mr. Koizumi opened the London Budokwai, the first judo club in the West. To achieve a higher calibre of London judo, he started the Sunday afternoon Study Group as "a study of mechanical principles in relation to the human body; co-ordinated action of the whole body, and to use it most effectively" as opposed to what he described as "two strong lads using sheer force to pound each other into the mat."

Mr. Koizumi was also an expert in Oriental lacquerware and was appointed Consultant to the Victoria and Albert Museum in 1922.

Known as G.K., Mr. Koizumi was fondly remembered as a man who always had a smile on his face.

Photo from 1933, L to R - Tricker (Budokwai Secretary, 1932-1941), Takasaki (Kano's son-in-law), Jigoro Kano, G.K., S. Kotani (was 4th dan and just arrived as the new Budokwai instructor), Kawaishi (left London to impact the judo movement in France)

Photo taken in Frankfurt in 1935, L to R - Ishigiro from Paris, Kitabatake from Berlin, Tani and G.K. from the Budokwai in London.