The Canon of Judo

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The Canon of Judo  
Author Kyuzo Mifune
Translator K. Sugai (1st ed.)
Language English
Genre(s) Martial Arts
Publisher Kodansha International; Revised Edition (June 15, 2004)
Publication date 1956, 2004
Media type print (hardcover)
Pages 245 (1st Ed.)/ 224 (Revised Edition)
ISBN ISBN 4-7700-2979-9 (revised edition, hardcover)

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 than the official Kodokan Gokyo.

[edit] 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 development 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 Jujutsu. 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.

It should be noted that although the book mentions the five kata, [1]

  1. Nage (Throwing Forms)
  2. Kime (Forms of Decision)
  3. Katame (Grappling Forms)
  4. Ju (Forms of Gentleness)
  5. Koshiki (Ancient Forms)

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

  1. Kuzushi, Balance Breaking
  2. Tsukuri, Positioning
  3. Kake, Execution

[edit] Book references

[edit] References

  • Mifune, Kyuzo (2004,1965,1960). The Canon Of Judo. Kodansha International Ltd.. ISBN 4-7700-2979-9. 
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