The Judo Moral Code: A Comprehensive Guide for Judoka

The judo moral code, deeply rooted in Jigoro Kano’s philosophy, forms the ethical foundation of judo practice. This code guides judoka and serves as a blueprint for personal development.

The Eight Values of the Judo Moral Code are

Courtesy (礼 – Rei)
Courage (勇 – Yu)
Honesty (誠 – Makoto)
Honor (誉 – Yo)
Modesty (謙 – Ken)
Respect (敬 – Kei)
Self-Control (制 – Sei)
Friendship (和 – Wa)

Let’s look at each value in turn…

Courage

In the context of judo, courage (勇気, yūki in Japanese) extends beyond its general definition. It encompasses the mental fortitude and willingness to face challenges, both physical and psychological, that are inherent to judo.

For full teaching resources on Courage in the Dojo:

Moral Code: Courage #1

For teaching resources on all the value of the judo moral code:

‘Moral Code in the Dojo’ 8 Posters & 8 Study Sheets

Courage in Judo

Courage in judo can be defined as:

The ability to confront fear, uncertainty, and adversity on the tatami (judo mat) while adhering to the principles of judo. It involves pushing one’s limits, embracing vulnerability, and maintaining composure under pressure, all while respecting the opponent and the rules.

Examples of Courage in Judo Practice

a) Facing a Significantly Stronger Opponent

A judoka demonstrates courage when they step onto the mat to face an opponent who is known to be more skilled or physically stronger. Despite the likelihood of defeat, a courageous judoka has an attitude of determination, viewing it as an opportunity for growth and learning.

b) Attempting a New Technique in Competition

Courage is displayed when a judoka decides to try a newly learned or high-risk technique during a crucial moment in a competition. This requires overcoming the fear of failure and trusting in one’s training, even when the stakes are high.

c) Returning to Practice After an Injury

A judoka who has experienced an injury, shows remarkable courage by returning to the mat after recovery. This involves confronting not only physical challenges but also psychological barriers.

How to build Courage

• Practice mindfulness techniques to stay present during training and competitions.
• Mentally visualise techniques and positive outcomes, building confidence and reducing anxiety.
• Start with smaller challenges and progressively work towards more daunting ones, building resilience along the way.
• View losses and setbacks as learning opportunities rather than failures.
• Focus on continuous improvement rather than just winning.

Courtesy

Courtesy, is a fundamental principle in judo that goes beyond mere politeness. It is a cornerstone of judo philosophy and practice, playing a crucial role in shaping the character of practitioners and the atmosphere of the dojo.

For full teaching resources on Courtesy in the Dojo:

Moral Code: Courtesy #2

For teaching resources on all the value of the judo moral code:

‘Moral Code in the Dojo’ 8 Posters & 8 Study Sheets

The Importance of Courtesy in Judo

a) Building Mutual Respect

Courtesy encourages judoka to see their training partners and opponents as companions in their journey, rather than adversaries to be defeated.

b) Creating a Positive and Safe Learning Environment

A courteous atmosphere allows practitioners to focus on learning and improvement without fear of judgment or disrespect. And to respectful behaviour leads to a safer dojo.

Key dojo etiquette that displays Courtesy in the Dojo:

Bowing

• Upon entering and leaving the dojo
• Before and after practice
• To training partners before and after each interaction

Clean Judogi, Tatami and Dojo

• Wearing a clean, well-maintained gi
• Adjusting the gi properly during practice
• Removing footwear before stepping on the mat
• Maintaining cleanliness of the training area

Politeness

• Using appropriate titles (e.g., Sensei)
• Listening attentively to instructions
• Arriving on time for classes
• Informing instructors of absences

The principle of courtesy learned in judo has far-reaching applications in everyday life, contributing to personal growth and positive social interactions.

By consistently applying the principle of courtesy learned in judo, judoka can contribute to creating a more respectful, considerate, and harmonious society. The ripple effect of these small acts of courtesy can lead to significant positive changes in our community.

Honour

Honour in judo is not about seeking glory or recognition, but rather about embodying the core values of the art and striving to be a person of strong moral character. It’s the internal compass that guides a judoka’s decisions and actions, ensuring they remain true to the principles of judo even when faced with challenges or temptations.

Concept of Honour for Judoka

For judoka, honour encompasses:

• Integrity: Adhering to moral and ethical principles both on and off the mat.
• Responsibility: Owning actions and their consequences.
• Respect: Showing deep regard for the art of judo, its traditions, and all those involved in its practice.
• Sincerity: Being genuine in interactions, and commitment to self-improvement.

Upholding Honour in Competition

• Fair Play: Adhering strictly to the rules and spirit of judo, even when it might be disadvantageous.
• Respect for Opponents: Treating opponents with dignity, regardless of the outcome of a match.
• Gracious in Victory and Defeat: Maintaining composure and humility in both winning and losing.
• Honest Effort: Always giving your best effort, regardless of the perceived skill level of the opponent.
• Continuous Self-Improvement: Striving to better oneself not just in judo techniques, but in character and knowledge.
• Community Service: Giving back to society and representing judo positively in the wider community.

Historical Significance of Honour

The concept of honour in martial arts has deep historical roots, particularly in Japanese culture.

Bushido Code: The samurai warrior code heavily influenced the development of honour in Japanese martial arts. Bushido emphasised virtues such as rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honour, and loyalty.

Zen Buddhism: The influence of Zen philosophy on martial arts brought focus to personal development and the idea that perfecting one’s character was as important as perfecting technique.

In modern judo, these historical influences are still evident:

Olympic Spirit: Judo’s inclusion in the Olympic Games has further reinforced the importance of honour, aligning with the Olympic values of excellence, friendship, and respect.

The historical significance of honour continues to shape judo today. It reminds us all that judo is not just a sport, but a way of life that demands us to pay attention to our personal growth.

Honesty

Honesty (誠, Makoto) is a cornerstone value in judo, playing a crucial role in the development of the character, a honest attitude also leads to improvement of skills

How Honesty Helps Judoka Grow and Improve

Self-Awareness and Resilience :

• A better understanding of capabilities, limitations, and areas for improvement
• A realistic self-image and healthy self-esteem
• Builds mental toughness through honest acknowledgment of difficulties
• Honesty plays a crucial role in how judoka handle both success and failure

Losing and Winning Honestly 

Victories:

a) Humble Acknowledgment:

• Recognise the role of coaches, training partners in your success
• Avoid exaggeration or boasting about achievements

b) Objective Analysis:

• Honestly assess performance, identifying areas of excellence and those needing improvement
• Use victories as benchmarks for future growth, not as endpoints

Defeats:

a) Accepting Responsibility:

• Acknowledge mistakes or shortcomings without making excuses
• Avoid blaming external factors for the loss
• Genuinely congratulate the victor, recognising their skill and effort
• Avoid diminishing the opponent’s achievement or the significance of the match

b) Learning Opportunity:

• View defeats as valuable lessons for improvement
• Analyse what went wrong and how to address it in future training
• Allow emotions like disappointment, but process them constructively and don’t get stuck in a rut.

By dealing honestly with both victories and defeats, judoka develop resilience, sportsmanship, and a balanced perspective on competition. This approach not only enhances their judo skills but also contributes to their overall character development, embodying the true spirit of judo as a path of continuous self-improvement.

Modesty

Modesty (謙虚, Kenkyo) in judo encompasses humility, self-awareness, and respect for others. Achieving a balance between confidence and humility is crucial for judoka:

Modesty in Judo

a) Self-Assurance Without Arrogance:

• Recognising abilities and achievements without diminishing others.
• Expressing confidence through actions rather than words.

b) Humble Approach to Learning:

• Remain open to feedback and criticism .
• Approach each training session with a modest mindset, ready to learn and improve.

c) Respectful Competition:

• Respect all judoka, regardless of their skill level.
• Celebrate victories modestly and accept defeats graciously.

Examples of Modesty in Famous Judoka

Jigoro Kano (1860-1938):

Despite being the founder of judo, Kano consistently sought knowledge from others including and his own students. Kano was the first to say that judo was a lifelong learning process, even for himself.

Yasuhiro Yamashita (1957-present):

Known for his exceptional career with 203 consecutive wins, Yamashita always talked about the respect he had for opponents. After winning the1984 Olympics despite a severe leg injury, he humbly credited his victory to his years of training and the support of his team.

Toshihiko Koga (1967-2021):

Renowned for his innovative seoi-nage and spectacular ippon throwing skills, Koga was known for his humble demeanor both on and off the mat. He often spoke about learning from losses and the importance of respecting every opponent.

Teddy Riner (1989-present):

Despite his numerous world and Olympic titles, Riner consistently is looking at improvement. He is known for his respectful attitude and his acknowledgment of the role his coaches and training partners play in his success.

Ryoko Tani (1975-present):

One of the most decorated judoka in history, Tani is known for her modesty despite her impressive achievements. She often speaks about the importance of hard work rather than focusing on her talent.

Friendship

Role of Friendship in the Judo Community

Friendship (友情, Yuujou) plays a vital role in the judo community, with friendship breaking down cultural barriers and building Jita Kyoei (mutual welfare and benefit.)

Friendship in the dojo can take many forms like in these examples:

• More experienced judoka help lesser experience judoka to improve their technique.
• Fellow judoka provide encouragement during tough training periods or after competition losses.
• The community rallies around injured members, offering support and motivation during rehabilitation.
• Judoka assist each other in preparing for tournaments, serving as training partners.
• Celebrating Achievements: The dojo comes together to celebrate individual and team wins.

Self-Control 

Necessity of Self-Control in Judo

Self-control (自制, Jisei) is a crucial aspect of judo, essential for personal development, as we learn to control our emotions.

Why is self-control so important in a dojo?

a) Safety: 
Maintaining control over one’s actions and emotions ensures the safety of both the practitioner and their training partners or opponents.

b) Emotional Regulation: 
Managing emotions such as anger, frustration, or overexcitement is vital for consistent performance and sportsmanship.

c) Long-term Development: 
Disciplined practice and patience, both requiring self-control, are essential for continuous improvement in judo.

d) Strategic Thinking: 
Self-control allows judoka to think clearly and make strategic decisions during intense matches or training sessions.

Techniques for Maintaining Self-Control in Judo

Controlled Breathing:

Practice deep, rhythmic breathing to regulate heart rate and take control of your emotions.

Visualisation:

Visualise staying calm and focused in challenging situations.

Positive Self-Talk:

Counter negative thoughts with positive, action-oriented self-talk.

Body Awareness:

Regularly check and adjust body tension, releasing unnecessary muscle tightness.

Using Self-Control Off the mat

Self-Control, like all the values in the judo code, can be applied on and off the mat. In our daily lives, we can:

• Use the thinking skills developed in judo to make thoughtful decisions.
• Resist impulsive actions by pausing to consider consequences, as one would in a judo match.
• Apply the discipline of regular judo practice to personal and professional goals.
• Approach disagreements with a calm and composed demeanor.
• Exercise self-control in maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise routine.

Respect 

Respect (尊敬, Sonkei) in judo is shown in the way judoka bow to their opponents, sensei, and the dojo, acknowledging the mutual benefits of training and competition. This core value is a mixture of humility, gratitude, and the recognition that every person in the dojo—from beginners to advanced practitioners—has something valuable to offer.

Respect – on and off the judo mat.

On the Mat:

• Listen attentively to your Sensei and follow instructions.
• Help keep the dojo clean and tidy.
• Treat training partners with consideration, regardless of rank or skill level.
• Maintain a cooperative attitude during practice sessions.
• Bow sincerely before and after each match or training session.
• Compete fairly and within the rules of judo
• Follow referee instructions promptly and respectfully.

Off the Mat:

• Show consideration for others’ time, space, and opinions.
• Respect diverse backgrounds and perspectives
• Respect the environment.
• Learn about and honour local customs when training or competing abroad.
• Maintain respectful communication in online judo communities.

3. Applying the Moral Code in Judo Practice

So, how do we Integrate the values into training routines? Here are some ideas on bringing the moral code into training sessions.

Integrating the Moral Code into the Dojo

Warm-ups:

• Begin each session with a moment of reflection on a specific moral code principle.
• Use exercises that build trust, and so RESPECT between uke and tori.

Technique and Skills Training:

• Encourage judoka to provide honest feedback to partners (Honesty).
• Encourage judoka to acknowledge good techniques from their partners (Modesty, Honour).
• Set clear expectations for controlled, respectful randori (Self-Control, Respect).

Cool-down and Reflection:

• End sessions with group discussions on how moral code principles were applied during practice.
• Assign “moral code challenges” for students to focus on between sessions.
• Use anecdotes from judo history or personal experiences to illustrate moral code principles.

Dojo and Community:

• Involve all students in cleaning and caring for the dojo (Respect, Honour)
• Hold events and invite volunteering and help (Friendship)
• Use senior students as role models and mentors for younger judoka.
• Assign “real-world” moral code challenges. Share and discuss experiences of applying judo ethics outside the dojo like at home or school.

Competition

• Balance competitive spirit with moral values
• Emphasise that true victory in judo encompasses both winning and adherence to moral principles.
• Talk regularly about fairplay and sportsmanship
• Recognise and talk about displays of exemplary moral conduct in competition, regardless of match outcomes.

For Children (5-12 years):

Visual Aids:

• Use bright, colourful posters or cards depicting each principle of the moral code.
• Put up the Japanese Kanji for each value.
• Encourage children to ask and talk about the values shown.
• Implement a sticker or point system for displaying behaviour aligned with the code.

For Teenagers (13-17 years):

Clear Communication:

• Display the moral code prominently in the dojo.
• Reinforce these values by pointing out ethical behaviour when it happens.
• Equally, address violations promptly and constructively.

Group Discussions:

• Encourage critical thinking about ethical dilemmas in sports and life.
• Assign older teens to mentor younger judoka, on moral code teachings.
• Discuss how public figures in judo embody or fail to embody these principles.

For Parents

• Educate parents and family members about the moral code.
• Encourage reinforcement of the judo values at home.
• Listen to feedback on how parent’s see the dojo and it’s ethics and how to improve.

Spread the word!

In today’s fast-paced the Judo Moral Code remains as relevant now as it has ever been. This code not only guides judoka in their but serves as a blueprint for life itself.

We invite you to reflect on your journey with the judo moral code and share your insights:

• How has the code influenced your development as a judoka?
• Which of the eight values resonates most strongly with you, and why?
  

Take Action Today

1. Share this article with your judo club members.
2. Use the Koka Kids coaching resources and material to help you dress your dojo.
3. Commit to focusing on one aspect of the moral code in your next training session.

By sharing our experiences, we honour the legacy of Jigoro Kano.

Let’s work together to ensure that the spirit of judo continues to thrive both on and off the mat!

Koka Kids and the Judo Moral Code

Koka Kids offers several resources to help judo coaches effectively teach the moral judo code to their students, including books, banners, posters and digital templates. Let’s see how these materials can assist coaches:

Specific Benefits:

• Visual Reinforcement: The Moral Code Banner and Posters provides a constant visual reminder of the core principles, helping students internalise these values.
• Customizable Resources: The downloadable digital templates allow coaches to create multiple posters, tailoring the content to their specific dojo or training environment.
• Home-study: The book “Jigoro Kano and the Moral Code” allows children to immerse themselves the story of Kano and stay at their own pace.

How to use

• Dojo Display: Coaches can place posters around the training area, creating a visually enriched environment that reinforces moral teachings.
• Pre-training Focus: Use the posters as a focal point for brief discussions before each training session, highlighting a specific moral code aspect.
• Award System: Utilize the Jigoro Kano Moral Code Certificates or Stickers to recognise students who exemplify these principles in their behavior and training.

Covering all ages:

• Young Learners: The visual nature of the posters is particularly effective for younger judoka who may benefit from colorful, easy-to-understand representations of these concepts.
• Advanced Judoka: The study sheets accompanying the ‘Moral Code in the Dojo’ can provide deeper insights for more mature or advanced judoka.
• Parents and Spectators: Displaying these posters also educates parents and visitors about judo’s ethical foundations, building a supportive community atmosphere.

Visual Appeal:

• Impact: Making the moral code more engaging and memorable for students.
• Consistency: Having uniform visual representations across the dojo creates a cohesive learning environment.
• Adaptability: The digital format allows coaches to adjust the size and placement of the posters to suit their specific dojo layout and needs.

By incorporating these visual aids and resources, judo coaches can create a more immersive and effective learning environment ensuring that students understand and embody the judo moral code.