Jigoro Kano quotes

Jigoro Kano was a Japanese educator and the founder of judo, a modern martial art and Olympic sport. His innovative approach blended traditional jujutsu with principles of physical and moral education. He became a pioneering figure in Japanese sports and is celebrated for promoting international understanding through martial arts. Here are 25 of his quotes:

If there is effort, there is always accomplishment.

Jigoro Kano

In randori, one must search out the opponent's weaknesses and be ready to attack with all the resources at his disposal the moment the opportunity presents itself, without violating the rules of judo.

Jigoro Kano

Walk a single path, becoming neither cocky with victory nor broken with defeat, without forgetting caution when all is quiet or becoming frightened when danger threatens.

Jigoro Kano

The teaching of one virtuous person can influence many; that which has been learned well by one generation can be passed on to a hundred.

Jigoro Kano

Another tenet of randori is to apply just the right amount of force - never too much, never too little.

Jigoro Kano

Before and after practicing Judo or engaging in a match, opponents bow to each other. Bowing is an expression of gratitude and respect. In effect, you are thanking your opponent for giving you the opportunity to improve your technique.

Jigoro Kano

To ask may be but a moment's shame, not to ask and remain ignorant is a lifelong shame.

Jigoro Kano

Carefully observe oneself and one's situation, carefully observe others, and carefully observe one's environment.

Jigoro Kano

There are people who are excitable by nature and allow themselves to become angry for the most trivial of reasons.

Jigoro Kano

Judo should be free as art and science from any external influences, political, national, racial, and financial or any other organized interest. And all things connected with it should be directed to its ultimate object, the "Benefit of Humanity."

Jigoro Kano

Recently in our country, there has been a steadily increasing number of people who dislike work and pursue leisure and extravagance. Almost everywhere individuals and organizations are fighting with resultant loss of energy that is needed for positive action. In order to save them from this situation, a principle of judo, based on the maximum efficiency concept should be applied as one aspect of modern society and as a natural result of the application of the principle of maximum efficiency, a mutual welfare and prosperity is believed to be the only effective way to ease and neutralize the forces among these individuals and organizations.

Jigoro Kano

Another point is the meaning of professionalism. With Judo, we have no professionals in the same sense as other sports. No one is allowed to take part in public entertainment for personal gain. Teachers certainly receive remuneration for their services, but that is in no way degrading. The professional is held in high regard like the officers of a religious organization or a professor in the educational world. Judo itself is held by us all in a position at the high altar. To reconcile this point of view with the Western idea is difficult. Success or a satisfactory result of joining the Olympic Games would much depend on the degree of understanding of Judo by the other participating countries.

Jigoro Kano

In our society today, when we teach the righteous way of life based upon the Theory of judo which embodies the principles of continuous improvement of society, then this righteous life provides a basis of definite proof of this principle and unifies the peoples' way of thinking. Various religious and learned points of view are then made abundantly clear.

Jigoro Kano

In randori we learn employ the principle of maximum efficiency even when we could easily overpower an opponent.

Jigoro Kano

I do not feel inclined to take any initiative. For one thing, Judo in reality is not a mere sport or game. I regard it as a principle of life, art and science. In fact, it is a means for personal cultural attainment.

Jigoro Kano

One more type who can benefit from the practice of judo are the chronically discontented, who readily blame others for what is really their own fault.

Jigoro Kano

In Randori we teach the pupil to act on the fundamental principles of Judo, no matter how physically inferior his opponent may seem to him, and even if by sheer strength he can easily overcome him.

Jigoro Kano

In Randori we teach the pupil to act on the fundamental principles of Judo, no matter how physically inferior his opponent may seem to him, and even if by sheer strength he can easily overcome him; because if he acts contrary to principle his opponent will never be convinced of defeat, no matter what brute strength he may have used.

Jigoro Kano

There are people who are excitable by nature and allow themselves to become angry for the most trivial of reasons. Judo can help such people learn to control themselves. Through training, they quickly realize that anger is a waste of energy, that it has only negative effects on the self and others.

Jigoro Kano

In randori we learn to employ the principle of maximum efficiency even when we could easily overpower an opponent. Indeed, it is much more impressive to beat an opponent with proper technique than with brute force. This lesson is equally applicable in daily life: the student realized persuasion backed up by sound logic is ultimately more effective than coercion.

Jigoro Kano

Judo teaches us to look for the best possible course of action, whatever the individual circumstances, and helps us to understand that worry is a waste of energy. Paradoxically, the man who has failed and one who is at the peak of success are in exactly the same position. Each must decide what he will do next, choose the course that will lead him to the future. The teachings of judo give each the same potential for success, in the former instance guiding a man out of lethargy and disappointment to a state of vigorous activity.

Jigoro Kano

Jigoro Kano's Five Principles of Judo: 1. Carefully observe oneself and one's situation, carefully observe others, and carefully observe one's environment, 2. Seize the initiative in whatever you undertake, 3. Consider fully, act decisively, 4. Know when to stop, 5. Keep to the middle.

Jigoro Kano