Customer Reviews

Mind Over Muscle: Writings from the Founder of Judo

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Jigoro Kano did far more than simply found the art of judo. By reorienting martial arts and infusing them with a philosophy consistent with modern, Westernized Japan, he allowed the martial arts not only to survive but to flourish after the Meiji Restoration of 1868. MIND OVER MUSCLE provides an explanation and discussion of this philosophy as well as its applications to areas of life outside of the dojo. It is a necessary read for anyone interested in the theory behind modern martial arts and my high rank is based on the exposition of this philosophy, not on whether I personally agree with every word and idea.

The book has three chapters. The first chapter discusses the development of judo as it evolved out of jujutsu. The major focus of Kodokan judo is that it is not only a fighting method but also a method for physical education and mental training, including intellectual and moral development. A practitioner does not merely imitate the movements of the instructor. Rather, one considers the methods and trains in accordance with detailed principles.

The second chapter explores the spirit of judo and it is here that the basic principle of judo is introduced. This is seiryoku saizen katsuyo (shortened to seiryoku zenyo) which means to make the best use of one's energy. One achieves the best results by putting one's energy to work rationally. This concept subsumed the jujutsu principle of softness controls hardness, which may be consistent with the principle of making the best use of one's energy, but may not in certain circumstances. Kano continues by applying judo's main principle to physical education, intellectual training and moral development.

The third chapter discusses judo training. Kano asserts that the purpose of judo is to perfect oneself so that one may contribute to society. He differentiates between lower-level judo, the purpose of which is to defend against attack; middle-level judo, the purpose of which is physical education and cultivation of one's mind; and upper-level judo, the purpose of which is to use one's lower level skills to contribute to society. This third chapter contains many interesting tidbits, such as Kano's critique of modern randori as ineffective training as it focuses too much on competition while failing to account for the fact that striking may occur in an actual fight even if it is not allowed in judo competition. Unfortunately, Kano appears to stretch things a bit in this chapter as well, as when he tries to apply judo principles to basic economics in a manner that will produce a bit of a wince to anyone familiar with how market economies operate.

Overall, MIND OVER MUSCLE is one of the best books on the theories and ideas of modern martial arts. Even if one does not agree with every idea expressed in its pages, it certainly provides the standard for conversations on the topic. Finally, I should add that although I do study judo, I also study other arts, as well. Yet the principles in the book are applicable to kendo and aikido and probably any other art one could name. Again, a necessary read.

This book caught me by surprise. I expected it to cover throwing techniques. Instead, Dr. Kano covered his philosophy of Judo in a very thorough definitive manner. He says the throwing techniques are just the base level of Judo. And, he divides JUDO in to 3 levels, first-Physical, then perfection of the person, and finally on the highest plane, contributing to society. He mentioned that there were so much ME, ME, ME in Japan, that everyone is responsible for contributing to the improvment of society. I have studied Judo for 30 plus years. I am a nidan. I know about maximum efficiency minimal effort and mutual welfare for all man kind. But I have not heard it described in this manner. WOW...!!! TP

This is one of the best books on judo for the serious student or accomplished instructor. Most books on judo offer good information on applying competition techniques and certainly have their place. What is lacking in many of those books, however, is the fundamental philosophies and principles Jigoro Kano envisioned as the basis of this art and, ultimately, where in life it should lead its students. It is a must read for all judoka.

It may seem strange to many that someone like myself, who devotes himself entirely to the study & practice of Karate, should read this book, let alone write a review on it.

Well, it's a great book, yes it really is!! I can't understand why anyone hasn't written a review about it yet (on the co.uk site!), especially as it is written by the founding father of what we commonly call Judo today. The very man who brought Judo to the Olympics & the world.

This book isn't entirely about Judo 'though. Yes, it gives us a clear history of how it came into being in the early part of the 20th century & the problems that Kano Sensei encountered. How he single handed & studiously developed a proper system of teaching the art from an ancient Japanese fighting system that had previously been passed down by word of mouth & by mindlessly copying the teacher without any real explanation.

More than that he gives us inspiration & courage to go out & try something difficult & different that we've set our hearts upon doing like Judo or Karate & shows us that by persisting with our chosen task we can improve & strengthen our spirit, determination & character.

This isn't just a book for Judo-ka & Judo enthusiasts; it would be very suitable for all martial artists everywhere.

Master Jigoro Kano's book gives a great historical account on why he developed Judo to promote fitness, sport, and cultural interaction; and is not a book focused on technique or application. This compilation of Master Kano's works enables the reader to gain an understanding into the thinking and ultimate goal of the Founder of Judo.

This is a very revealing book, written by one of the masters of martial arts.

This book is really fascinating reading. It covers the development of judo, exploring its roots in jujutsu; the spirit of judo, describing the mental, physical, and moral traditions of the art; and judo training, the purpose and process of learning judo in the dojo. It's rather short, about 160 pages of large-spaced type, but interesting and illuminating nevertheless. It captures many of Kano's teachings, truly helping you understand why and how he transformed a jutsu (combat art) in to a do (martial way). Very well written.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Blinded by the Night, among other titles

As a recognised sportcoach, psychologist and martial athlete, I recommend this book of the founder of Judo and Jiu Jitsu for all martial artists, coaches and others, even movie makers, the government and all freedom loving men! Why? Because in simple words the more positive spiritual, ethical and intelligent reasons for following the "way to be and do good for oneself and others" are explained. The second reason to know the content is that it transcends the boring attitude of only seeing the body. It's simple, but it can help all good men during their entire life.
J.P.R. Petersen Ph.D.

EXCELLENT INSIGHT TO SHIHAN JIGORO KANO WISDOM ON JUDO.
This book is a must to read by all judoka in the world!

I place this book in second place among Judo books for how essential they are to a judoka's library. I think Kano's Kodokan Judo should be the primary book in any judo library, then based upon your focus and who you are I vote this book second. This book very clearly and in an enjoyable manner details Kano's goals and purposes for Judo. It also relates some classical Judo history. "Judo Memoirs of Jigoro Kano" is an unedited raw look at Kano's desires for the development of judo, but it is also a little more obtuse. I value reading the theory and the scope of Kano's vision for Judo and that is what you get in this book.