A Song of Judo

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by Kyuzo Mifune, 10th Dan
1884 to 1965

In time of practice, without distraction,
light in heart and light in limb.
Let us endeavor with full attention,
to concentrate our mind within.
This is the genuine way of Judo.
This is the genuine way of Judo.

Trained through practice to perfection,
skilled in the art of rise and fall.
Let us enter the way of salvation,
freely moving like a ball.
This is the genuine way of Judo.
This is the genuine way of Judo.

The way of Judo knows no bound,
the mild of heart no enmity.
Let us, all nations hand in hand,
build the ideal of amity.
This is the genuine way of Judo.
This is the genuine way of Judo.

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Mifune practicing with Kano

Mifune's 10 Rules for the Study of Judo

1. Remember, the soft controls the hard.

2. Strike to kill. Resolve any problem with a single decisive action.

3. Give it your all; never be tentative (gumbare).

4. Enter a state of no mindedness (mushin).

5. Never under estimate an opponent.

6. Develop self-control and maintain self-confidence.

7. Maintain good posture and speed. Keep your power and balance in all directions.

8. Polish the mind and body through ceaseless training. Avoid taking shortcuts.

9. Literary and judo pursuits take the same route (bunbu ichido).

10. Learn the meaning of this Zen Proverb...

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Nana korobi, ya ok

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Randori at the early Kodokan circa 1913

View Films of Mifune in Action

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