“There are things that cannot be done alone but need the assistance of others.” So writes Jigoro Kano in his essay “Group Life and Judo”. In this essay from “Mind Over Muscle”, a compilation of the writings of Judo’s founder, Professor Kano introduces a second principle of Judo – Mutual Prosperity.
Mutual prosperity is a shortened form of “mutual prosperity through mutual assistance and concession” – in Japanese, “sojo sojou jita kyoei”
The meaning behind the term is that each member of a group should selflessly help other members of the group. As a result, the group will be in harmony and thus able to make the best use of its collective energy – maximum efficiency.
Since it takes only one individual to disrupt the harmony of a group, all members of the group must act considerately, avoid conflict, and avoid offending other members of the group. Furthermore, each group member has different strengths that can compliment and provide assistance to one another. This principle applies to groups great and small.
In the Judo dojo (training hall) its application is immediate and obvious. Judoka (judo practitioners) train as opponents. They attack each other and defend attacks. But they also train as partners. They teach each other and they protect each other from injury. They adhere to a set of rules that minimizes injury from judo waza (techniques).
When all judoka follow the rules and help one another, all benefit from increased learning, increased camaraderie, and improved conditioning without injury – in short - mutual prosperity.
Link to the Special Report: Mind Over Muscle - Jigoro Kano's Judo
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