“… seiryoku zenyo means bringing about maximum results through the use of every sort of energy … The results of anger are invariably a depletion of mental energy … Being disappointed or troubled by failures or setbacks, or harboring grievances are also ways in which mental energy is consumed. Arguments, fights – all these things are violations of seiryoku zenyo.”
“… those who practice judo and who follow the principle of seiryoku zenyo always have a calm spirit, enjoy life, and are enterprising.”
Jigoro Kano, founder of Judo, believed that seiryoku zenyo (Maximum Efficiency) is the key to success and happiness in life for individuals and for society. His words, quoted above from the compilation of his writings, "Mind Over Muscle", express his belief that negative emotions waste a person’s energy and thereby limit his ability to control his life and influence events.
One who has a calm spirit not only retains the ability to think clearly, but also conserves his energy for focused expenditure on important and real purposes.
“… the purpose of judo is to perfect oneself, to contribute to society, and to adapt oneself to the times.”
Professor Kano goes on to explain that there are three levels of Judo.
The Lower level is about learning the waza (techniques) and randori (free practice with a partner). In this level you develop your body and, through randori, you learn observation, patience, grace; you learn to learn. You learn the concepts of maximum efficiency and mutual prosperity. Society benefits because you become a more productive person.
The Middle level is where you develop a calmness of spirit derived from confidence, courage, and control of your emotions. Mastery of waza leads to feelings of pleasure and camaraderie. You fully accept maximum efficiency and mutual prosperity and you learn to clarify your goals. You learn much from observation.
The Upper level of Judo is where judoka find they apply the principles of Judo, maximum efficiency, mutual prosperity, and clarifying goals, to every aspect of their lives. They listen. They observe. They remain calm in the storm. Many become leaders because they learned important leadership skills in the dojo and because they calmly apply their energy in the most effective way
“As long as they believe that they have used their mental and physical energy most effectively, human beings will never lose hope, nor will they suffer undue anxiety. This is because, having used their energy most effectively, they have no room to expend it in any other manner.” So Professor Kano describes the perfected judoka. I haven’t met one yet and I don’t expect to. This is an ideal to strive for - but not one that can be grasped by living beings.
Nevertheless, this calm self-control, this centeredness is far more prevalent in long time martial artists that in any other group of people I’ve ever met.
Jigoro Kano’s essays on Judo and its principles are an important part of the literature of martial arts – especially so for those who practice Judo, Neko Ryu Goshen Jitsu, or another form of Jiu Jitsu
Link to the Special Report: Mind Over Muscle - Jigoro Kano's Judo
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