Jun Konno’s research while affiliated with Nihon University and other places

This study aimed to clarify the conceptual structure of the kakehiki movements in judo (offense and defense involving tactical intent leading up to a technique designed to create an advantageous situation) through the construction of a movement measurement scale. Until now, beginners have rarely been taught the kakehiki movements that are necessary to master the offensive and defensive movements typical of judo. This is because the kakehiki movements have been sidelined to tips and instincts of the best competitors, and no effort has been made to conceptualize them as formal knowledge that can be shared and understood by everyone. This study involved a 3-stage survey of judo competitors. The results revealed that kakehiki comprises 4 types of movement: kumite (movements for advantageous judo grips), hyoshi (movements related to rhythm and timing), ma-ai (movements related to psychological distance), and kehai offense and defense (movements to explore the other party's condition). This made it possible to structure the offensive and defensive movements of judo as a general-purpose learning program applicable to beginners as well, which has previously been relegated to tips and instincts of skilled players. By utilizing this scale, it was possible to grasp the abstract aspects of learning, such as judo offense and defense, as a comparable numerical value.

Focusing on the theory of the “principle of ju” that generates movements and techniques reflecting the proverb “softness overcomes hardness: ju yoku go wo seisu”, we discuss the relationship between the movement of modern judo practitioners and its sportization, in order to grasp the current situation of judo in Japan. It was found that there are 3 levels among contemporary Japanese judo practitioners: (1) those who practice judo in the context of a competitive sport while being aware of the tradition, (2) those who practice judo purely as a competitive sport, and (3) those who practice the traditional skills of a martial art. It is widely recognized that those at level (1) tend to neglect, whereas those at level (3) tend to emphasize the arts of judo. Also, older judo practitioners tend to emphasize the proverb “softness overcomes hardness”, but this is unrelated to the length of time spent training and the dan level of the practitioner. Many present day judo practitioners regard judo as a competitive sport, suggesting that – in terms of movement – Japan’s judo tradition being lost. On the other hand, however, it has also become clear that those who love judo and practice it with an attitude not obsessed with victory or defeat or of improving their skills, attach great importance to “softness overcomes hardness”. In order for judo to continue to remain a “physical exercise culture proclaiming the place of traditional Japan in a global world”, it can be suggested that the challenge lies in the rebuilding of the interaction with judo as a martial art that aims for “development of skills” with a loving attitude that differs from competition, while ensuring that some aspects remain competitive.