Kano Kodokan Practice
Kogi (Theoritical knowledge)
Lectures, explanations about judo technique, philosophy, politics, society, randori, attitude, ethics, education, moral discourse, principle of a technique, meaning of kata, meaning of judo, the right way to behave in life as a member of the Kodokan or as a man. Jigoro Kano proposes some kogi for those who know judo and other kogi to inform people who do not practice.
Mondo (Reflection)
Question and answer exercises. Students and teachers ask and answer questions. This allows to verify if the practitioners have understood and to measure the degree of knowledge in the study of judo.
Kata (Technical knowledge)
Series of techniques whose order and situations are codified. In practicing judo as a method of attack and defense, it is important not to neglect the means of mastering or killing the opponent. In randori, everything that is dangerous is prohibited. It is through kata that one can practice these aspects (atemi, attacks with weapons...) with little risk of injury. It allows the body to get used to the attitudes, movements and gestures of judo. All this technical work depends on the knowledge of the one who transmits it.
Randori (Practice)
Randori is all about working with muscles and mind at the same time. The two partners try to apply the principles of judo by respecting the instructions if given, nothing is codified, both tori and uke are free to attack and defend. In randori, the choice of weakness is essential. It is not about imposing oneself on the other by muscular power. It is appropriate to seek other, more elaborate ways that all must meet the principle: seiryoku zenyo and ju no ri. Randori consists of finding technical solutions to the problems posed by the other, depending on one's own level of experience, technical skill, and physique.
Etiquette in the dojo
Before and after practicing judo or engaging in a match, opponents bow to each other. Bowing is an expression of gratitude and respect. In effect, you are thanking your opponent for giving you the opportunity to improve your technique.
Progressive training
The challenge lies in bridging the gap from learning a specific technique to being able to apply it in competition. Many judoka become frustrated when they have learned how to do a particular technique but find that they are unable to perform it in a dynamic resistive setting like competition. The spectrum from technique learning to competitive application is huge. This gap can only be bridged through specific training methods that initially must be followed in a progressive fashion as follows: