Judo and Education: The Kano Method for Growth Inside and Outside the Mat

Judo is not just a combat sport.

This is the first thing we understand when reading Education through Judo – The First Three Kyū , the interactive manual that takes up the teachings of Jigoro Kano, the founder of this discipline.

Kano had a revolutionary vision for his time. He wanted to create a system that went beyond simple martial technique, capable of developing well-rounded individuals, capable of applying the principles of judo to everyday life.

His motto, Seiryoku Zenyo (best use of energy) and Jita Kyoei (mutual prosperity and well-being), were not empty slogans, but represented the pillars of a profound educational philosophy.

Let's start with a historical fact. Judo was born in 1882, when Kano, a young Japanese educator, founded the Kodokan in Tokyo. It was not just a gymnasium, but a school where physical practice intertwined with moral and intellectual education.

Kano had studied several schools of traditional jujutsu, but he felt something was missing: a systematic educational dimension. For this reason, he transformed ancient techniques into a modern pedagogical method.

This manual focuses on the first three kyū, the grades preceding black belt. This choice is no coincidence: they represent the most formative phase of the judo journey, where the technical and, above all, mental foundations are built.

Each technique is presented not just as a movement to be performed, but as a broader learning opportunity. The concept of ukemi , or falls, is emblematic: learning to fall correctly isn't just about protecting the body during training, but also developing the ability to accept defeat and transform a negative situation into an opportunity for growth.

How many times in life must we "learn how to fall" and get back up? Judo teaches exactly this, through physical repetition that becomes a mental habit.

The manual has a distinctive feature: it's interactive. It doesn't just describe the techniques with text and images, but also offers reflection exercises and questions that prompt the student to question the deeper meaning of what they're practicing.

This methodology faithfully reflects Kano's approach, which saw the student as an active part of the educational process, not as a simple executor of instructions.

The throwing techniques ( nage-waza ) taught in the early kyū are seemingly simple: o-goshi, uki-goshi, seoi-nage. Behind each throw, however, lies a fundamental biomechanical and strategic principle.

How to use your opponent's strength to your advantage? How to identify the right moment, the kuzushi , the imbalance, to act? These concepts go far beyond the mat and find application in work, relationships, and everyday challenges.

Respect is another central pillar of judo. Every training session begins and ends with a greeting, the rei . This isn't formality, but rather recognition of the other as an indispensable partner for one's growth. Without a training partner, there is no progress.

Kano insisted on this aspect, opposing a more brutal vision of traditional martial arts. In judo, competition isn't about destroying one another, but about encouraging each other to improve.

The manual also devotes space to the less visible aspects of judo: breathing, posture ( shizentai ), and muscle tension management. These are details that a beginner might overlook, but which make the difference between an effective technique and a clumsy one.

Here too, the parallel with everyday life is evident: correct posture and controlled breathing help us better deal with stressful and pressured situations.

Interactivity is also manifested through self-assessment forms that invite students to reflect on their progress, identifying strengths and areas for improvement. This process of self-observation is central to Kano's education.

Progression in kyū is not a simple accumulation of techniques, but a journey of personal growth. Each grade requires technical skills and human qualities such as perseverance, humility, and the ability to learn from mistakes.

Kano's grading system is brilliant for this very reason: it offers intermediate goals that keep motivation high without losing sight of the overall journey.

Why is this book important today? In an age where education is often reduced to the transmission of information, Kano's method reminds us that education means forming well-rounded people, capable of thinking, relating, and facing difficulties with balance.

Education Through Judo – The First Three Kyū is available on Digital Index in print and digital formats. It is aimed at practitioners, teachers, educators, and anyone interested in educational methodologies that integrate body and mind.

A manual that honors Jigoro Kano's legacy, making it accessible and applicable.

Discover the book on Digital Index .