A Biomechanical Reassessment of the Scientific Foundations of Jigoro Kano's Kodokan Judo

Abstract

In this paper we provide an appraisal of the scientific foundations of the Olympic sport "judo" from a Western perspective, i.e. a biomechanical reassessment of the basic teaching tools of the foundations of Jigoro Kano's Kodokan judo. The core of judo functional organization is the triad made up by the "Kuzushi-Tsukuri-Kake" movement. Kuzushi (unbalance), tsukuri (entry and proper fitting of Tori's [the actor] body into the position prior to the throwing phase), and kake (execution of the judo throwing action) occur as one effective movement without separation. Biomechanical analysis is able to broaden and deepen these steps proposed by Kanō, who for didactic reasons had separated the whole movement into three steps, as was pointed out previously by old Japanese biomechanical studies. The results of our biomechanical reassessment support: The importance of broadening the unbalance concept to the dynamic situation.Singling out the existence of two classes of paths and trajectories called "Action Invariants". The first, "General Action Invariants", are connected to the whole body motion for shortening the distance in the kuzushi/tsukuri phase; the second one, the "Specific Action Invariants", are connected to the superior and inferior kinetic chains motion and right positioning connected to both the kuzushi and tsukuri phases.The existence of two basic physical principles of throwing in according to a new classification.In a clear way the basic mechanical steps of all throws, and also show hidden connections, similarities and differences among judo throwing techniques, making this reassessment particularly useful from a didactic point of view. Demonstrate that this biomechanical approach is also able to understand how new and innovative technical variations are born.Our reassessment helps clarifying his concept and facilitates teachers and coaches in their professional work.