Seven Disciplines According to MifuneDiligent training leads to mastering actual technique. Actual techniques must be preceded by training of the spirit. The essence of this is a modest, generous, and disciplined spirit that cannot be hindered. In other words, the student should put in his best effort, and nothing less. The following seven explanations deal with this concept:

AVOID FALSEHOOD IN SPIRIT-To bear any falsehood will give the opponent a chance to attack you, because it causes inconsistency. Technique must be decided with precision in an instant and there is no margin for error.

DO NOT LOSE CONFIDENCE-This is related to point 1. The opportunity for a technique can be lost forever in an instant. Therefore, you must act without hesitation, and with confidence.

CORRECT YOUR POSTURE-The correct posture in judo is natural and flexible, and all pretentions must be avoided. The essence of life is truth; nature is forever unchanging because truth is omnipresent. If you are able to discover yourself within this existence, you will be able to perform actions with the greatest freedom.

BE SWIFT-Center of gravity follows the movement of the body, and is essential for maintaining stability. If it is lost, the body becomes unbalanced. Therefore, always fix your spirit, keep your body light, and move when needed, firmly fixing your center of gravity immediately, so as not to give the opponent any advantage.

USE YOUR POWER WITHOUT RESTRAINT-Employ the use of power and swift movement together, but never assume that an all-out effort alone for one action is the end of a technique. Understand that stillness and motion, and gentleness and firmness, are the endlessly repeated processes in which truth exists. With this idea in mind, you should display an infinite energy for life.

DO NOT NEGLECT YOUR TRAINING-The method of training explained above cannot be accomplished in a short time. Techniques are to be mastered by spiritual discipline; therefore daily training should not be neglected. Everyday, know that your understanding is the first step, do not lose sight of your hopes, and you will be able to follow a fresh and fulfilling existence.

DISCIPLINE YOURSELF-To occupy one’s thought solely around oneself is to build a barrier around oneself, thereby losing one’s freedom. Truth exists beyond consciousness. Therefore, if you can lose yourself in the face of an event, you will be able to judge and understand the truth. Even in a match you will be able to detect the opponent’s weak points and control him easily.

"True spirit of Judo is nothing but the gentle and diligent free spirit. Judo rests on flexible action of mind and body. The word flexible however never means weakness but something more like adaptability and openmindedness.

Gentleness always overcomes strength."

Kyuzo Mifune

Five Main Points of Judo

Five Main Points of Judo according to Kyuzo Mifune

ONLY THE ACTIONS OF A FLEXIBLE MIND AND BODY CAN DEFEAT STRENGTH AND RIGIDITY-The word flexible does not imply weakness at all. Instead, “broadminded” and “adaptable” are closer to the true meaning. Thus, the main principle of judo is to discover the inherent benevolence of humans in an ever expanding natural world, and to embody true freedom of human thought and action.

DISPLAY THE MOST DYNAMIC ENERGY IN THE WORST SITUATION-Judo equips you with the freedom to move from a flexible state of body and mind without being trapped or caught by anything. So, in the face of danger you can immediately react to avert danger with a wide variety of movements, depending on the time and circumstance. Danger often occurs unexpectedly; this tends to be the very worst kind of situation. Judo equips you to deal well with unexpected danger. Even in the hardest of circumstances, you will detect your opponent’s vulnerability immediately and be able to change your posture in a split second, thus rendering an opponent’s attack ineffective, and overcoming him easily.

NEGLIGENCE IS THE EQUIVALENT OF LACKING FIXED PRINCIPLES-Turning a disadvantage to an advantage is a subtle art, but you cannot be negligent for even a moment. If you persist in one action or thought, your agility will be compromised and you will lose awareness of your surroundings. Something unexpected will occur, and then you will be defeated. In all situations you should have a free, adaptable, and calm spirit.

NEVER HOLD TO A FIXED IDEA, EXIST IN A SELFLESS STATE-You must never rely on anything when executing a technique. If you try to anticipate the result based on the advantages and disadvantages of the environment, situation, your strength, or any other factor, you will effectively lose your courage. You will be left with a tremendous feeling of regret, because reliance or anticipation will always betray you. Do not fear a stronger opponent, maintain a pure and selfless mind, then your action will be unobstructed, and will express limitless adaptability.

NEVER MAKE LIGHT OF TRIVIAL MATTERS, INSTEAD HAVE A FAITHFUL HEART-If your mind ignores anything, large or small, this will inevitable bring about your defeat. This notion is identical to “fear of an opponent,” whereby one’s full capacity for strength becomes diminished. When facing trouble, a firm and unhesitating spirit is essential for the execution of a suitable technique. If the heart is impatient, for example, to win, then the truth of that moment will not be grasped. Truth is a dynamic, free, and natural element. It should be understood that it always exists within every human. So, if you have a sincere heart, you can achieve great things without effort.