Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book focuses on judo – a sport and a way of life. It draws on academic sources to present a depth of analysis on the development of judo, and particularly the development of judo scientific and research activities. The book demonstrates that science and research has been an integral part of judo since its inception. It also draws on the writings of Jigoro Kano to consider Judo as a physical, intellectual and moral education – the Principle of the Three Educations as originally proposed by Herbert Spencer. The book also focuses on academic research, such as studies into brain grey matter, and the psychosocial impact of martial arts training, to consider few educations in the context of judo. It presents a short history of judo kata, an outline of the Kodokan kata, and a discussion on the value of kata training.