ABSTRACT
Judo follows an educational path of learning through life, applying the principles of softness to matters of attack and defence, to the conduct of daily affairs and to benefit society. The introduction explains that this book is about women who follow that way. The book is about women in judo, not about gender in judo. Jigoro Kano, the founder, drew on the ideas of the English philosopher Herbert Spencer, from his studies at Tokyo University. Spencer argued for the physical education of women, and Kano himself founded the Kodokan Women’s Division. The introduction outlines a synopsis of further chapters and acknowledges the expertise of the co-authors, holders of five doctoral qualifications, Olympic coaches, athletes and managers, academic journal editors who have led national federations and served at the highest levels of the sport. Contributors with significant practitioner experience, who offer an insider’s perspective on women in judo and through this book, offer an innovative contribution to knowledge in this area. To conclude, the introduction looks forward, recognising that the future of women’s judo is in good hands, with equality in prize money, equality in Olympic places and both men and women sharing the tatami in the Olympic team championships.
