AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ORIGINS OF THE NONCLASSIFIED SYSTEM FOR JUDO TOURNAMENTS IN JAPAN

MURATA Naoki

doi:10.11214/budo1968.23.1_8

The paper investigates the origins of the nonclassified system of traditional Japanese judo tournaments in which competitors have been paired at randam regardless of size, age or ability. The teaching of Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo, and he records of the All Japan Judo Championship tournaments were analyzed. The following results were obtained.<br>1. The nonclassified or `open category' system of judo tournaments in Japan replaced the former classified system based on skill and age.<br>2. This change arose from the concern of some Kano's followers who wished to recognize the single strongest judoka' or champion, each year, rather than the eight champions resulting under the earlier classified system. However, such a reform was found to counter Kano's beliefs for such tournaments.<br>3. Proponents of the new, nonclassified system of tournaments to decide the strongest judoka of the year in Japan intended to completely replace the former classified system.<br>4. Originally, classification in tournaments were meant to provide greater equality in competition based upon skill and age as dectated by Kano. However, the nonclassified system disregarded Kano's directives.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE ORIGINS OF THE NONCLASSIFIED SYSTEM FOR JUDO TOURNAMENTS IN JAPAN

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