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To further understand true judo, we must go back to the origin and the ancient practice of the art in its earliest form. Every country has given the world some form of combative art between individuals. In Japan these martial arts were the sole property of the samurai class during the feudal period. Jujitsu, fencing, archery, and combat with lances were the most prominent among these. But time brought about the adoption of more modern weapons, and the martial arts took a back seat while guns, cannons, and the like occupied the foreground. By the end of the Tokugawa period (1615-1867) the martial arts had become systematized and had produced many schools with many eminent masters who developed their own styles and techniques. It was Dr. Jigoro Kano who combined the principles of the martial arts with techniques that he himself had developed and with a mental science program, thereby producing a newer art form called judo.

It should be understood that the development of judo could not allow a separation between that art and the philosophy called Zen. Therefore, if the judoist desires to reach a high level of proficiency in his art, he must learn to put into operation the principle of mind over matter. This principle explains why a smaller man is able to handle a larger attacker with seemingly magical effect. Mastery of ju or "giving way" is not so simple as it sounds. It is the result of sincere effort. The device of giving way until the proper time involves the use of perfect balance, rhythm and harmony, and perception— the kinesthetic or "sixth-sense" feel—of the opponent's off-balance movements. It is this that enables the judoist to gain eventual victory. When his opponent attacks, he must harmonize his own movements with the opponent's brute force in order to gain victory. Thus his preliminary retreat is performed with the goal of ultimate victory in mind. The opponent can thus be led to any disadvantageous position at will and so brought to ultimate defeat.

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