The promotion of the core values of judo and the principle of Jita Kyoei continues with one value each month. Through this initiative, the EJU aims to emphasise the importance of judo as an educational tool, the impact of incorporating these values into everyday life and to deepen the community’s connection to the philosophy of judo. In March, the focus is on SELF-CONTROL and the ambassador for the month is Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and 2023 World Champion, Francisco Garrigós.
Self-control is one of the most essential principles in judo, both on and off the mat. As a martial art rooted in discipline and respect, judo demands that practitioners maintain control over their emotions, actions and responses, even in the heat of competition. The ability to stay calm under pressure, resist the urge to act impulsively and make calculated decisions is where education via judo serves a crucial role. Whether facing a tough opponent or dealing with setbacks in training, self-control ensures that a judoka remains composed and focused on the bigger picture, continuous improvement and mastery of technique.
In a physical sense, self-control is important for executing techniques effectively and efficiently. A judoka who overcommits to a throw without adequate control may lose balance and put themselves at risk. Similarly, when defending against an opponent’s attack, responding with excessive force or aggression can lead to penalties or injuries. Instead, judoka are trained to use their opponent’s energy against them, applying just the right amount of force at the right moment. This measured approach reflects the deeper philosophy of Judo, which emphasises strategy and finesse over brute strength. For Garrigós, self-control in judo translates the following.
For me, self-control in judo means staying calm and continuing with the same strategy in difficult situations, when I am losing or when my opponent is anticipating.
Beyond the dojo, self-control in judo extends to everyday life. The discipline learned through rigorous training helps judoka develop patience, resilience and respect for others. By learning to manage frustration, accept losses gracefully and persist despite challenges, judoka cultivate a mindset that benefits them in all aspects of life. In this way, judo is not just a sport, it is a way of life that teaches practitioners the value of self-mastery, making them not only stronger athletes but also more disciplined and respectful individuals.
Author: Szandra Szogedi