Jigoro Kano and themes of his calligraphy

Thanks for your answer Lance

On the relationship Katsu Kaisho and Kano Jigoro I am referring to the book:

"The Way of Judo: A Portrait of Jigoro Kano and his Students" by John Stevens

chapter "Kano and Katsu Kaisho"

If you like to have a look, a preview is available in google books.

https://books.google.ch/books?id=L13P2hF33PUC&pg=PT32&dq=kano+students&hl=de&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwi7vvqHyO3fAhWFY1AKHcD6C2UQ6AEILjAB#v=onepage&q=katsu&f=false

One problem with all of Stevens' books is near zero documentation. As he was (now retired, I think) a professional academic I assume he knew how to document references, but he certainly doesn't in his pop martial arts books. Disappointing. They are entertaining but hardly authoritative, and I think perhaps misleading if not actually made up in no small part. I have no idea how well any of them sold.

He provides quotes without sources, so there's no way to check. He provides numerous points without references (Such as stating Katsu Kaishu attended every single important Kodokan event? Really? How does one establish that?)

In fact in one of his books he makes a mistake. And I think I know where that mistake came from - the old e-judo forum - because I made it.

And his makes 'quotes' without references - e.g., Kano shihan saying he would devote his entire life to study sounds completely out of character - Kano was against becoming a 'bookworm'. Nowhere in his voluminous writings and third party interviews is there an indication of that. I find it hard to believe as quoted, but can't say Stevens made it up because the negative proof could never be conclusive.

States that Kano absorbed multiple Katsu sayings, then lists a number of sayings without reference or proof Kano ever adopted any of them. Some of them don't make sense for Kano shihan. Some could, but without proof.

Can he have found these points? Sure. And I assume he reads Japanese at an advanced level.
Did he prove them? Not that I can tell.

Katsu Kaishu's collected, edited down works are 18 volumes. Some versions, 20 volumes. All >>400pp.
On the topic of Imperial Army and Navy histories, he wrote multiple volumes on each - huge.
His diary is ~600pp.
In a couple of books 'Tales of Katsu Kaishu' even in the chapters specifically written about Kaishu's time in Kobe there do not seem to be any mention of Kano shihan's father, who lived there.
In their lists of correspondence, Katsu does exchange a couple of letters with Kano shihan.

Did they meet regularly? Perhaps, but not a lot of proof.

Was Kaishu a mentor? I guess you could say so. One man's father's faithful friend is another man's mentor. In Japanese it becomes very vague, particularly when the elder is referred to the by the younger as 'sensei' - my teacher.

I had dinner with Okano sensei last month - ~30 judo guys and Okano sensei's American wife. Everyone was calling everyone sensei, because some are in their 80s, hence senior. They're all my mentors. Except his lovely wife, who was very instructive in a couple of things.

Anatol wrote:Hi Lance

Good judgement. That calligraphy is definitely not painted by Kano Jigoro.

It is a *copy of* a calligraphy by Kano.

http://www.artnet.com/artists/jigoro-kano/xingshushiwen-calligraphy-D-6LFhKHPYF_2kIlHzy8vg2

Completely different individual style in running script.

*******Don't want to critisize too much both of them but I admire the calligraphies of Katsu Kaishu.******

......

Then check this out
http://dl.ndl.go.jp/info:ndljp/pid/1158666
Vol 10 of a Katsu Kaishu collection

Thanks a lot Lance

for all that information on Katsu Kaisho and the exquisite book on Kaisho's calligraphies.

It's very impressive, how Kaisho has accuracy, flow and individuality.

I once compared Kata with calligraphy.

Kata as an Art:

Calligraphy is one part of "Gei Do" (Art Way) and was always considered as one way to refine and deepen the human personality/mind/spirit. It is not just simply "write and produce/copy accurate characters" but an expression of skill, emotion, mind and spirit, personality.

There are four main points to consider in calligraphy:

Form (principles)

Power (stroke)

Rhythm

Spirit

plus tension, vitality, spontaneity, flow, individuality and more

and the Shu-Ha-Ri progression.


If you only do "shu" = protect, obey to fulfill Kata norms, you miss the important part of leaving,

walking your Way.

As Zhuangzi said: "Ways are made by walking."

hahahaa...... superb!

If our former friend CK, apparently a guy of inestimable childishness, had not completely freaked out to hide wherever he is still sulking today, all >180cm >>120kg of his miserable, lurking out there self, there would be at least one person able to joust with you here on this forum on this topic. But, unfortunately, it's not me on this topic.

Meanwhile, as useless as I am on such commentary, for which I apologize, I cannot offer a reposte, but instead, say, thank you for that. I think I get the major points, and keep them coming, please. It is interesting and educational, both.

Thank you!

I did find a Japanese webpage with the conversation between Katsu Kaishu and Kano shihan quoted, but no source given.
https://www.nippon.com/ja/column/g00603/
....
「柔道の父」を作った開明的視点

そんな嘉納治五郎に勝海舟が教え諭したエピソードがある。大学を卒業して学習院の教員をしていた頃、治五郎は海舟を訪ねて、しばらく学問に没頭しようと思う、と述べた。すると勝は、「学者になろうとするのか、それとも社会で事をなそうとするのか」とたずねた。治五郎は「後者で、そのためにしばらく学問に集中したい」と答えると、海舟は、「それはいけない。それでは学者になってしまう。事をなしつつ学問をなすべきだ」と忠告した。この言葉は深く治五郎青年の心を打ち、以降、治五郎は、実際に必要なものに応じて本を読み、勉強するようになったという。海舟の教えは、実践的な知に基づく教育を施していく基盤になったのである。

I'll check a couple of likely references.

https://page.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/k361984472

Jigoro Kano calligraphy seiryoku zenyo 精力善用 (I think) in auction: 45000 japanese jen
But the signature could be “Shinkosaï (進乎斎)” - Shinkosai was one from three Kano's nicknames on calligraphies /pen name - I am not able recognize it good.

100yearlegacy.org wrote:Jigoro Kano’s Penname
Prof. Kano’s penname, until he was 60, was “Kônan (甲南).” During his 60's, he wrote under the name “Shinkosaï (進乎斎)” changing it again to “Ki-Issaï (帰一斎)” in his 70’s.

NBK wrote:I did find a Japanese webpage  with the conversation between Katsu Kaishu and Kano shihan quoted, but no source given.
https://www.nippon.com/ja/column/g00603/
....
「柔道の父」を作った開明的視点

そんな嘉納治五郎に勝海舟が教え諭したエピソードがある。大学を卒業して学習院の教員をしていた頃、治五郎は海舟を訪ねて、しばらく学問に没頭しようと思う、と述べた。すると勝は、「学者になろうとするのか、それとも社会で事をなそうとするのか」とたずねた。治五郎は「後者で、そのためにしばらく学問に集中したい」と答えると、海舟は、「それはいけない。それでは学者になってしまう。事をなしつつ学問をなすべきだ」と忠告した。この言葉は深く治五郎青年の心を打ち、以降、治五郎は、実際に必要なものに応じて本を読み、勉強するようになったという。海舟の教えは、実践的な知に基づく教育を施していく基盤になったのである。

I'll check a couple of likely references.

A friend helped me out. Thank you, Kibushi sensei.
It is referenced in Morohashi's 'Kano Jigoro', Kodokan, 1964, pg 54, complete with quotes.
Later in the book in multiple places Morohashi credits Katsu with influence on Kano shihan's thoughts about education, along with other people, and support of the Kano juku.

"The calligraphy hung in the front of Historical Materials Display Room that says “With no disturbance in mind, feel the wonder of nature and without intentional actions, pursue the essence of changes” was brushed by Kaishu Katsu.
Kaishu Katsu was deeply impressed when he saw the founder Jigoro Kano perform kata, so he brushed this calligraphy and gave it to Kano as a gift."

Source https://www.stroll-tips.com/en/kodokan-judo/

there's a long thread someplace wherein CK, Anatol, and I went back and forth on this poem, trying to get the best English translation. (I tend to like mine....)

Katsu Kaishu ('Awa' was another name) had a great many fans. I have a 1904 English book in which the author, a personal friend of Katsu, likened him to the greatest political figures of America and Europe. He was unique, no doubt.

http://www.samurai-revolution.com/clarks-biography-of-katsu-kaishu/

I read some book about Sakamoto Ryoma. He went kill to Katsu Kaishu to his house. Katsu Kaishu it recognized and invited Sakamoto and his friend to his house and give them some speech. After this Sakamoto didnt want to kill him and begun learn from him.

Katsu Kaishu spent some years in USA with some japanese naval delegation and he was modernist. May be it was mentor for Kanos modernisation of japanese education system ... for judo too in his era.

noboru wrote:I read some book about Sakamoto Ryoma. He went kill to Katsu Kaishu to his house. Katsu Kaishu it recognized and invited Sakamoto and his friend to his house and give them some speech. After this Sakamoto didnt want to kill him and begun learn from him.

Katsu Kaishu spent some years in USA with some japanese naval delegation and he was modernist. May be it was mentor for Kanos modernisation of japanese education system ... for judo too in his era.

Yes, Sakamoto Ryoma went to kill Katsu, who asked him to wait until he could explain himself. The argument was that Ryoma wanted Japan to remain closed, and Katsu thought that not viable and that Japan must open up to become viable.

Afterwards, Ryoma became convinced, and became Katsu's deshi.

Their association created substantial problems for Katsu.

Katsu didn't spend 'years' in the US, but he was the captain of the first Japanese ship to cross the Pacific. His memoirs of his time in the US are interesting.

I don't think Ryoma ever met Kano shihan. He was assassinated in 1867, when Kano shihan was a child still at home in Kobe.

noboru wrote:"The calligraphy hung in the front of Historical Materials Display Room that says “With no disturbance in mind, feel the wonder of nature and without intentional actions, pursue the essence of changes” was brushed by Kaishu Katsu.
Kaishu Katsu was deeply impressed when he saw the founder Jigoro Kano perform kata, so he brushed this calligraphy and gave it to Kano as a gift."

Source https://www.stroll-tips.com/en/kodokan-judo/

Thanks Noboru!

Katsu Kaisho was a true master of running script (semi cursive script).

The content of the poem reminds me on the "Song of Judo" by Kyuzo Mifune:

In time of practice, without distraction,

light in heart and light in limb.

Let us endeavor with full attention,

to concentrate our mind within.

This is the genuine way of Judo.

This is the genuine way of Judo.

.

Trained through practice to perfection,

skilled in the art of rise and fall.

Let us enter the way of salvation,

freely moving like a ball.

This is the genuine way of Judo.

This is the genuine way of Judo.

.

The way of Judo knows no bound,

the mild of heart no enmity.

Let us, all nations hand in hand,

build the ideal of amity.

This is the genuine way of Judo.

This is the genuine way of Judo.

.

What is the Essence of Judo? What is the very Heart of Judo?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vdKSRMx5QuQ

NBK wrote:......
I don't think Ryoma ever met Kano shihan. He was assassinated in 1867, when Kano shihan was a child still at home in Kobe.

You know, now that I think about it, it is very possible that Kano shihan as a child met Sakamoto Ryoma.

Katsu opened the Kobe navy school in May 1864, closed in mid-1865. Ryoma was one of its best known students. In fact, he was so well known that the presence of him and other sonno-joi extremists led to Katsu's opponents in the bakuhan system to militate successfully to get the school shut down.

The school in the then small fishing village of Kobe was <10km to the Kano family home in Nada. And Katsu certainly knew Kano shihan's father Jirosaku, interacted with him regularly.

So, it's possible that Ryoma met the child Jinnosuke (Kano's birthname) at 3-4 years old.

Jigoro Kano photography from ‎FCB - Adam Robert Turner‎ for Historical Ninjutsu and Samurai Warfare

This dōjō, now located at Meijimura, an outdoor architectural museum in Aichi, was built in 1878. We can see the differences starting to manifest in this structure between historic training buildings and more modern dōjō, and so I think it’s interesting. This dōjō is a multipurpose sports hall with an archery range out back. The hall is mostly floored with wooden planks but also has a tatami area around the edges and toward the front of the building. The tatami was probably used for jūjutsu training, but older jūjutsu halls I’ve seen didn’t use tatami for training on. Other modern features include the state-mandated kamidana / kamiza and some modern tools (clubs and batons used for callisthenics). A more traditional feature of the hall would be the viewing galleries with tatami matting at either end of the hall. The tatami around the edges of the springy wooden floor may also have been intended as a comfortable place to sit whilst spectating or waiting to spring into action. An old kendo suit is displayed in the hall. The architecture also blends indigenous and western features, typical of the Meiji Period.







Text on the calligraphy could be ???  Shin-shin Jizai / 心身自在 Free Mind and Body (Soul)

On the old photo from some old Kodokan dojo with Kano Jigoro gives lectures to student is the same caligraphy thema - I think.



心身自在 Free Mind and Body (Soul)

http://kodokanjudoinstitute.org/en/doctrine/word/jinsei-no-koro/



“Jinsei no koro tada itsu aru nomi : There is only one journey of life”

人生行路 唯有一耳01

The Essential Point:
There is only one way on which human beings should go forward.
Even if you are standing at the very peak of success, or at the very depths of discouraging failure, there is only one way to proceed forward. At the summit of achievement, do not lose your concentration, but seek the path for the best and take it even farther forward. If you fail at some endeavor, giving in to despair or agonizing over it is a waste of energy. Remain failures as they are, and move on from that, always taking the best path available. That is Seiryoku-Zenyo.
The way on which you should proceed ahead is the one and only way that accords with the philosophy of Seiryoku-Saizen-Katsuyo.
People who undergo the discipline of Judo and are acting in accordance with this philosophy of Seiryoku-Zenyo will be able at any time to see the way on which they should keep going.

Not until you pursue the discipline of Judo by also cultivating wisdom and virtue will the magnificence of the discipline shine forth as a brilliantly bright light. As long as that light does not materialize in your actual everyday life, you cannot declare the discipline fulfilled. Regarding how it materializes in everyday life, the ways are truly complex in their diversity, but the application that is nearest to hand is in the cultivation of your very own heart and mind, which must also be in your everyday life. If there is someone among those who have practiced Judo who immoderately regrets and laments his own errors, that person cannot yet be said to have understood the deeper meaning of Judo. While recognizing one's errors is something inherently desirable, immoderately regretting and grieving over those committed in the past is of no benefit. Rather, having recognized that something was an error, one must seek not to repeat that same mistake, consider what must be done to make up for it, and strive as best as one can to do good, making every effort not to spend energy even for a moment on anything worthless.
Also, those who understand Judo are bound not to have fits of anger. Anger is a phenomenon that occurs when the emotions govern reason, causing loss of a calm state of mind. What benefit is there in being angry? In most cases it further consumes one's energy and makes others feel uncomfortable, or results in one becoming an object of ridicule. It is the same with complaining about grievances. Hardly ever does complaining about grievances bring benefit to oneself or anyone else. In most cases, you will feel unpleasant yourself and cause others also to have bad feelings, without doing any good at all. If you have the free time to be doing so, then nothing could be better than for you to accomplish the things you yourself are supposed to do, with no omissions, and eliminate the chance for complaint to reoccurring. It is also the same with agonizing over things, which will not happen to people who have successfully cultivated the spirit of Judo. Just what is there to agonize over? Agonizing is the state of mind that occurs when there are any number of avenues available and you are unsure of which to follow. The fundamental teachings of Judo say there is only one avenue for you to take. Making the most effective use of your mental and physical capabilities is the essence of Judo, meaning that if you just do what you think is best, all will be well and good. As I myself am always saying, “There is only one journey of life.” These seven words convey this meaning completely. It may be that some people will find fault with this and ask, but what should they do when they cannot tell which avenue is best? There will be cases that require you to think it through. Thinking about it, however, is different from agonizing over it. And in most cases, thinking about it is not going to require spending a very long time. This is the same as when people are traveling and come to a crossroads. If there is nobody there to ask which way to go, will the travelers just stop and spend hours or days agonizing over it? That is hardly likely to happen. The travelers are sure to give it some thought, choose the one way that seems most likely, and go in that direction. If that way turns out to be mistaken, then they will probably judge it anew and go forward in the direction they think is right. There is no need to agonize over it. All things are resolved in the very same way. I do not want those who are cultivating Judo to suffer needlessly over such a simple thing as what I have just described.
(Jigoro Kano, “Kodokan Judo no Bunkateki Seishin no Hakki” [Manifesting the Cultural Spirit of Kodokan Judo) in Yuko no Katsudo [Effective Action], Vol. 8, No. 2 (1922))

The result of research into Judo's ability to give life and to take it away was to give birth to the teaching of “Seiryoku-Saizen-Katsuyo.” This became the principle of all combat in earnest, and this principle can further be applied to everything in human life. This means that the teaching of maximum efficient utilization of the spirit, by making use of all energies, yields the greatest effect according to this principle, whether in obtaining sustenance, clothing, and shelter, or in social relations. This is why the kind of behavior that shows anger goes against this principle, even in ordinary social life. For a person to become angry is in itself a depletion of the spirit. What could there be in anger that brings benefit to anyone else or to yourself? The result of becoming angry is that you deplete your own spirit, while on the other side of it, people will dislike and despise you, and that is all it will amount to. Considering this, then according to the philosophy of Seiryoku-Saizen-Katsuyo, it would appear that people should be unable to become angry.
In addition, for a person to fail or have setbacks and so to despair and agonize over it, or to harbor grievances and dissatisfaction in themselves is also a kind of depletion of the spirit. Fighting, behaving antagonistically, all these actions go against this principle.
Judoka must take this teaching upon themselves and act with great self-restraint. No matter what situation they may face, there is only one way in which human beings should go forward. Whatever their situation at the time, they must consider what is appropriate for them to do, and proceed forward in that direction. This is the one and only way for them to take.
I have composed an expression that I regularly tell people:
There is only one journey of life.
That is the expression, and it is necessary above all to comport yourself every day according to this philosophy.
Even when human beings are poised at the very peak of success, there is only one way on which they should go forward. Even if they experience failure and discouragement, if they regain their courage and go the way they are supposed to - the best way - then all at once they will see a brilliant light on the road ahead, and they will find their circumstances gradually improving. Good ways can be found anywhere if we consider the situation. Those who undergo the discipline of Judo and devote themselves to the philosophy of Seiryoku-Saizen-Katsuyo? will find the way in which they should move forward. That is why their hearts are always at peace, and why they are joyful and positive. Only those who have thoroughly absorbed this philosophy will be able to lead the most advanced spiritual life.
(Jigoro Kano, Judo Gokui Kyohan [Innermost Teachings of Judo] (1925))

noboru wrote:On the old photo from some old Kodokan dojo with Kano Jigoro gives lectures to student is the same caligraphy thema - I think.



心身自在 Free Mind and Body (Soul)

The earliest descriptions of the Kodokan noted that Kanō shihan spent up to one-half of the instruction time on lectures, discussions of health, hygiene, philosophy, etc.