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| The object of mid-winter practice (Jigoro Kano) |
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On 6th January at 5.00am, the sound of a large drum fills a cold dojo and signals the start of the annual Kodokan mid-winter practice.
Jigoro Kano wrote this in the foreward of a book so that everyone could understand the reasons for mid-winter training.
For some years mid-winter practice has taken place here over a 30 day period. People have become attached to the customary randori practice every day in the early morning.
Before the Meiji restoration the words 'budo' and 'recreation' were not used although people used to practise. People also did not ask about the meaning of mid-winter training. After the Meiji restoration Kodokan was the first place to have practice and start using these words. Here, I explain the reasons why I started mid-winter training.
Judo training is physical education and of course a martial art. At the same time it must be a successful way of cultivating the mind and developing good manners. So in the 30 days chosen in winter, from 5am (sometimes 4am) to 7am people are encouraged to practise randori every day. If you think about completing all 30 days you will need the sort of determination where once you decide to do something you never give up. You must have the willpower to beat the feelings of cold and sleep. Also, you must be careful not to catch a cold or get injured. So, if you have perfect attendance then you will have the self-discipline to achieve anything.
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