“JUDO: …may mean “gentleness”, “softness”, “suppleness”, and even “easy”, depending on its context. …reference to the martial arts principle of the “soft method”. The principle of using one’s opponent’s strength against him and adapting well to changing circumstances… “maximum efficiency”. Jujutsu techniques that relied solely on superior strength were discarded or adapted in favour of those that involved redirecting the opponent’s force, off-balancing the opponent, or making use of superior leverage. The use of “dÅ”, meaning way, road or path (and is the same character as the Chinese word “tao”), has spiritual or philosophical overtones. Use of this word is a deliberate departure from ancient martial arts, whose sole purpose was for killing. Kano saw judo as a means for governing and improving oneself physically, mentally, emotionally and morally. He even extended the physical principle of maximum efficiency into daily life, evolving it into “mutual prosperity”. In this respect, judo is seen as a holistic approach to life extending well beyond the confines of the dojo.”
— Judo – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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