Random thought on Life, Judo Olympics, Judo Self Defense, The Art or Judo Kata, Judo An International Sport. Things that inspire or annoy me or things that I just had to write down.Exploring Kawaishi’s Legacy: A Practical Self-Defence Judo Book
Mikinosuke Kawaishi stands as one of judo’s most influential early teachers in the West. Known for systematising judo instruction in France, he also introduced practical self-defence methods suited for civilians. His book, My Method of Self-Defence, offers a distinct glimpse into how judo can serve beyond sport.
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Who Was Mikinosuke Kawaishi?
Kawaishi was born in Japan but spent much of his life promoting judo in Europe, particularly France. He brought structure to judo instruction, introducing coloured belts to help Western students see their progress. His influence shaped the early French judo syllabus and helped embed judo in European martial arts culture.
More about Kawaishi's impact on French judo can be found in this historical overview from Judo France.
The Book's Purpose and Audience
Unlike Kawaishi’s My Method of Judo, which focuses on sport-based techniques, My Method of Self-Defence offers training for real-world threats. This self-defence judo book targets people who want to defend themselves against strikes, grabs, and armed attackers.
Kawaishi intended it for civilian use, particularly for smaller or less physically dominant people. He framed techniques around principles of leverage, timing, and redirection—hallmarks of classical jujutsu.
Techniques and Structure
The book is filled with photographic sequences that clearly show each move. Kawaishi breaks down techniques step-by-step to help students understand and apply them. These methods often include wrist locks, arm entanglements, counters to grabs, and responses to knife attacks.
Many of these techniques are not seen in modern sport judo. Instead, they reflect older jujutsu forms and predate the codification of judo under the Kodokan system. This makes the book valuable for those studying judo's historical roots or looking to expand their self-defence repertoire.
For a modern comparison of similar self-defence techniques, see this article on judo and jujutsu applications.
Realism and Practicality
Kawaishi’s approach centres on practicality. He does not assume the defender is stronger or faster than the attacker. Instead, his techniques rely on strategy, surprise, and biomechanics. These methods offer solutions for when someone is grabbed, pushed, or attacked with basic weapons.
Unlike many martial arts manuals, this self-defence judo book does not include theoretical essays or long discussions. It remains visually instructional and straightforward. For visual learners or instructors, it serves as a reference point for practical drills.
Influence and Relevance Today
While the book was published decades ago, its content still holds value. In an age where many martial arts have drifted toward sport, Kawaishi's work reminds readers of judo’s roots in self-protection.
Martial artists today may find the book useful when training for scenario-based self-defence or exploring the historical depth of judo. It is particularly useful for judoka who wish to broaden their practice beyond randori and shiai.
A deeper exploration of traditional judo applications is available through the Kodokan Institute’s technical resources.
Final Thoughts
My Method of Self-Defence by M. Kawaishi remains a unique and relevant self-defence judo book. It offers a clear, no-nonsense approach to handling physical threats using timeless judo principles. With its accessible format and realistic techniques, the book continues to inspire judoka and self-defence practitioners alike.
Whether you are a judo instructor, historian, or student of martial arts, this book deserves a place in your collection.
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