Judo (柔道) is composed of two kanji, 柔 (Ju): Meaning “gentle” or “flexible.” and 道 (Do): Meaning “way” or “path.”

Ju No Michi (柔の道) is composed of three kanji: 柔 (Ju): Meaning “gentle,” “soft,” or “flexible,” reflecting the principle of adapting and yielding to external forces, の (No): A possessive particle in Japanese, meaning “of” or “belonging to.” and 道 (Michi/Do): Meaning “way” or “path,” which refers to a philosophical approach or method of practice.

IPPON IS CREATED BY UKE and TORI, if one of them have a lack of commitment, there is no IPPON

Junomichi (Ju No Michi) is a practice dedicated to researching how to create an Ippon.

Mr. Igor Correa Luna created the name Ju No Michi to distinguish it from sport Judo, which has diverged from Dr. Jigoro Kano’s original vision of Judo.

In Junomichi, the focus is on achieving a moment of harmony between Uke and Tori through total commitment. An Ippon is the result of precise work in randori and shiai, where Uke and Tori’s movements, intentions, and energies align perfectly.

The creation of Ippon requires the full engagement of both Uke (the receiver) and Tori (the giver). Each practitioner must commit fully, bringing focus and energy to their work in randori and shiai. The relationship between Uke and Tori is one of collaboration, where both work together, constantly adjusting and responding to one another to reach the moment where Ippon is achieved.

This process is guided by the principles of Kokorozashi, understood as working with the intelligence of the heart. Kokorozashi ensures that Uke and Tori act with sincerity, empathy, and purpose. Their actions are based on moral integrity, ensuring that the practice remains grounded in ethical values.

To guide this exploration, Mr. Igor Correa Luna introduced five key principles—No Opposition, Hara Mobility, Decision, Self-Control, and Encompassing—which help Uke and Tori align their actions with Kokorozashi. These principles ensure that every action is deliberate and aimed at creating Ippon, staying true to Dr. Kano’s original philosophy of Judo.

In the following posts, we will explore the essential elements of Junomichi:

1. Requirements to create an Ippon
   This post is a talk about how Junomichi is centred on the creation of Ippon. The Ippon is a moment of harmony and balance between Uke and Tori, achieved through their total commitment in randori and shiai.
2. Part 2: Uke and Tori – A Balanced Partnership
   This post explores how Uke and Tori work together to create Ippon, with their roles intertwined in a collaborative effort, guided by the five principles of Junomichi.
3. Part 3: Kokorozashi – The Moral Foundation of Junomichi
   Kokorozashi, understood as the intelligence of the heart, provides the moral foundation for Junomichi. This post examines how Kokorozashi directs the actions of Uke and Tori in their practice.
4. Part 4: What is Ippon?
   This post explores the meaning of Ippon in Junomichi, showing how it represents a moment of unified, harmonious action between Uke and Tori, grounded in the five principles.

Each of these posts will provide discussions into how Mr. Igor Correa Luna’s five principles guide the practice of Junomichi. Through complete commitment and adherence to Kokorozashi, Uke and Tori create the conditions for Ippon to emerge.