Judo: Etiquette, Manners, Ethics

The practice of Judo, as we all know, has many rules of etiquette, manners, and requires sound ethical practice and reasoning. The centrality of these concerns can readily be observed if we consider the prominence afforded these features of Judo on the International Judo Federation website. Here, at University Judo we also believe that judo students learn important values of respect, respect for their instructors, or sensei ; their partners, both senior and junior to them ; the officials and referees of judo ; the families and friends of judo classmates; and above all, themselves. Our dojo has a strict code of conduct and we require our students to learn much of the social etiquette necessary to become solid citizens of the world.

With this in mind, players are encouraged to take the following Ethical quiz. Please note that it is not currently a requirement of the new regulations governing advancement to 1st Kyu. However it may be soon.


You are driving down the road in your Car on a wild, stormy night, when you pass by a bus stop and you see three people waiting for the bus:

1. An old lady who looks as if she is about to die.

2. An old friend who once saved your life.

3. The perfect partner you have been dreaming about.

Which one would you choose to offer a ride to, knowing that there could only be one passenger in your car? Think before you continue reading.

This is a moral/ethical dilemma that was once actually used as part of a job application. You could pick up the old lady, because she is going to die, and thus you should save her first. Or you could take the old friend because he once saved your life, and this would be the perfect chance to pay him back. However, you may never be able to find your perfect mate again.

YOU WON'T BELIEVE THIS ....

The candidate who was hired (out of 200 applicants) had no trouble coming up with his answer. He simply answered: 'I would give the car keys to my old friend and let him take the lady to the hospital. I would stay behind and wait for the bus with the partner of my dreams.'

Sometimes, we gain more if we are able to give up our stubborn thought limitations.

Never forget to 'Think Outside of the Box.'

HOWEVER ... The correct answer is to run the old ladyover and put her out of her misery, have sex with the perfect partner on the hood of the car, then drive off with the old friend for a few beers.
God, I just love happy endings....