2022, Volume 18
Brigadier Josef Herzog 8th dan judo (1928-2016) the ambassador of Jigoro Kano's universal mission "Judo in the Mind"
Roman Maciej Kalina1, Kazimierz Witkowski2
1Editor and Chief of Archives of Budo | Lomza State University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza, Poland
2Faculty of Physical Education and Sports, Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
Author for correspondence: Roman Maciej Kalina; Editor and Chief of Archives of Budo | Lomza State University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Lomza, Poland; email: kom.kalina@op.pl
Full text
Abstract
Jigoro Kano, at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles (1932), concluding an occasional lecture dedicated to judo recommendations, stated: “The final aim of Jiudo, therefore, is to inculcate in the mind of man a spirit of respect for the principle of maximum efficiency and of mutual welfare and benefit (...) that man individually and collectively can attain the highest state of advancement, and, at the same time, develop the body and learn the art of attack and defense.”
So why is judo – such a phenomenal method that could be the basis of complementary lifelong health education and survival ability – recognized in the global community as primarily an Olympic-status sport? This question is also relevant in the reflection on the life achievements of Brigadier Josef Herzog (8th dan judo) and his seemingly virtual testament dedicated to judo. Among Josef Herzog's life achievements, judo should be mentioned as very important, if not the most important.
The essence of Josef Herzog's virtual testament was aptly captured by the outstanding Austrian judo athlete Thomas Haasmann: "I am in deep mourning to Josef Herzog He was my mentor, my fatherly friend, my good spirit, the good spirit of the Austrian Judo (…). His spirit will always be in our dojo and we will honour his memory." The scope of Josef Herzog's judo activities extended beyond the borders of Austria. Important was his scientific and didactic cooperation with Professor Ewaryst Jaskólski (1932-2007) and with a group of Polish judo experts already in the period of the Iron Curtain. The wisdom of Josef Herzog will also be missed by the Judo Committee of the International Military Sports Council (CISM), and the Editors of the Archives of Budo. "Papa Judo" – like few others – was able to combine the universal mission of Jigoro Kano "Judo in the Mind" and the most general CISM motto "Friendship through Sport".
Key words: CISM, fun forms of martial arts, science of martial arts