Judo Philosophy Kakemono Art – Jigoro Kano’s Teachings
Jigoro Kano’s Philosophy for Judo and Life
Jigoro Kano (嘉納治五郎), the founder of Judo, established Judo as more than a combat sport — a lifelong path of personal growth and character development. At its heart are two principles:
- Seiryoku Zenyo (精力善用) — Use your energy wisely for self-growth and the good of society.
- Jita Kyoei (自他共栄) — Respect and support one another to grow and prosper together.
Beyond matches, Judo becomes a lifelong discipline — kakemono scrolls displayed in your home or dojo keep Jigoro Kano’s philosophy close, serving as a daily reminder to keep growing in Judo and in life.
A Judoka’s Story
Petteri Luukkainen (Finland)
Judo has been part of our lives for 35 years. It brought my wife and me together and took us around the world through competitions and training camps. I came to understand that Judo is far more than a combat sport. Jigoro Kano’s principles of Jita Kyoei and Seiryoku Zenyo offer guidance for Judo, work, family, and life. To keep these principles in mind, we chose these handmade kakemono scrolls. They now hang in our home as daily reminders of everything Judo has given us. The craftsmanship and quality are excellent, and we truly love these artworks.
Judo Philosophy Collection
Every piece is handcrafted in Japan
— Complete Set —
Judo Philosophy Complete Set — Traditional Style
Place the Judo (柔道) kakemono at the center, with Seiryoku Zenyo (精力善用) and Jita Kyoei (自他共栄) on either side. Together, the three pieces create a balanced and powerful expression of Judo philosophy, bringing an exceptional presence to any home or dojo.
This is our most prestigious set of artworks, available in a variety of calligraphy styles and color combinations. View the product page for full details.
Save 10% compared with buying separately. Free worldwide shipping.
Other Variations
— Duo Set —
Judo Philosophy Duo Set — Traditional Style
Display Seiryoku Zenyo (精力善用) and Jita Kyoei (自他共栄) side by side. Together, the two pieces create a balanced and meaningful expression of Jigoro Kano’s philosophy, bringing the spirit of Judo into any home or dojo.
Available in four calligraphy styles, each with 16 color combinations. Choosing the same color for both scrolls creates a refined, unified look, while combining two favorite colors is also a popular choice. View the product page for full details.
Save 10% compared with buying separately. Free worldwide shipping.
Other Variations
Looking for a Larger Size for Your Dojo?
We can also create a larger 195 cm (77 in) kakemono. Please use our Custom Order service.
From a Japanese Judoka, With Heartfelt Thanks
Hi, I’m Yoshi, the founder of Interior Calligraphy and a Japanese judoka with a black belt.
Through this website, I bring Jigoro Kano’s philosophy and the spirit of Judo to judoka around the world. Every piece, from the calligraphy to the finished kakemono, is handcrafted here in Japan.
Thank you sincerely for visiting our website. I hope these kakemono will stay by your side throughout your journey in Judo.