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The concepts behind Godo predate Judo, just as the concept of Ju upon which Judo is largely based predate Judo. Even though Judo began with a foundation of non-resistance, it was recognized fairly early that the complementary principle of resistance (or strength), was just as critical to the martial artist.

One of the immortals of Judo history, Sakujiro Yokoyama comments:

"It is a tradition handed down from old times that in Taijutsu or in Jujutsu, the more strength one has, the more liable one is to be beaten on account of the strength, and it does one more harm than good.  But this is a great mistake.  Other things being equal, the stronger man is bound to win.  This is the basic principle of Godo.  It is quite true however, that one with less strength sometimes is the superior, on account of his greater skill, to one with more strength.  Again one who has much strength is apt to rely on it, often applying his strength against the principles of Judo.  He may beat those with very much less strength than himself, but he can never win over one who is very skillful in his tricks or another who has equal strength, much less over a person who has more strength.  Besides, he will get into a bad habit of doing his tricks against Judo principles and in a slovenly way, which habit he will find a great obstacle in his progress.

This fact seems to have been the cause of that mistaken tradition.   But this never comes of the fact that a man has much strength, but of the fact that he lacks coaching and he has his own way in training himself; that is, trusting entirely on his strength.  If a strong man, however, trains himself thoroughly, paying careful attention to the principles of Judo & Godo, there will be no fear for his being taken advantage of by his own strength; he will never fall into the mistake of applying his tricks in a wrong way; his progress in both arts will have no obstacle, and he will be able to make the most proper use of his strength.  There is no doubt that his strength together with his skill will make him a formidable exponent.  If the great masters of Judo in former days had had more strength, they would have been still more proficient.  Briefly speaking, strength is very necessary to enable one to keep one's own proper posture, to break one's opponent's posture, and apply one's tricks upon him.  Judo pupils should cultivate their strength in order to use it properly whenever necessary.  Godo pupils should likewise cultivate their skill in order to properly use their strength."

As Yokoyama makes clear, both arts can learn from each other, and indeed, Godoka most often begin their training as Judoka... just as many high-level international competitors seek out Godo training to help their competitive career.

One of the interesting stories that illustrates the beginnings of Godo is when Kyuzo Mifune visited a Karate Dojo.  They were demonstrating the power of Karate with tile breaking, and Mifune was asked if a Judoka could do the same.  Mifune replied that certainly, it was quite easy for a Judoka. So, challenged to demonstrate, Mifune asked that the tiles be set up, and he would return in just a moment to break the tiles.  Returning a few minutes later carrying a hammer, the Karateka demanded to know why he was clearly about to use the hammer to break the tiles...  Mifune merely replied that in Judo, the efficient use of power was a key principle.  The hammer became the symbol of the emerging Godo, and this is commemorated today in the Godo emblem as crossed hammers.

Due to very poor documentation – it’s rather unclear when Godo was developed as an art separate from Judo; but most scholars pinpoint the late 1920’s.  This was an unfortunate time for modern day Judoka, as this was also the time that Japan’s growing nationalism was formed.

Japan’s desire to increase it’s military power and influence in the world led to the use of martial arts to support and aid the growing nationalism.  Very few Westerners were granted the knowledge of Godo during this time period, as it was thought to be a more powerful expression of martial training, and as Sensei Keichi Hirose commented; “These arts should be reserved for Nisei only.”

Not all Japanese felt so insular, and indeed, Jigoro Kano attempted to fight the increasing militaristic use of his arts.  But the historical record shows that the highest technical development of Godo was during a time period when few Westerners were allowed to learn these higher concepts.

Although Godo never made a complete split from Judo – a different emblem (seen at the top left) was created for Godo, and the traditional rei was discarded in favor of the crossed fists.  Godoka will ‘bow’ by remaining completely upright, and making a fist with both hands, cross their hands in front of their chest, palm inward.

Immediately following Japan's loss during World War II, all martial arts were banned for five years by the American occupation.  This martial arts ban was due to the belief that martial arts before the war helped support and foster the nationalistic spirit that directly supported the growth of Japanese militarism.

No one was allowed to practice or teach any martial art.  During the American occupation, however, Japanese martial artists were working towards the day when they could practice and teach again.   In order to implore occupation authorities to lift the ban, efforts were made to stress the positive aspects of martial arts, and to treat them as sports rather than martial skills.

One of the changes made during this time period was the complete submergence of any aspects of Godo in the practice of Judo.  As Godo emphasizes strength, power, and crippling, even killing techniques - it was thought by the Kodokan that in order to speed up the time when Judo would no longer be banned, that Godo must be less publicized, even hidden.  Indeed, Godo has practically disappeared from the knowledge of most Judoka.

Although Godo is a largely secretive art, rumors are always spreading - one persistent rumor is that Yasuhiro Yamashita practiced Godo during his college years...  one can only speculate what effect that may have had on his incredible winning streak in Judo.  He was certainly well known for his immensely powerful Judo.

Many Judoka were astonished, and even dismayed when Isao Inokuma utilized weight training in his Judo training curriculum.  Anton Geesink (who became the first non-Japanese World Champion), followed Inokuma's lead, and developed a very powerful body with the aid of weight training.  This is a pure Godo training regimen.  Godo emphasizes strength and power, so Godoka spend a great deal of time with weight training.  It's a virtual certainty that Anton Geesink, at least, was a secret Godoka, although it's unclear who his Godo Sensei was. A very rare photo shows Geesink engaged in typical Godo strength training.  (Click on the photo for a larger view)

Because of the great secrecy that developed after World War II, it’s very difficult to locate a qualified Godo instructor, and most Judoka are not familiar enough with the art to be able to teach it.  In fact, for most Judoka, Godo is an almost mythical art remembered mainly for its primary kata, the ‘Go No Kata’.  Sadly, although many Judoka have at least heard of the Go No Kata, few have access to the secrets of the real kata.  Those that do have often demonstrated their mastery over other Judoka with the added advantage of their knowledge.  Anton Geesink is the first Judoka documented to have known the kata in modern times – and he defeated the very best Judoka the Japanese could put against him.

Among Japanese Judoka, it’s rumored that Yasuhiro Yamashita became a Godo adept in his college years.  Yamashita refuses to acknowledge it, however; so it remains speculation only.  But his long winning streak of 203 straight victories in his last 8 years of competition tends to support the idea that he mastered the art of Godo.  It’s worth pointing out that Yamashita has always been well known for his extremely powerful, virtually irresistible techniques.

Hopefully, by revealing this history, GodoInfo.com will help the Judo community rediscover the power of Godo techniques and training methods...  and encourage the few existing Godo Sensei to step forward and offer instruction.