In Judo, the intent and objective is to throw your opponent to his back. In Godo, however, techniques have been left in their pre-Judo forms, and often are designed to land uke on his head. It's correctly believed that this will be a more crippling form of the technique, as ancient Japanese history records many battlefield deaths from broken spines.

As well, Gichin Funakoshi, known today as the originator of Shotokan Karate, gave a demonstration in Tokyo in 1922 that was attended by Jigoro Kano. Kano was so impressed that he asked Funakoshi to come to the Kodokan and teach some of his Karate Kata. Kano was greatly impressed with the power demonstrated by Funakoshi, and asked him if he would head up a Kodokan "Karate Division". Funakoshi declined, fearing that his Karate would be swallowed up in the much larger Judo organization, but Kano learned and adapted much of the power of Shotokan Karate into the newly emerging Godo.

In Judo, techniques are broadly organized into three distinct areas:

Tachi Waza - Standing Techniques
Katame Waza - Ground Techniques
Atemi Waza - Striking Techniques

In Godo, there are distinct differences:

Tachi Waza - as previously mentioned, the intent in Tachi Waza is different, the aim being to land uke on his head. Mats are not utilized in the same way as in Judo, but headgear and crash pads are a necessity for practice.

Katame Waza - almost totally changed from Judo, they borrow much from Aikido, preferring to place their opponent face down, rather than on his back as in Judo. An elbow strike to the center of the back is one of the preferred techniques to 'finish off' a downed uke... although as in Judo, care is taken not to injure training partners too much.

Atemi Waza - Greatly expanded over normal teaching in Judo, Godo's atemi waza has been greatly influenced by Gichin Funakoshi's Shotokan Karate. It was modified by the experiences of Japanese Godoka who had been to China, and in technique, most closely resembles those Okinawa Karate styles most influenced by the Chinese arts. A makiwara is one of the major training devices utilized.

In general, Godo techniques are categorized into two major subdivisions, crippling techniques and killing techniques. Unlike Judo, for example, there are no Kansetsu waza restrictions - the knee is considered in the 'crippling' category, and the neck and spine locks are considered killing techniques. For obvious reasons, no examples will be given of these techniques, although I might note that there are a very few Judo books that still contain some of the fundamental locks against other than the elbow.

Weight training is greatly utilized in Godo, and strangely enough, one of the few 'textbooks' that Godo uses is Ishikawa & Draeger's "Weight Training Methods of Kodokan Judo". Interestingly enough, this book was recently re-released...

I was recently given permission to publish a few rare photos of Godo techniques. To my knowledge, this is the first time Godo techniques have been photographed and shown to the public.

To protect the identities of the Godoka, I have blurred the faces and eliminated the background. Because this dojo is also used on alternate days for Judo practice, it was necessary to prevent anyone from recognizing it. This particular dojo get visitors from around the world during their Judo classes, and the Godoka who practice here don't want any publicity.

The photo to the right here will be recognizable to any Judoka as a standard Judo throw - Tai Otoshi. Interestingly, it's also known by this name in Godo, despite the subtle differences.

Experienced Judoka will immediately note the differences that distinguish this from the form used in Judo. I'm sorry that I can't go into any further detail.

Here we see a Godo technique known as Ura Tobi Jime... although many Godoka refer to this as the "Flying Monkey".

I regret not being able to show the setup moves for this technique - as it might conceivably be legal in Judo shiai, and those who practice Godo would naturally prefer to keep at least some of their techniques out of the hands of the possible competition.

Although with the advent of Mixed Martial Arts - it's quite possible that someone will figure out the setup, and then this technique will no longer be hidden.

Please note that to my knowledge, this is the first time a photo has ever been released for this technique.

Here we have a technique known in Godo as Jigoku Guruma. This technique is generally not practiced without a crash pad, due to the hard fall taken by uke.

Again, I regret not being allowed to show the setup for this technique, but I can assure you that your eyes don't deceive you - it really does require a great deal of flexibility and power.

For many Judoka, it's commonly said that Uchimata Makikomi is one of the hardest techniques to take a fall for. In Godo, this is the technique that uke's hate taking a fall for.

Be sure to note the particular grip being used here, which is identical for Yama Arashi, Shiro Saigo's signature technique. Jigoku Guruma is not related to Yama Arashi, however.

The blue gi's being worn are actually Judo gi's, as these Godoka are also hold rank in, and practice Judo. Although I have not received permission to list their names, they know who they are; and I'd like to publicly thank them for allowing me to photograph them demonstrating these typical Godo techniques. All of these Godoka are regular competitors in Judo competition, so if you compete in the United States, you may even have met these martial artists.