Kano’s hope of combining the principles of judo and kendo to make a practical martial art was not realized during his lifetime, but his goal was pursued by his student, Kenji Tomiki.
Professor Tomiki defined the principle of kendo as the “technical theory of chop and thrust while
avoiding being touched” and worked towards integrating it with judo’s throwing techniques. In particular, he noted that just as the proper moment to begin executing a sword technique is the moment of first contact between attacker and defender, the proper moment to begin executing a judo technique is also the moment of first contact between attacker and defender.
Thus, the long periods of slow and indecisive wrestling that occur in modern judo tournaments after competitors have grabbed each other’s uniforms fail to meet Kano’s ideal.
Instead, players should grasp lightly, move fluidly, and treat each moment as the moment of initial contact.