Welcome, Mr. Obata,
I have a fairly simple question, but what is your opinion, or what can you tell us of The sword and the connection to Mr. J. Kano, and what do you think he did by establishing the Kodokan? I realize the opinion many have of judo, and most is not flattering. I would ask, in the context of what Mr. Kano has conceived and brought forward into the meiji period through today, has much been lost because of judo's competitive nature, or just what is it about judo itself which has so many dismissing it as a Japanese art? Personally, I think it still is provided one wants to learn. What did Mr. Kano achieve by rendering all sword work and other weapons arts to kata only. Is randori a good thing? What is your opinion?
Thank you for your time in answering.
Sincerely,
Mark F. Feigenbaum
Kodokan Judo