Seiryoku-Zenyo-Kokumin-Taiiku – Forms of Maximum Efficiency and National Physical Education

Seiryoku-Zenyo-Kokumin-Taiiku, developed in 1924, is a method of physical education based on techniques of attack and defence. Its name translates to “Maximum Efficient Use of Energy – National Physical Education”. This system was created as part of Jigoro Kano’s vision to promote both individual development and social contribution through judo.

The programme is designed to help practitioners learn how to train both body and mind effectively by practising movements focused on Atemi-waza—including strikes, punches, and kicks. While rooted in the principles of self-defence, its primary purpose lies in the cultivation of health, vitality, discipline, and coordination.

Seiryoku-Zenyo-Kokumin-Taiiku integrates physical education and martial arts, and is structured into two main parts:

• Tandoku-renshu (単独練習) – Solo Practice:
  A series of 8 movements performed individually to develop coordination, balance, flexibility, posture, and efficiency of motion.

• Sotai-renshu (相対練習) – Partner Practice:
  A sequence of 9 paired exercises that simulate realistic attack-and-defence situations, refining timing, distancing, response, and control.

This kata exemplifies Kano’s belief in the ideal of mutual welfare and benefit (Jita-Kyoei) and embodies the concept that physical education can be both a personal pursuit and a contribution to the betterment of society.

Two Types of Movement in the Seiryoku-Zenyo-Kokumin-Taiiku Method

The Seiryoku-Zenyo-Kokumin-Taiiku programme introduces two types of practice:

1. Tandoku-renshu (単独練習) – Solo practice

2. Sotai-renshu (相対練習) – Partner practice

Sotai-renshu is further divided into two distinct styles:

• Kime-shiki (決式) – Decisive form, which reflects a combative, sharp and committed style.

• Ju-shiki (柔式) – Gentle form, which emphasises slow, flowing, and moderate movement with a focus on control and harmony.

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Tandoku-renshu (Solo Practice)

First Group

• Goho-ate (五方当て) – Five-direction strike

• O-goho-ate (大五方当て) – Large five-direction strike

• Goho-geri (五方蹴り) – Five-direction kick

Second Group

• Kagami-migaki (鏡磨き) – Polishing the mirror

• Sayu-uchi (左右打ち) – Left and right strike

• Zengo-tsuki (前後突き) – Forward and backward thrust

• Ryote-ue-tsuki (両手上突き) – Double upward thrust

• O-ryote-ue-tsuki (大両手上突き) – Large double upward thrust

• Sayu-kogo-shita-tsuki (左右交互下突き) – Alternating lower thrusts left and right

• Ryote-shita-tsuki (両手下突き) – Double downward thrust

• Naname-ue-uchi (斜め上打ち) – Diagonal upward strike

• Naname-shita-uchi (斜め下打ち) – Diagonal downward strike

• O-naname-ue-uchi (大斜め上打ち) – Large diagonal upward strike

• Ushiro-sumi-tsuki (後隅突き) – Rear corner thrust

• Ushiro-uchi (後打ち) – Rear strike (x2 – repeated for emphasis or training symmetry)

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Sotai-renshu (Partner Practice)

Kime-shiki – Combative Style (決式)

Idori (kneeling techniques):

• Ryote-dori – Double hand grab

• Huri-hanashi – Wrist escape

• Gyakute-dori – Reverse hand grip

• Tsuki-kake – Punch counter

• Kiri-kake – Sword cut counter

Tachiai (standing techniques):

• Tsuki-age – Uppercut punch

• Yoko-uchi – Side strike

• Ushiro-dori – Rear grab

• Naname-tsuki – Diagonal thrust

• Kiri-oroshi – Downward cut

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Ju-shiki – Gentle Style (柔式)

First Set (1st Kyo)

• Tsuki-dashi – Thrusting push

• Kata-oshi – Shoulder push

• Kata-mawashi – Shoulder rotation

• Kiri-oroshi – Downward cut

• Katate-dori – Single hand grab

Second Set (2nd Kyo)

• Katate-age – One-hand lift

• Obi-tori – Belt grab

• Mune-oshi – Chest push

• Tsuki-age – Uppercut

• Ryogan-tsuki – Double-eye thrust