Why Isn't Kani Basami in Kanō’s Original Judo Curriculum?

Judo, a martial art developed by Jigoro Kano in the late 19th century, places a strong emphasis on safety and efficient movement. While the Grappling Fundamentals (Gokyo) serve as the foundational techniques for any judoka, some experts wonder why a crucial move like Kani Basami (Crab Scissors) isn't included in Kanō’s original curriculum. In this article, we explore the reasons behind its absence and the potential risks associated with this move.

Understanding Kani Basami

Kani Basami, or the crab scissors, is a powerful and dangerous technique that involves trapping the opponent's legs with your own and then performing a leg trip. This throw is part of the j??? Florianun or leg technique category in judo. Due to its nature, it can result in significant injuries, particularly to the knee or ankle of the opponent. The technique's high risk makes it a challenging move to master, and it can be infeasible to control the force applied.

Risk Factors and Control Issues

The primary reason Kani Basami is not a part of the official curriculum is its unpredictability. Unlike other judo techniques, which typically involve a controlled application of force, Kani Basami can be an all-or-nothing move. The significant risks associated with this technique include:

Dislocation of the opponent’s knee Severe ankle injuries Head injuries due to the forceful landing

These potential injuries can make it difficult for the thrower (tori) to control the force at all, making it impossible to moderate the impact. This unpredictability contrasts with other throws where tori can "ease up" near the end of the technique to prevent excessive force.

Historical and Cultural Context

While Kani Basami may not be in Kanō’s original curriculum, it is still practiced and documented through various sources. This is because, despite the risks, some individuals still incorporate this technique into their training due to its effectiveness. However, its absence from the official Gokyo list has historical roots in judo practice.

In terms of judo history, Kanō designed the Gokyo as a progressive set of techniques that build a judoka’s skill and confidence. He aimed to prepare judokas for real-life combat scenarios, but without putting their health at risk. Techniques like Kani Basami, while powerful, did not align with the safety goals of judo's curriculum.

Forbidden Techniques and Kinshi Waza

Some techniques, including Kani Basami, are classified as kinshi waza or forbidden techniques. These moves are either explicitly prohibited in competition or training environments due to the high risk of injury. The term "kinshi waza" is used to denote throws and techniques that are no longer part of the official curriculum or are subject to additional restrictions.

While Kani Basami is not a gokyo technique, it remains a point of interest for both practitioners and historians. Some schools and dojo continue to teach this technique under strict guidelines and limited scenarios, ensuring that the risks are managed and the skill level of the practitioners is high.

Modern Interpretation and Training

Today, judo is practiced not only for martial arts but also for physical fitness, sportsmanship, and competition. As a result, techniques like Kani Basami are increasingly integrated into training programs. However, these training sessions are typically supervised by experienced instructors and conducted in environments where safety is a top priority.

Modern judo includes techniques that have been refined and adapted to mitigate the high risks associated with certain traditional moves. This includes the development of safer variations of Kani Basami, which focus on reducing the force and control the practitioner must exert. These adaptations ensure that the technique remains accessible and effective for judokas while aligning with the core values of judo: maximum efficiency with minimum effort, mutual welfare, and benefit, and respect.

Conclusion

While Kani Basami is an essential technique in the judo repertoire, its exclusion from Kanō’s original curriculum is due to its inherent risks. Modern judo continues to evolve, with a focus on safety and efficiency. Nonetheless, for those who choose to practice and adapt Kani Basami, it remains a valuable tool, highlighting the complexity and artistry of judo.