About Shohei Ono

Shohei Ono epitomizes the essence of budo through his dedication to the art and philosophy of judo. For Ono, the primary focus transcends mere victory or defeat. Instead, it centers around the embodiment of budo’s spirit, encapsulated in several core principles.

The pursuit of the perfect ippon stands as a paramount goal for Ono. An ippon, a flawless and decisive throw in judo resulting in a full point, symbolizes technical mastery and utmost precision. Ono’s relentless quest for this perfection extends beyond merely winning a match; it embodies his commitment to honing his skills and technique to achieve the epitome of excellence in each movement and encounter.

Additionally, the “Rai” salutation holds immense significance for Ono. It represents respect, gratitude, and humility—values deeply rooted in the budo philosophy. The act of bowing, or “Rai,” symbolizes acknowledgment of one’s opponent, the referee, and the martial art itself. It embodies the reverence and sportsmanship integral to the discipline of judo.

Ono’s pursuit of the traditional beauty of judo, known as “Utsukushii,” exemplifies his commitment to preserving the art’s aesthetic and cultural essence. It encompasses grace, fluidity, and technical precision, elevating judo beyond a mere sport into an art form. Ono’s dedication to upholding the beauty of judo mirrors his profound respect for its heritage and values.

Respect, a foundational principle in the philosophy of budo, is integral to Shohei Ono’s approach to judo. His demeanor in victory or defeat exemplifies this core value. Ono displays an unwavering composure, devoid of ostentation or dejection, regardless of the match’s outcome. In victory, he refrains from excessive celebration or boastfulness, maintaining a sense of humility and reverence for his opponent. Similarly, in defeat, Ono accepts the outcome with grace and dignity, refraining from displaying disappointment or resentment. This display of equanimity is a testament to his profound understanding of the significance of respect within the martial arts, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and composed demeanor regardless of the result. Through his actions, Ono underscores that the true essence of victory lies not merely in the score but in upholding the principles of honor and respect, on and off the tatami.

For Ono, victory is not solely determined by the score but by the demonstration of respect, technical mastery, and the pursuit of the art’s true essence. His judo journey serves as a beacon, guiding practitioners towards not only athletic prowess but also the profound philosophical underpinnings of budo.