About Judo Therapy (Bone-setting)

A word of "Bunbu Ryoudo " (to be able to not only study but to fight), based on Chinese thought, has been used from a long time ago. In China, they thought much of " Bun " or studies than "Bu" or fights traditionally. However, in Japan, "Bu" was also important as much as "Bun". When it came to the Kamakura era, it became a period of Samurai class.

There was a word, "Bugei Juuhappan" which means 18 martial arts. It includes arts of archery, sword, spear, and Ju jutsu (Judo). Originally Ju-jutsu was a tussle skill, and it was divided into "Kappo" and "Sappo" . Kappo was one of martial arts, such as Atemi (knockout blow) and Kansetsu waza (attacking joints). On the other hand, "Kappo" was one of treatments for wound, such as fracture, dislocation, bruise, and twist. It was started when someone lost his consciousness because of Atemi( a dangerous way of Judo) and let him come back to life. Kappo includes resuscitation of a person in a stake of suspended animation.

In Edo Period, Bu was completed as a martial arts and upheld Samurai mentally. This tradition came down to Meiji era. According to the changes of the times, it was influenced by modern thoughts and used as a way of educational steps all over the world.

A treatment of Kappo adopted Kung fu and "Keiketsu" (places of the body where acupuncture should be in) which came from China. It fixed as "Sekkotu-jutsu" (setting a broken bone) by absorbing "Ranpo" or Dutch medicines. Later, each art was in full flourish and made a lot of experts. Even now, we can see how seriously all scientists studied in that era when we see the elaborate bone model made by Kagamu. He made it with wood as it was prohibited to use the human bone.

In Meiji era, they had a hard time as Government planed to innovate Western medicine and gave it priority. However, in Taisho and Showa periods, gradually Judo-seifuku obtained a position legally. Today it is an official capacity held by the Minister of Health and Welfare.

In recent school curriculum, students learn about the human body dynamics, fracture, bruise, tendon damage, nerve damage, and sinew damage. After that, they move to study how to treat and fix fracture, and also about aftercare. They go on studying about the upper limbs, legs, and spinal cord. As curriculum adopts modern medical terminology, it is rational and easy to understand.

According to the Aging Society, it expands its reach in the new field, such as the treatments of knee, the hip, and shoulder for the older people.