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About Jigoro's Way

Flips, body slams and arm bars. That is the action of this thrilling Olympic sport that enjoys worldwide popularity (the #1 sport in Japan), and substantial corporate advertising. Despite that, no Hollywood movie has ever been made about it.

Although it looks brutal, judo translates into “gentle way” and was developed by a famous Japanese educator (Jigoro Kano) to teach children character. (The belt system was started with judo one hundred years ago). It stresses respect, honesty, hard work, and mutual benefit of your fellow men.

Jigoro’s Way is the story of how a blue collar fireman used this Japanese tradition to raise his son. Fearful Jimmy would follow him into the firehouse, Jim Sr. pushes his son to excel. Some would argue too hard, but he had no choice. Firefighting is the most dangerous profession in America.

Jimmy Pedro and his wife, Marie (also raise in the judo tradition), both exemplify character. Despite no prospect of money, a broken neck, despite the demands of two jobs each and raising three children, Jimmy and Marie persevered to win the World Championship. They are an inspiration to all.

The screenplay tackles the debate of the role of physical education in a child’s development. It argues that in this world of global competition we can no longer afford to be so isolated. Jimmy may not have made money, but his exposure to cultures beyond Boston made him a far richer man.

This screenplay was a finalist for the 2006 MovieWrites competition. If you are interested in reading it, please contact me at rsfurlin@yahoo.com.

Movie Details

Comments

• on 15 February at 17:02

  By the looks of things I figure it did not become a film. That is quite sad. I have been doing judo for all of my life and it would be a great opportunity for others to experience a part of judo.

  

• on 07 May at 11:10

  I hope people click the video above to see the action. If you're not familiar with judo, it’s the only sport where body slams are the object of the game. It also includes grappling arts and is the forbearer of today’s Mixed Martial Arts competitions. Years ago the international judo committee chose to emphasize take downs versus grappling since the former is more visually exciting and conducive to a spectator event. Judo went on to be an Olympic sport, while the vanquished Japanese jujitsu players migrated to Brazil. There it was adopted and modified to become what MMA is today.
  
  I know there’s probably someone out there who wants to do a movie to ride the MMA craze, but judo is the way to go. MMA is banned in many states due to its brutality, and a movie about it will face harsh criticism. Judo has better action and demonstrates beauty.
  

  
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