Judo therapy, known in Japanese as Judo Seifuku or Sekkotsu, originated from the martial art of Judo and was historically developed as a way to treat injuries sustained during training and combat—such as fractures, dislocations, sprains, and contusions—without surgical intervention. Over the years, it evolved into a medically recognized orthopedic treatment system that combines the precision of anatomical understanding, the logic of biomechanics, and the art of hands-on therapeutic skill. In Japan, this is not considered folk medicine; Judo therapy is a fully licensed profession, officially regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. Practitioners, referred to as Judo therapists (Judo Seifukushi or Honetsugi), are required to complete at least three years of specialized academic training and pass a national licensure exam with a notoriously strict pass rate of around 50–60%. This reflects the medical rigor and clinical expertise expected of the profession.

Judo therapists are trained not only to treat acute injuries but also to manage chronic musculoskeletal conditions, such as persistent low back pain, stiff necks, shoulder immobility (often labeled “frozen shoulder”), and joint dysfunction caused by muscular imbalance. Their techniques, often delivered in minutes, involve highly refined manual manipulations, joint mobilizations, and soft tissue reconditioning that restore balance and mobility.

Despite growing international interest in Judo therapy, formal training remains largely inaccessible to non-Japanese learners. Key barriers include the language of instruction—almost all texts and exams are in Japanese—strict in-country residency and training requirements, and the need for extensive clinical hours at approved Japanese clinics. As a result, many talented foreign students abandon their path midway or are deterred before they can even begin.

My name is Kumazawa J.T., a licensed Judo therapist, educator, and founder of the Kumazawa Judo Therapy Academy. I run a high-volume clinic in Kanagawa, Japan, while also serving as a faculty member at Kanagawa Judo Therapy College. Patients from around the world travel to my clinic for conditions like chronic back pain, neck and shoulder issues, and postural dysfunction. Many are amazed to find that their symptoms improve dramatically—sometimes within ten minutes. This is the true power of Judo therapy: fast, non-invasive, and precise.

Seeing the growing global demand, I launched the world’s first online Judo therapy program taught entirely in English. My approach, called the Kumazawa Method, builds on classical Judo therapy foundations but goes further. It blends traditional Japanese joint manipulation with modern orthopedic biomechanics, neuromuscular reeducation, and insights gathered from over a decade of patient care and anatomical research. The result is a method that is not only highly effective but also structured and easy to learn, even for those with no medical background. Whether you’re a Judoka, coach, physiotherapist, chiropractor, massage therapist, or complete beginner, you can learn to use this method to heal others.

Judo therapy was born to treat injuries caused by Judo itself. Many of its techniques—like joint realignment, traction, and reduction—are rooted in the very biomechanics that Judoka use in combat. This makes it especially valuable for martial artists who want to treat their own injuries, coaches who want to protect their athletes, and practitioners who want to expand their skill set. While grounded in medical science, I teach the material visually and practically, tailored to learners with martial arts experience.

At the Kumazawa Judo Therapy Academy, everything I teach is backed by peer-reviewed anatomical studies, real-world outcome data from my clinic, and the principles of Japanese orthopedic science. This isn’t guesswork—it’s clinical medicine that’s trusted and proven.

More than a treatment method, Judo therapy is a healing philosophy. It is born from martial arts, refined through rigorous science, and driven by a sincere desire to relieve pain and restore movement. If you want to learn from someone who not only teaches but also actively practices what he preaches, you’re in the right place.

Welcome to the Kumazawa Judo Therapy Academy. Let’s begin the journey together—and bring Japan’s healing wisdom to the world.

2 History of Judo Therapy

**Epic Story of Japan’s Healing Superpower**

This isn’t your typical history lesson. It’s the thrilling journey of how a martial arts technique evolved into one of Japan’s most respected forms of medical care. Picture ancient scrolls, legendary samurai, battlefield injuries, and physicians who developed techniques so precise, they seemed like bone-fixing magic.

Over 1300 years ago, long before X-rays or MRIs, Japanese warriors were already learning how to repair their bodies after intense combat. That’s where Jiu-jitsu came in—the ancestor of both Judo and Judo therapy. It wasn’t just about fighting; it was also about healing. After all, in the old ways of Japan, honor meant that if you injured your opponent, you helped them recover. That deep respect planted the seeds for what would later become Judo therapy.

During the Heian period, around 749 to 1185, Japan produced its oldest medical book: the *Ishin-ho*. Inside its pages, specifically Volume 18, you’ll find early descriptions of how to treat bruises, sprains, and dislocations—an ancient foundation for the techniques used in modern Judo therapy.

Fast forward to the era of the samurai, and healing had become a formal part of the warrior’s path. These swordsmen mastered two key arts: *Sappou*, the art of defeating an enemy, and *Kappou*, the art of healing them. Judo therapy grew directly from this legacy of battlefield medicine, where warriors were not only fighters but also caretakers.

In the Edo period, Judo therapy began to evolve from oral tradition into written science. In 1746, a martial artist named Hoyoku Takashi published the first Japanese textbook on *Sekkotsu*—the art of bone-setting. Drawing from both Chinese and Japanese wisdom, this marked the formalization of a uniquely Japanese healing art. Soon after, medical pioneers like Dr. Hanaoka Seishu blended Eastern healing with Western surgical techniques, creating an early fusion of modern medicine and martial tradition.

By the late 1800s, Judo therapy had gained influence and started to integrate methods from European countries like Germany, England, and France. The result was a rich hybrid system that became something of a global superpower in manual medicine—Japan’s own healing Avengers.

However, the Meiji era brought a harsh turning point. In 1894, new medical laws aligned with Western standards and pushed Judo therapy to the fringes. But thanks to Jigoro Kano, the founder of modern Judo, the art survived. By 1920, it had regained legal recognition and began to thrive once again. WWII brought another challenge, as the U.S. occupation discouraged traditional practices. Yet public trust in Judo therapists was so strong that the government eventually had to make it official—Judo therapy became a certified medical profession, complete with schools and national licensing.

Today, Judo therapy is no longer just an ancient tradition. In Japan, licensed practitioners run clinics called *Sekkotsuin*, where they treat injuries ranging from sprained ankles to chronic back pain. To become a certified Judo therapist, one must complete at least three years of study, pass a national licensing exam, and commit to a rigorous training process with a pass rate of only 50–60%.

But until recently, this training was only available in Japan, and only in Japanese. That changed with the creation of the **Kumazawa Judo Therapy Academy**. Now, for the first time, you can learn these powerful healing techniques online and in English—from Kumazawa J.T. himself, a licensed Judo therapist who has taught at universities and treated thousands of patients.

The **Kumazawa Method** is the next evolution of Judo therapy. It blends ancient wisdom with modern science to create a fast, effective, and easy-to-learn approach to treating chronic pain and joint dysfunction. It’s not magic—and it doesn’t require years of medical training. Anyone can follow this method and achieve real results.

What’s more, this same 10-minute treatment that costs ¥50,000 (around $350) at Kumazawa’s clinic is now available to learn at a fraction of the cost through this course. Patients who’ve tried everything else travel from all over the world to receive his treatment—and now, you can learn it from the comfort of your own home.

So if you’ve read this far, you’ve just absorbed 1300 years of healing history—without falling asleep. Judo therapy is not just a relic of the past. It’s a living, evolving, and highly respected method of care. And now, with the Kumazawa Method, it’s your turn to become part of that story.

Welcome to the future of Judo therapy. Welcome to the Kumazawa Method.

3 Treatment for soft tissue injury

Understanding soft tissue injuries is essential for every athlete, especially those who practice Judo. These injuries—like sprains, strains, and muscle pulls—are among the most common problems athletes face during training or competition. If you’ve ever twisted your ankle or pulled a muscle, you’ve already had a firsthand experience with a soft tissue injury. But what exactly does “soft tissue” mean? It refers to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin—essentially all the soft structures in your body that support movement and keep everything connected.

Judo therapy, a traditional Japanese healing method, was originally developed to treat the very types of injuries that happen in Judo. That’s why it’s particularly effective in managing soft tissue damage. When soft tissue is injured, the main goal is to bring the torn or damaged edges back together and allow them to heal correctly. In Judo therapy, two main concepts guide this process: *Seifuku*, which involves manually repositioning the tissue to encourage proper healing, and *Kotei*, which involves stabilizing the injured area to prevent further damage and promote recovery.

Immediately after an injury, the body starts reacting in several ways. Internal bleeding may begin, creating pressure inside the tissue. Swelling often follows, which can slow down blood circulation and make healing more difficult. Inflammation may also set in, causing stiffness and potentially leading to adhesions, where tissues abnormally stick together. This is why early intervention is so important in managing soft tissue injuries effectively.

One of the most widely used early-care techniques for soft tissue injuries is the RICE method—Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This method is simple but highly effective and is used in both Judo therapy and general sports medicine. Resting the injured area prevents additional damage. Applying ice helps reduce inflammation and pain; Judo therapy even includes a specialized icing technique called *Rei-anpou*, which enhances these effects. Compression with a bandage can control swelling, but it must be done carefully—if there’s heavy internal bleeding, compression can actually worsen the injury. Elevation helps drain excess fluid and reduce swelling, but again, only if there’s no high internal pressure present.

Managing these initial responses is vital. If swelling and inflammation are not properly controlled, healing may occur in a misaligned or weakened state. This can lead to long-term problems such as reduced strength, chronic pain, or limited flexibility. That’s why it’s critical to act fast and apply techniques like RICE at the earliest opportunity.

For Judo practitioners, learning *Seifuku* is an essential step toward becoming proficient in injury care. It’s one of the foundational techniques in Judo therapy, allowing you to treat injuries by physically guiding the tissue back into its proper place. This kind of hands-on knowledge is incredibly valuable not only for healing injuries but also for preventing them from becoming chronic or debilitating.

While we go into more advanced techniques in a dedicated course, understanding the basics of soft tissue injury and early treatment already gives you a powerful advantage. So next time someone gets injured during training, you’ll not only know how to respond—you’ll understand *why* it works.

4 Keisappo (Light stroke method)

Keisappo is a gentle and calming massage technique that serves as the essential first step in any treatment. Though it may appear simple, it plays a critical role in preparing the body to heal. The word "Keisappo" means "light stroking method," and that’s exactly what it is—a soft, careful technique where the therapist lightly places their palm on the patient’s skin and gently strokes from the extremities, such as the hands or feet, toward the center of the body, like the chest or abdomen. There is no pressure or deep manipulation involved; only smooth, feather-light movements over the skin.

The reason we begin with Keisappo lies in its effect on the lymphatic system. Just beneath the skin run delicate lymphatic vessels responsible for collecting and carrying waste from the body. Unlike blood, which is pushed through the body by the heart, lymph fluid has no pump to move it along. When someone is fatigued, stressed, or has been inactive for long periods, this lymph flow can become sluggish or blocked. If we were to begin treatment with strong pressure, we might accidentally push lymphatic waste into surrounding tissues too quickly, overwhelming the system and making the patient feel more tired instead of better. Keisappo gently activates the skin and lymph flow, easing the body into a more receptive state before deeper therapy is applied.

Beyond assisting the lymphatic system, Keisappo also stimulates the skin and sensory nerves, enhances blood and lymph circulation, calms the nervous system, and creates a feeling of comfort and safety. In fact, some patients report noticeable relief from their symptoms after Keisappo alone.

The method is performed with an open palm, using gentle strokes that follow the body's natural flow from the limbs toward the core. The touch remains light, just enough to move the surface of the skin without pressing into the muscles. Depending on the area or the patient's condition, the therapist might vary the technique slightly—perhaps using the thumb, a group of fingers, or adjusting the rhythm or direction—but the principle always remains the same: keep the touch light and avoid applying pressure.

Keisappo is used both before and after every treatment session. Although it may not always be shown in training videos due to its routine nature, it is an indispensable part of the therapy. This technique not only prepares the body for healing but also helps establish a gentle connection between the therapist and the patient, laying the foundation for everything that follows.

In upcoming courses, we’ll explore variations of Keisappo based on different body parts and symptom types. But for now, remember this: always begin with Keisappo. It is gentle, intelligent, and remarkably effective.

 

How was our online Judo Therapy trial lecture?

In our online course, you can learn not only Judo therapy but also Japanese traditions and cultures.
The lectures are arranged so that not only those who are already active as medical professionals, but also those without medical experience can enjoy learning Judo therapy.
If you are interested in our online course, please apply for enrollment and take classes.
We look forward to seeing you again!

Kumazawa Judo Therapy Academy