This quote from Kano Shihan not only sums up his philosophy regarding Judo, but can be applied to other arts as well. Don't just read the quote. Study it, think about it, apply it to your own life and training.

"Judo is a means of using mental and physical energy most efficiently. This training means improving oneself physically and spiritually through the practice of self-defense techniques and learning through experience the essence of the 'way.' This, then, is the ultimate object of judo - to perfect oneself and thus be of some use to the world around."