Jujitsu-Do: The Way of the Peaceful Warrior

Many people see all martial arts as the same. While they call it all karate, what they really mean is tae-ken-aiki-ju-ka-nin-do. This is not a strange Japanese incantation. It's more of a martial art fruit salad. What do you get when you mix Tae Kwon Do, Kenpo, Aikido, Jujitsu, Karate, and Ninjitsu? Right, tae-ken-aiki-ju-ka-nin-do, which is a mixed up understanding of what martial arts is all about.

Jujitsu is not just another kind of karate, nor is it just another way of fighting. Jujitsu is actually a journey of self-improvement conducted within the context of close interactions and physical confrontation with others. One learns not only effective martial art techniques, but also positive mental attitudes, masterful behavior, effective communication skills, advanced methods of non-violent conflict resolution, and a healthy perspective about life.

Jujitsu comes from ancient Japanese hand-to-hand combat techniques that date back to the mid-16th century, an era of feudal war lords. During battles, warriors often broke, damaged, or lost their weapons, but still had to continue the fight. Hand-to-hand techniques evolved in this environment. For two hundred years, during the 1700's and 1800's, the Shogun was the military head of state. His Samurai warriors were the upholders of the law, and they used Jujitsu arts to maintain order in the land with a wide array of joint immobilization, throwing, and grappling techniques. I have been taught that the primary purpose of studying Jujitsu is to complete and perfect the character, to become a better person and a productive member of society. My Sensei always taught us that we need to be healers in this world, to bring peaceful solutions to adverse conditions rather than perpetuate violence and chaos. We should always be ready to give peace a chance. Jujitsu is an intelligent and sane approach to self-defense, since the techniques can be applied in non- violent ways in order to create opportunities for peaceful reconciliation.

As my Sensei, Professor Ray Law, taught me, a great secret to life is to approach all challenges with calmness of spirit. His teacher, Professor Henry S. Okazaki, directed his students to practice calmness, "Whatever the trials or dangers, even 'Hell under the upraised sword.'" I would describe this state of calmness of spirit as 'being in your center', which is a state of inner balance . . . equi-poise. This is the foundation of true confidence, which, in turn, is the foundation of all peaceful action. When faced with a life threatening physical challenge, your fear of death could debilitate you. Fear is the mind killer, the little death. Fear literally takes your breath away -- you forget even to breathe when fear grips you. Without breath there is no oxygen to the brain; your thinking is not clear and your decisions are reactive and poorly timed.

How do we develop the calm confidence we need to create and promote peace? Professor Okazaki explains in his Esoteric Principles that calmness of spirit is attained by letting go of our fears and preconceived ideas -- a state of open mindedness he calls "kyoshin tankai." He goes on to explain that if you are caught in the rapids of a fast flowing river, you must abandon your fear of death by making yourself void and simply float through the danger. We must have an inner dialogue convincing ourselves that all our fears are groundless, and simply let go. When faced with an intense challenge, first straighten your back to free the energy in the spine, take a breath, and affirm to yourself: "I'm all right now, and I'm in my center."

In my 50+ years of study of Kodenkan Danzan Ryu, I have concluded that the way of Jujitsu is not about fighting and having power over others. It is rather, a very personal lifelong journey of growth and transformation of character, truly an evolutionary process. The objective of training is to gather the very personal insights provided by our experiences on the mat, and direct them into new ways of interacting with others and within ourselves. Jujitsu, then, becomes a powerful tool for self-development.

My Sensei told me once that Professor Okazaki often taught his students that the only way the martial arts should be used was for the benefit of others. Okazaki used to tell him that if a man were to break into his house and try to injure his family, he might have to break the man's arm to stop him. But that he should always remember he must also be the first to render that man first aid and help him any way he could afterwards. It takes real strength of character to let go of your anger over what someone has apparently done to you, and then to forgive and offer your help. Professor Law taught me that compassion and humility are the two most important virtues we need to practice in our lives.

Undoubtedly, Jujitsu is a very effective self-defense art. But it is also a profound personal journey to self-discovery and actualization. It is truly a balanced approach to physical, mental and emotional health.