Tradition and Honor

 

Well it is coming up on two years since I decided to pick up a martial art again (Canryu Jiu-Jitsu).

When I first started two years ago I had some serious doubt that my body could take it.  I took Judo as a kid for four years and I wondered if my breakfalls and throwing technique would come back to me.

I am happy to report that yes, those four years of training as a kid paid off.  Break falls no problem at all and my throws just needed some fine tuning by Sensei.  It also made it much easier to learn new throws and techniques.

I am discovering martial art is not just about the physical but also about the mind, spirit and most important Breath.  I forward towards this coming year to learn the traditional and spiritual aspect of this ancient art.  This is something I think is missing in this new Mixed Martial Arts craze.  You put together the best fighting techniques of all these ancient arts to compete.  But the Respect, Tradition and Honor are not being taught as far as I can tell.  Our Sensei’s have a lifetime of teaching and Knowledge in them and they are gracious enough to share it to all that would learn the art.  So remember to not only bow to your sensei but also say Thank You.

Remember Jui-Jitsu is the Gentle Art not the “I am going to choke that guy until he goes to sleep or I am going to break my opponents arm” art.