JUJITSU (jujutsu, ju jutsu, jiu jutsu, jiu jitsu, ju jitsu)
The earliest recordings found of the martial arts are wall zoescope
silhouettes in a funerary in the Beni-Hassan area of Egypt, dated nearly
4,000 years ago. A printed replica of these silhouettes may be found in the
October 1941 issue of National Geographic.
From Egypt, the arts seem to have spread like the spokes of a wheel. Moving
up into Italy, France, Turkey, and the other European countries where we now
find wrestling, fencing, savate, boxing, etc.
In India, "Varmanie"" developed, from which can be traced, Lohan, Yoga and
the other concentrative arts of Tibet. Historians have credited a Buddhist
Monk from India, by the name of Bodhidharma with introducing the martial
arts (then named Lohan) into the Western part of China where it became known
as Gung Fu (with dialectical pronunciation differences of Kung Fu, Gung Fu,
and Cong Fou).. Because of these language differences Bodhidharma's name was
better pronounced by the Chinese as DaMo or "P'u-Ti Ta-Mo" and found in some
of our western books as Dot Mok. (the Japanese name of Bodhidharma is
DARUMA.)
Further information on history and culture of the Japanese form of martial
arts may be found in the book "Secrets of the Samurai" by Ratti & Westbrook
-- Published by C.Tuttle.
As a result of geography, climate, and the influences of the local societies,
the Gung Fu's developed many varied techniques and styles. Many of them still
being practiced, such as "White Crane", "Tiger", "Praying Mantiss", "Sum
Yup", "Jou Sut", and numerous others.
These styles were originally divided into two major types: the "Hard Style"
and the "Soft Style".
The Hard Style spread East, then south into the Indo- Chinese peninsula. Even
now, barring the ravages of war, one can still find statues and relief wall
sculptures of the martial arts in the ancient temples. All of the temple
Dances seemed to have originated from the basic forms of the martial arts.
The Hard Style spread to Malaysia, through the trailing islands to the
Philippines, where Filipino Knife Play is still practiced. Finally, the Hard
Style settled in Okinawa, where it became known as Okinawa-Te. In the late
1800's it progressed to Japan where it was called Karate.
Meanwhile, the Soft Styles of Gung Fu traveled across the continent to the
East coast of China, North into the Eastern section of Manchuria where it
became known as "Taitsu." Then it doubled back down into Korea where it
settled for some time.
Later it was taken to Japan by Shinto Monks during the Japanese occupation of
Korea.
At that time in history it was first called "YAWARA".
After several years of Yawara practice, the curriculum was improved and the
arts were segregated according to their general goals. This system became
known as "JuJitsu".
Years after the many forms of jujitsu were established as the arts of the
Samurai Warrior (in the 1800's), gun powder was introduced and the Samurai
were in less demand, as it seemed difficult for these warriors to deal
directly with bullets. This caused deterioration of the Samurai Code and the
responsibilities of its chivalry.
THE SHITEN 'O History of the Dojo
In years passed the JuJitsu mat was protected by a thatched roof supported by
four corner posts. As was normally the custom in the Orient, everything had
philosophical reasons for existence.
The development of physical health and the love of ability, dexterity and
grace is the keystone of the martial arts. Seek to develop and maintain good
physical health through training, enabling one to withstand hard work and the
mind to perceive and evaluate clearly.
The Second Pillar represents Love of Service
If one would rule, one must first learn to serve, for only in this way does
one secure from those below the joyous assent that is necessary if they are
to follow. Love of service to the general good and consistency in doing right
are the foundations of service. Just as we should not ask others to follow us
unless this condition is fulfilled, so it is only under this condition that
we, in turn, follow others without coming to harm.
The Third Pillar represents Love of the General Public
Realize that there is a unifying thread of miraculous, joyous, conscious life
energy that permeates all mankind. Pay homage to this miracle as it is
manifested within each person with which one comes in contact.
A youth when at home should be filial, abroad respectful. To his elders, he
should be earnest and truthful; he should overflow in love to all and
cultivate the friendship of the good.
The Fourth Pillar represents Love of Country
Respect your traditions. Appreciate your culture. Honor the principles and
ideals of your country. Love of the Earth is the foundation of patriotism.
All countries are unique; respect that uniqueness.
NOTE: Some dojo's, during very special open houses celebrations, perform the
ShiTen O. It was learned recently that in cases of injury on the mat the
ShiTen O is performed to reduce the possibilities of further injuries.
In ancient times, dojo's front doors were always facing the East so that
Kamiza could see the day's "rising sun." The First pillar at which salt is
thrown is therefore the furthermost pillar to the right of Kamiza; Second
pillar is located to the immediate right of Kamiza; Third pillar is to the
immediate left of Kamiza; and the Fourth pillar is at the farthest left from
Kamiza.
The First Pillar represents Love of Training
There cannot be good mental health without good physical health.
As it is in the microcosm of the family, to follow the Rules and Natural Laws
of the family puts the family in order. When the family is in order, the
village is in order. When the village is in order, the state is in order.
When the state is in order, the country is in order.
Respect and keep clear of the area at the head of the Dojo, Kamiza (upper
seat), which is the side of the Dojo reserved for the Instructor. It is
always recognizable by the flag or appropriate photograph or Gaku (framed
calligraphy) of philosophical connotation, which hangs centered in this area.
To "purify the mat" salt is thrown toward each of the four corners as the
"ShiTen'O" is read so that the audience is able to understand what each post
represents. It is suggested that it be thrown from a wooden bowl by someone
selected to act as a Chaplain. The person selected as Chaplain should not be
expected to throw the promoted person as at that point the Chaplain is looked
upon as a complete person of peace and love.
Often rock salt is used for expedience as it is easier to sweep and clean off
of the mat. However it is vital that the salt be vacuumed up as early as
possible for safety purposes.
© 2000 The KoDenKan Institute, Inc.