Jyu yoku Go wo Seisu 柔よく剛を制す

JU (Soft)

柔よく剛を制す

「Jyu yoku Go wo seisu」is a very famous saying among Japanese martial arts. It’s origin is from the Chinese philosopher Roushi 老士’s writings such as

１．「堅強は死の徒なり、柔弱は生の徒なり」

　　Kenkyou ha Shi no torinari, Jyuujyaku ha sein no tori nari

　　　堅強、死之徒也。柔弱、生之徒也　＃７６

２．「天下に水より柔弱なる話、而して堅強を攻むるはこれに能く先んずるはなし」

Tenka ni mizu yori jyukyaku naru wa nashi. Shikashite kenkyou wo semuru wa kore ni yokus sakinnzuru wa nashi.

　　　　天下莫柔弱手水。而攻堅強者莫之能先。　＃７８

３．「天下の至柔は、天下の至堅を馳　地馳騁す。無有は無間に入る。吾ここを以って無為　　の益あるを知る、不言の教え、無為の益は天下能欲これに及ぶこと希なり」
Tenka no shi jyu wa tenka no shaken wo chitei suru. Muyuu wa mukan ni iru. Ware koko wo motte mui no eki aru wo shiru. Fugen no osie, mui no eki wa, tenka yoku kore ni oyobu koto mare nari.

　　　天下の至柔、馳騁天下の至堅。無有入手無門。吾是似知無為の有益也。不言の教、　　　　　無為の益、天下希能及之成矣　＃５７

I took the liberty of radically summarizing the above proverbs and the historical connection with Japanese martial arts. Please also understand that it is strictly a “layman’s” interpretation and not an academic or scholarly one. (^^)

Fukuno Masakatu (福野正勝) the 2nd headmaster of the Kito Ryu is considered to be the person who may have originated the thought　which later became [Jyu yoku Go wo Seisu]. Kito Ryu was started by Ibaragi Shunbo　茨城俊房who served under the Yagyu Family.

In the Kito Ryu “Kto Ryu Fusho Ten no Maki” 起倒流 傅書。In the writings it has reference to water which overcomes any situation and the term Jujitsu 柔術 and Wajutsu和術was born. Later, Jigoro Kano would make this into Judo 柔道。

The common theme starting with Roushi, and ending with Kano via Ibaragi is the “softness” and its power to adapt to situations. Roushi states that rather than hard and tough things there is more “liveliness” with things that are supple and soft. #76. How true, when we are relaxed and enjoying that moment we are certainly "alive" with enthusiasm , warmth and happiness. When we are depressed or feeling pressure all of our mannerisms become hard and rejecting and a very wet rag.

Roushi also points out that water can always get in anywhere and thus overcome obstacles. Thus, the power of being formless is born. (#57/#78). I wrote in the past, how my Judo mentor always reminded us about the "Spirit of water".

Of course there are probably more profund and deeper meanings to all these proverbs. But I'll leave it up to the readers to check it out for themselves.

So what is "Ju" or soft in real life situations? Keeping in line with my KISS principle, I think it is the ability to adapt to situations to a point any flame of conflict is extinguished.

For example, someone berates you for being in his/her way. A simple "Excuse me" or "Sorry" would be all it takes. No harm done to anyone. Besides it takes only one or two steps. Isn't ridiculous to get all worked up over that?

(^^) Just the other day at Walmart (yes I must admit I shop there (**:)). while standing in line at the register, the lady in front of me waved at me to go ahead, as she was still trying to make decesion. So, I nodded my thanks and stepped up. Well, a gentleman who was standing in front and didn't see the communication between the lady and me, tore into me for cutting in line ahead of lady and made a big scene. Pehaps I could have tore into him as well and dislocated his finger that was waving in front of face. I smiled and thanked him for being observant and explained that the lady had kindly asked to me to go ahead.  Naturally after the fuss he made it was obviously embarassing for him to back down without another few choice words. So I thanked him again for being observant and pointed out that the register was open and he was holding the line up. (^^)

Sometimes we get caught up with the technical aspects of training and try too hard to be soft which ends up being hard. Fufu. Soft has to be natural just as you can't get a week old biscuit to be like the Pillsbury Dough Boy ?????? Even if you put the biscuit in the Microwave, zapping it too long makes it harder!

When we try too hard it's the same. Take a step back, relax, refocus you breathing and start anew.

Be like water in a stream. go with the flow.

Of course there may come a time when you have no alternative but to use your training. That is when you take form of the tsunami.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xpayf9xIHsY
But as Oyama Sousai stated in this video clip, "Do not show your back if you are challenged and have no way out".  Of course there is much more that he says but I think you get the meaning.

Continuing the Journey

Thought I would share some thoughts from Kahil Gibran's " The Prophet " one of my favorite readings.

His words have always given me solace, strength and energy back from my high school days when I first "bumped" into his writings. Along with the ancient Chinese and Japanese classics his writings have always kept me from wavering in times of indecision and weaknesses.

During this 2011 New Years, especially after the Hatsuhinode Session, I have been in "deep thought" with regard to my Budo journey.  How little I know and how little time remains for me. I have been able to come this far with the help of my Senseis, Senpais, Douhais and Kouhais and the understanding of my family.

I have to accept the fact that I will be hard pressed just maintaining my health much less practice as I had in my twenties. That is my challenge! To continue my Budo journey and gain more knowledge so that I can pass it on to those whose seek to journey the same path I did.

From the "Prophet"

And a man said, Speak to us of Self Knowledge.

And he answered, saying:

Your hearts know in silence the secrets of the days and the nights.

But your ears thirst for the sound of your heart's knowledge.

You would know in words that you have always known in thought.

You would touch with your fingers the naked body of your dreams.

And it well you should.

The hidden well-spring of your soul must needs rise and run murmuring to the sea;

An the treasures of your infinite depths would be revealed to your eyes.

But let there be no scales to weigh your unknown treasure;

And seek not the depths of your knowledge with staff or sounding line.

For self is a sea boundless and measureless.

Say not, "I have the truth," but rather, "I have found a truth."

Say not, "I have the path of the soul." Say rather, "I have met the soul walking upon my path."

For the soul walks on all paths.

The soul walks not upon a line, neither does it grow like a reed.

The soul unfolds itself, like a lotus of countless petals.

Now for Tony, Japanese lesson #2 (^^)

「心の内濁らず、広くして、広き所へ知恵を置くべきなり」宮本武蔵　「五輪の書」

Hmmmm! 原点に戻るかー。



Ju-kyu Daifuku , 大福 maybe??

First Attempt Daifuku, 大福, now I understand the true mean of Osu! This effort took Jen and I all afternoon, and I did not want to show you our major blunders ( should have had video of that one for you, but there was a little cloud of potato starch in the air, much like fireworks your way Rouchiichi), there is potato starch all over the kitchen.

After eating your toasted mochi rolled in kinako/sugar, Jen wanted to make Daifuku, wer returned from the Asian market in Albany with all we needed, except experience, for those of you who understand the method much better than me, we made our Mochi from sweet rice flower, we did not go the traditional way. We are hoping to take these to my mother for her Birthday on Monday, She will turn 70. Happy Birthday Mom!!

NB: Jen does not like the Anko made from Azuki, so we made some with and some without the anko.

New Year Eve in Honolulu

 

2010 was the last year for fireworks. As of 2011 all fireworks become illegal , including sparklers.

Fireworks has been a long time tradition in Hawaii. It is said the origins are from China. There was much debate as to banning fireworks. On one hand it is sad to see a tradition disappear. On the other we need to think about the health and welfare of the population.

As you can see and hear on the video, it is one heck of a racket! Add the howling of the dogs and you certainly have Beethoven's Fifth ala natural. (^^)

The smoke was pretty heavy and the gun powder smell lingered for a while.

It is of interest to note that Singapore and major cities in China had banned fireworks for a long while.  

For your entertainment (^^)

Decided to upload some Kata from my Hatsuhinode Keiko. Horrible Katas but I believe in the Reader's Digest "Laughter is the best medicine". Enjoy! (^^)

「忍耐を忍耐と思ううちはダメ」大山康晴、将棋名人

"Nintai wo nintai to omou uchi wa dame" Shogi Master Oyama

Yokohama's Hatsuhinode Keiko

What!!! No Snow?? Lucky!

Just received a photo of Yokohama's Hatsugeiko at the Negishi Shinrin Park in Naka Ward. From the looks of it must have been a warm winter in Yokohama. I recall my toes hurting from the cold during my time! (^^) I see Okoshi-san has his spanking brand new Black Belt on. Looks pretty good on him.

The young man behind him is Kobayashi Junior, future leader of Yokohama. His mom was the person that got Ookoshi and Iwasaki Senpais into Karate! KJ played college football and has tremendous speed and power. I look forward to sparring with him in March! (**:)

I am happy and proud that the kids came out and completed the 1,000 punch and kicks together with the adults. よく頑張りました！

HAPPY NEW YEAR Y'ALL!!! (^^)

あけましておめでとうございます。

本年もよろしくお願いもうします。

Happy New Year! It is turning into a postcard perfect Hawaii this morning! Blue skies, gentle winds. Not much more you can ask for on a New Year Day! (^^) 

The best way to start a day is with Tensho!! (^^)

To all followers of this blog. There are countless versions of any of the Katas. None is the THE correct one nor are any the WRONG one. The important thing is to practice what you have been taught by your Senseis.

Do not get too side tracked with origins or other versions of the Kata. Practcie diligently and understand the Kata as it is taught to you. You may still have questions. That is fine and natural. Explore how YOUR kata can answer your questions. Use common sense in deciphering the moves. I try to stick with KISS. Keep it swift and simple. Fancy convoluted moves are (in my mind) only for show and are difficult to apply in an actual altercation. 

Have A great 2011! OSU!