Jiu-Jitsu is great for the body and is an exciting adventure of the mind, spirit, and heart. In addition to sharing our experiences, I want to explore the multiple dimensions of Jiu-Jitsu as well as the philosophy, art, science, technique, etc. Most importantly, I want to use words to help define the Jiu-Jitsu we create with our bodies. When you read, the world widens and your mind begins to change a little. As we train hard to change ourselves for the better, we can also change our community!
Another one of the concepts Porfessora Caren covered in her seminar was the need to be heavy in jiujitsu. Many of the top positions like side control and mount are positions of weight. I remember when I first started learning jiu-jitsu the side control was referred to as the 100-kilos position, or Cem-Kilos in portuguese. Hearing this position called this resonated with me because it totally made sense. In the Jiujitsu for women seminar, Professora Caren chose to use the word luscious instead of heavy to describe the side control and mount position. Here is a little explanation of why from one of the students in attendance:
Haha, Yes Luscious! Basically she was going over the concept of embracing and loving your body. As well as using it to feel heavy ( putting weight on your opponent so that you are able to control their movement to some degree). I loved that she delved into the discussion about the stigma that society has that ladies have to be light and not take up space...so on and so forth. She brought up the fact that in Jiujitsu its a positive to feel "heavy" on your opponent and she described it as "being Luscious" Thank You again Caren, you are so amazing!
What a wonderful and empowering message to own your body and train with confidence! See you on the mat!
A few days ago we had the opportunity to host Professora Caren Camblin from Santa Cruz. She taught a women's only jiu-jitsu class followed by a jiujitsu class for teens and adults. This was the first time for El Dorado Hills Jiujitsu to host a female black belt. Here is a little background on Professora Caren Camblin:
Professora Caren Camblin received her Black Belt from Claudio França in 2010 after 14 years of training. She holds a masters degree in philosophy from Stanford University and her philosophical training deeply influences her approach to practicing and teaching jiu-jitsu. Her primary interests are in the underlying principles of jiu-jistu, and how the realms of self-defense, art, and sport intersect. Caren's teaching style is relaxed, collaborative, detail-oriented, and a bit cerebral. She is forever open to questions and to troubleshooting problems on the spot.
Caren is a Core Lecturer at University of California, Santa Cruz and she serves on the governing board of the nonprofit Nonviolent Communication Santa Cruz. Her husband, Mike Roberts, is also a Black Belt under Claudio França.
One of the concepts Professora Caren Camblin shared with the students during the seminar was on the reflective properties of the mat. The "mat is a mirror" of how you are feeling, your strengths and weaknesses, your frustrations, fears, excitement, pessimism and optimism, your joys and satisfactions, the list goes on. Training and being on the mat is a time of reflection, a time to see who you really are and assess or reflect on the things that you are feeling and going on around you. (I'm probably butchering what Professora Caren said with my limited vocabulary... SORRY Sensei!) Interestingly, this is a concept that is also embraced in the study of Yoga. I've heard some masters say that Jiujitsu has it's origins in India where the Martial Art or lifestyle of training included elements of jiujitsu, yoga, and medication. (Could anyone help me expand on this?) Thank you Professor Caren Camblin for sharing with us the lifestyle of Brazilian Jiujitsu. We look forward to seeing you again soon!
We may not remember every single jiu-jitsu class we have had on the mat, but there are a few special classes we will always remember. Yesterday was one of those classes at El Dorado Hills Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Professora Caren Camblin, a black belt under Claudio Franca of Santa Cruz, was in El Dorado Hills to teach a ladies only seminar followed by a seminar for teens and adults.
The ladies only seminar included women from Rocklin, Folsom, Granite Bay, Roseville, Cameron Park, and El Dorado Hills. First time beginners joined the class as well as seasoned veterans with broken in gi's and belts. The seminar began with an introduction that included a discussion on how they got started with jiu-jitsu and what kept them coming back. Professora Caren's special attention to teaching with detail showed as the students quickly grasped the concepts she was showing. In addition to her technical explanation, the seminar included an opportunity to think about the philosophy that accompanies jiu-jitsu, training, and being a woman on the mat. Professora Caren shared with us some very specific positions that would traditionally not be considered as essential positions to know and understand for self-defense.
Just as the jiu-jitsu class for women was a great hit, the teens and adults class was a very fun and exciting experience for everyone. The teens and adults class began with a series of fun warm ups that activated the core, worked on balance, and helped practice a movements pertinent to jiu-jitsu. The theme for the one hour class focused on the idea of "position before submission"and "position before passing." Again, her detailed technical instruction with a focus on explaining and understanding the concept behind the movement/position was very insightful and mind opening.
Her lesson included more than technical instruction. In addition to her detailed explanation of different positions, the class included a deeper sense of understanding of what jiu-jitsu has to offer. How the practice and struggles of jiu-jitsu can be a reflection of our struggles off the mat. How the practice of jiu-jitsu creates a special bond of friendships. And how the practice of jiu-jitsu is the gradual understanding of the philosophy of the gentle art.
Thank you Professora Caren for helping EDH Jiu-Jitsu send a message to our community that Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone! We can't wait for your next visit!
I'm always up to trying new things and learning from my new experiences. Yesterday, I was part of a cast for a new feature film, titled "Fight 4 Your Life." (The independent film is a story about Fleet Blackwood, a young boxer who is thrown into a night of peculiar events.) The scene I was a part of took place in a dojo where a very well choreographed fight scene takes place. I'm not sure exactly how long the scene will be in the feature film "Fight 4 Your Life," but the filming started around 8 pm and lasted until 4am the following day. My assumption is that for about a 3 to 5 minute performance in the film, we spent about 8 hours filming..... And that's just filming! In addition to the filming, the fight scene members, collected from an assortment of different martial arts, had to choreograph and rehearse the fight before the filming about a week for about another 8 hours. Rounding up, this amounts to about 20 hours of preparation or "training" for about 5 minutes of performance. Let's not forget all the editing and action that goes on behind the scenes the make the movie look even more dynamic and action packed. It just feels like the amount of time needed to package a perfect product is endless.
The same concept applies in martial arts, jiu jitsu, wrestling, and life. Practice and preparation are essential elements in performance. The better you want to perform, the more effort you need to invest in yourself. If we were to just look at the physical filming and preparation time and relate that to the time we will see on the screen we could say we spent an input of about 1,200 minutes to get an output of maybe 3 minutes. And again, I'm doing a serious disservice by not including all the time that will be spent reviewing and editing the clips for the final product.
The underlying common theme is that we spend just as much time, if not more, training in our martial arts for just a few minutes of performance. The amount of time you invest in making the performance is going to take more than the actual performance will. Therefore, we need to remind ourselves that enjoying and appreciating the time we spend "training" is very important. The final product or performance may or may not be exactly what we desired, but the time spent training is just as significant and precious as the performance itself. I like to think of the time I spend "training" as personal development time. An opportunity where I get to focus on my needs and making myself stronger, calmer, and happier. I'm very thankful for the personal development I went through the last few evenings with the Fight 4 Your Life cast and crew. I can't wait to see the final product!
If you would like to make a financial or physical contribution to Fight 4 Your Life and support film making in the Sacramento area visit their website: Fight 4 Your Life
This week EDHBJJ started the FIRST Women's ONLY Jiu-Jitsu Class!
Instructor's Todd Jones & Eliot Kelly will be leading the class to introduce the value of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the female's in our community. We had Eliot & Todd answer a few questions about the class....
1) What are the benefits of a Women's ONLY Class?
Todd: The benifits of a women's only class is that it provides women with an opportunity to learn BJJ in an environment that does not require physical contact with the opposite sex. Learning the art of BJJ at times requires "up close and personal contact" with one's opponent, which can be intimidating for some. Removing that barrier opens the art of BJJ for these individuals, empowering them to apply it in any situation.
Eliot: First of all, I wanted all of our female students to feel safe. Speaking from an educational perspective, not much "learning" takes place when you feel threatened or are distracted by potential harm. Secondly, by having a class just for women, I feel women will be more comfortable to ask questions, share information, and go hard when rolling.
2) Why should women learn Jiu-Jitsu?
Todd: Women should learn BJJ for the same reasons men should learn BJJ: not only is it a fantastic form of exercise, but it can be a life-changing experience to know one possesses the skills to overcome an opponenent that is bigger and stronger and intent on doing harm.
Eliot: Well, in my opinion, Jiu-Jitsu is an awesome total body work out, where flexibility, balance, strength, endurance, and technical ability are tested. It's hard to find any other workout that can challenge all that at once. Women need to learn Jiu-Jitsu because it's as close to a real life Self-Defense situation as it gets. Jiu-Jitsu teaches us how to escape some of the most compromising and precarious positions, and therefore could result in the difference between life and death. Also, one of the core philosophies behind Jiu-Jitsu is for advanced technique to out smart power. I think that fits right into why Women should learn Jiu-Jitsu.
3) What is the idea behind the class?
Todd: The idea behind this class is to provide women with the opportunity to come together and learn one of the most effective and fastest growing martial art in the world today, get in fantastic shape, and have a blast doing it.Eliot: After observing several self-defense workshops and doing some self guided research, I noticed there is a very serious problem with teaching the idea of Self-Defense. I found that many Martial Arts Instructors were so intent on teaching how their "ART" was the best, that it was more of a sales opportunity than a Self-Defense lesson. After working with KJN Gary Merlo and KJN Johnathan Calazar of West Coast Martial Arts EDH, I finally found an alternative teaching method, and that Self-Defense needs to be treated much more seriously than a simple sales opportunity. The idea of our class is to educate our Women on both the SPORT of Jiu-Jitsu and SELF-DEFENSE of Jiu-Jitsu. Since the IBJJF SPORT rules are derived from the "spirit of self-defense," we will explore what ideas cross over into self-defense and what does not. The idea is to focus on solid basic technique from specific positions, raise awareness for the sport, and understand how to avoid potentially dangerous situations. Finally, I think Jiu-Jitsu is something we understand by doing. Even if they never compete in the sport, parents, Mother's, Wives, Sisters, and daughters can be better supporters if they have had some prior training on the mat!!! The idea behind the class is... GET ON THE MAT!!
ARTICLE TRANSLATION: Special Interview with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie
Q: What do we need to do in order to Win?
Whether you are doctor, lawyer, businessman, fighter, or whatever your job may be, everyone needs to get all of the same elements together in order to accomplish their goals and become successful.
A few examples would be work ethic, bravery, some talent, and a strategy.
Reading my book would help you understand things in detail, but if you use the elements I talk about, you'll be able to maintain a strong mind and as a result see good results.
The important thing is to know that you have the ability to transform yourself.
In conclusion, I would like to say one more thing.
Above all, I want everyone to know this. In reality, what I accomplished can be done by anyone. That's right, the power we actualize is something that we already had within us.
Therefore, I don't want people to be observing me personally, but rather to realize how I was able to push through to the point where I am today.
I pray that the book Rickson Gracie Undefeated Principles is of strength for those on their way to paving their own path. <END>
ARTICLE TRANSLATION: 400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie.
Q: What's the reason you decided to publish the book Rickson Gracie Undefeated Principles?
After my retirement I started thinking about new goals for myself, and what came to surface was that I wanted to teach and spread to as many people as possible about correct Jiu-Jitsu, ideal Jiu-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu that stems from Self-Defense.
In addition, for those who have no connection to Martial Arts, I wished to express the philosophical learnings that took place as a result of practicing Jiu-Jitsu. I wanted to leave behind the important lessons I had learned from my life up to this moment.
I don't intend on reminiscing over memories of the past.
That's why I chose not to talk about my private life in the book. Of course there are parts I where I explain my personal circumstances to help communicate what it is I am trying to say.
However, my intentions from this book are not to talk about what I have left behind or my walk in life.
But that many people have kept their potential dormant the whole time. Q: So, it's not an "Autobiography" of Rickson Gracie?
That's right. It's not a book about "me" personally, but a narrative on my thought process and how I would behave under different circumstances.
Obviously, there are plenty of people who have been and still are interested in my private life. I think the book help satisfy their curiosity about me.
Q: What would you like to say to your Japanese readers?
In one one word "Bushido." The desire to take on a task with 100% zeal.
To me, "Bushido" is working to achieve some objective with 100% of your strength while stressing the importance of respect.
The "ModernSamurai" living in our present day society, is for fighting to grab ahold of your own happiness.
Whether you are doing a job or working towards a goal, you don't do it because you were told to do it. Reconsider, one more time, if what you are doing will truly come back to bringing you happiness.
Regardless of age, gender, or profession, people are struggling against their fears, sorrows, and many other problems on a daily basis. And I want people to win those battles.
Up Next Part 4-F: "The power to be implemented is something everyone already has"
Article Source:
http://diamond.jp/articles/-/9711?page=5
ARTICLE TRANSLATION: 400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview(Part 3) with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie "Reasons for Retirement"
Until about 2007, I had every intention of stepping into the ring had something been able to be negotiated. Eventually, the decision was made that the likelihood of me fighting again was very little.
"I resolved to retire from a world that no longer fit me."
Photo by Takahiro Kohara
The world of Martial Arts had completely changed, and as multiple martial artists stepped up to take fights, the number of promotions had diminished. As a result, the possibility of working out another fight for me was getting smaller and smaller.
I decided it was time to retire from a world that was no longer appropriate for me.
I was undefeated and had become famous. However, I had passed up my last big opportunity to take a fight that could have led to an enormous payday.
That fight could have completely changed my life.
But, just because you have money doesn't give you the ability to fly, so you just have to accept the situation you are in. I regained my footing and set up a new plan. Being reborn as the new me, I decided to start walking on my new path.
Life just keeps going on.
The effectiveness of "Visualization" confirmed by the Funaki fight
Q: I heard you realized the value of "Visualization" from what ended up being your last fight against Funaki Masakatsu.
Visualization is an essential tool for athletes. Obviously I use it for special events, but I would also visualize before regular matches. Even if the fight ended in a different way, I would imagine every fight as though I was dreaming, ending every visualization with my hand being raised.
However, in my visualization I included getting dizzy or taking a heavy punch. I would have to guard myself and patiently wait until I recovered from being dizzy.
I always felt these type of visualization exercises were beneficial, and eventually an event took place that would confirm its effectiveness.
Q: And that was the battle against Funaki?
That's right. The fight against Funaki was sold out, and over forty thousand people packed Tokyo Dome. An estimated twenty million people viewed the televised fight.
Immediately following the beginning of the fight, both of us went down to the ground and Funaki started throwing heavy punches.
Funaki just kept dashing out punches without being in a really good position. He was wearing MMA gloves with his thumbs exposed, and some part of the leather that was sticking out hit my eye. You wouldn't really say those were accurate punches, but my eye began to feel compressed and I was unable to see anything out of my eye.
Up Next (Part 3-D): "Crap, I can't see. I can't stand up like this!"
ARTICLE TRANSLATION: 400 Undefeated Fights! A Special Interview (Part 3) with Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie "On why he stopped fighting"
-- Retirement was decided because "there was nothing left to prove."
Q: Spending time with your family was more of a priority than your fights, right?
Even if devoting myself in training would have been the best way to overcome my grief, I couldn't allow myself to only be thinking about me, or to not be face to face with my family.
"Unfortunately, there were no longer any fights I
thought I would like to do."
Photo by Takahiro Kohara
I passed up an opportunity that was never again, and the fighter that I was supposed to take on at one of the most premiere promotions, lost in another fight that took place shortly after. Having lowered his popularity, the charm in having me fight him was lowered. Meanwhile, two years passed while I waited for another opportunity, and I gradually began to close myself off.
My hormone levels had gone down, and my testosterone levels had significantly declined.
While my family and I were regaining our footing, my golden ages had slowly rolled on by. By the time I looked up, they had completely disappeared.
Q: Is that around the time you decided to retire?
No, even then I was still waiting for the next opportunity. I was thinking it wouldn't have mattered even if the terms behind the fight were not as good as the one before.
However, I didn't want to stand in the ring for the sake of just pleasing the promoters or fans.
I wanted to take on a fight that was appropriate for me. However, unfortunately, there were no longer any fights I thought I would like to do. The only thing I heard from people were about talks of marketing related strategies or business expansion.
Q: So, Rickson Gracie won't stand in the ring again?
Ya, I don't have any intention of taking another professional fight.
Right now for me, there is nothing I have to prove to myself. The fact that a right offer at the right time didn't come along is one reason, but there's also the fact that it's harder to maintain my best physical condition because of my age and the intense training I've put myself through.
Up Next Part 3-C: I realized the effectiveness of "Visualization" from the Funaki fight
Article Translation: 400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview (Part 2) Legendary Martial Artist Rickson Gracie
- This may be a difficult question, but if you were to explain "Jiu-Jitsu" in a few words what would it be?
Rickson: If I were to explain Jiu-Jitsu, I would have to say Jiu-Jitsu is a simple method of understanding yourself, basically it's the art of becoming a person that doesn't lose.
I guarantee that the people I teach Jiu-Jitsu to can become invincible. I promise that they will become individuals that absolutely will not lose. You have my word, 100 Percent.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean you will be able to beat the person in front of you. That's a different story. However, if you know you can't lose, the only other option is to draw or win.
Try imagining that you are going into a fight that you know you won't lose.
- That's a pretty good situation (smile).
Rickson: Right? For example, a situation where some bad guy attacks you. Someone 15 years younger than you and 80 pounds heavier is coming at you with the intention of hurting you.
You hold that person there for an hour and eventually the cops show up, arrest the person and you escaped a near death experience. Things went well. This would be the same as a substantial victory, and at the very least you would have saved your life.
If the terms were more evenly matched you probably would have won. If you were around the same age, similar physique, and other things were the same then there's no doubt you would have thrashed that person for trying to attack you.
Coming Next: (part 2-e) "Surviving" rather than "Winning" is what's important
400 Undefeated Fights! Special Interview (part 2) with Legendary Martial Artist: Rickson Gracie
"What Present Day Martial Arts has Lost."
- How do you see the world of Martial Arts expanding in the future? What is the stance of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu on all this?
Rickson: Unfortunately this trend will continue for a while. Hundreds and thousands of people are thinking they want to watch two men slug it out, so there is no reason for things not to become popular. As a result, the money moving behind the sport will continue to grow.
"I would like people to learn Jiu-Jitsu, just as
they would learn the piano or the violin."
Photo by Takahiro Kohara
I have always fought for the sake of showing Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and the Gracie Technique. I have never adapted other types of Martial Arts into my training to win fights.
If one day my son Kron decides to participate in one of these events I would like for him to fight as a representative of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
It wouldn't be to entertain the audience anticipating to see a flutter of jumps, punches, or kicks. I am positive that Kron would enter the ring to use the power of jiu-jitsu he has acquired to neutralize an opponent influenced by another form of martial arts.
Jiu-Jitsu is the "art of becoming a person that won't lose."
- There isn't a chance for Gracie Jiu-Jitsu to be swallowed up by Mixed Martial Arts?
Rickson: At this moment, there is no mistake in saying that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is at the center of martial arts, and is the most practical form of martial arts. I am sure Gracie Jiu-Jitsu will continue to be what it is, and will it's style and purpose will continue to be a great aid to many fighters.
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has spread all over the globe, but I personally don't feel mesmerized at all by the present state of Mixed Martial Arts.
My Goal is to strengthen Jiu-Jitsu and bring it back to the forefront. I would like to respond to our society's greater needs with the power of Jiu-Jitsu.
Jiu-Jitsu has the ability to change your life and expand an individual's ability. Confidence, self-esteem, and a tranquil spirit is born as a result of Jiu-Jitsu. Traditional elements of martial arts such as respect, honor, and discipline are acquired. These are all things I would like to show and teach to little children.
Rather than seeing people learn Jiu-Jitsu to beat other martial artists, I would be happier to see children doing Jiu-Jitsu and improving their self-confidence while living a better balanced life.
That's why I would like people to learn Jiu-Jitsu, just as they would learn the piano or the violin.
Up Next (Part 2-D): I guarantee those I teach Jiu-Jitsu to will become invincible.
Article Translation: 400 Undefeated Fights! A Special Interview (Part 2) with legendary Martial Artist: Rickson Gracie!
- What has been Lost in the Current State of Martial Arts -
"There are very few fighters who were brought up on and continue to walk along a path I feel proud of."
Photo by Takahiro Kohara
Rickson:For the spectators the fights would seem very exciting.
However, MMA's transformation into the ultimate sport has resulted in the loss of many artistic elements. Even if there are still elements of this left right now, this element is destined to fade away in the near future.
It's as though the Roman Gladiators have come back into existence in the 21st Century and as a result, given birth to one of the most stimulating and ultimate spectator sports. Things are certainly within legal limits, and I won't go as far as saying it's barbaric. However, I also feel it's extreme and radical nature might have cast a shadow over the artistic elements of martial arts.
I have no intention of concluding that this is a bad thing.
People who have sought out the ultimate form of entertainment will most certainly be entertained as a result of this paradigm shift in Mixed Martial Arts. Within this there exists a great deal of fascination that allures people in.
For example, most people would stand and watch if two cab drivers started arguing in the middle of the street. They may stop their cars or break from their work to observe the development and want to know the outcome. Many people are drawn to acts of reckless or dangerous violence.
The way fighters are, the beauty of Martial Arts, and the artistic nature of fighting has completely changed. There are very few fighters who were brought up on and continue to walk along a path I feel proud of.
Nowadays, as the risks of martial arts events have increased, fighters take on fights for prize money. The prize money has rapidly gone up. As spectator numbers swell, the content will become exceedingly extreme to fuel the people's excitement.
Up Next Part 2-C: "I would like people to learn Jiu-Jitsu, just as they would learn the piano or the violin."
Article Translation: 400 Undefeated Fights! A Special Interview with legendary martial artist Rickson Gracie. "Winning is not the most important thing, rather, it is important to NEVER BE DEFEATED."
"From the moment you are born things don't
go the way you expect them to. It's a continuous
cycle of competition"
Photo by Takahiro Kohara
Q:A life that serves no value to anyone else has no value.
Rickson: When trying to communicate this idea, first I always ask this question. "What is the most important thing to you?"
Then, everyone starts thinking. I hear all these different answers like, family, success, work, health, and I feel the one's who include "My" at the the front of all these responses are headed down the right path. If you are thinking about something aside from yourself, then at some point you've lost confidence in yourself. You lack the purpose to live for yourself.
First, you need to become the best you can be. Then you will be able to do something for others. Finally you can go beyond the frame of "me," and serve as a valuable person to someone else.
A life that serves no value to anyone else has no value. People who only think about themselves, who won't move an inch to help someone else, are just plain selfish. However, building up your strength to eventually help someone is a noble cause. That's why you give yourself priority.
What could you possibly do for your family by living a stressful life, always being tense and nervous, or disliking what you have to do?
Are you really of value to your friends and those who you love? Are you able to perform at work? I'm sure if you just kept forcefully trudging forward you would eventually end up collapsing and breaking down.
If the readers of my book could follow these ideas and become "Modern Day Warriors," I would be very pleased.
Q: So, What are some rules you need to follow to progress as a victorious "Modern Day Warrior?"
Rickson: Well, to attain the power invisible to the eye, you must refine your senses, dedicate yourself, choose the right path as a person, and closely examine things. Understand the circumstances and set up an appropriate plan of attack. You need to attain what you want, and clear the way to find your destiny. What you want, you need to go and get by yourself, without depending on any type of luck.
From the moment you are born, things in life don't go the way you expect them to. life's a continuous cycle of competition.
Even a 2 year old, if they had a 3 year old brother, would get into a tiff taking each others small game or toy. Starting from earning the rights to sit in the passenger seat, countless amounts of matters require competition and are settled as a result of some type of quarrel.
For an only child, the first few years may be rather peaceful, but once they start going to school they will eventually realize that they need to get in line just like everyone else. They will realize that they need to struggle to earn their position, struggle for mastery, and continue to struggle within society to make that something their own.
You need to understand your strengths, and develop an ability to comprehend our society in order to win these struggles and competitions. The initial step in becoming a "modern day warrior" is to do this.
Coming Soon! PART 2:
"The Significance of Present Day Martial Arts and Jiu-Jitsu"
400 Undefeated Fights! A Special Interview with legendary martial artist Rickson Gracie. "Winning is not the most important thing, rather, it is important to NEVER BE DEFEATED." Part 1-C: What is this "Modern Warrior" that pursues ones' happiness?
"It isn't like I blindly follow the ideas
of Bushido (Way of the Warrior)."
Photo by Takahiro Kohara
Q: So, where can we find this answer? Rickson: My vision of "the Modern Warrior" is a man who strives to live a just life while seeking out what he wants to obtain. All the while, never forgetting his goal of finding joy and happiness. Being relentless with the idea of pursuing something you consider to bring yourself joy and happiness. What's the purpose of your life if you are not pursuing something that brings you joy. Is it possible to live a fulfilled life without being happy? That's just how I feel. I don't get the feeling that Musashi and many other fine Samurais, who shared this common philosophy, lived a life of satisfaction.
Q: Isn't Musashi your starting point for all this? Rickson:For some reason there are a lot of people who share this misunderstanding. I have always held true to the concepts of Bushido, long before ever hearing of the name Musashi. I came to deeply understand Bushido and began thinking it was a wonderful after reading the book titled "Shogun" by James Clavell. Actually, it was because of this book I came to understand the Samurai. I didn't read Musashi's "Book of Five Rings" until long after that. My impressions after reading Musashi's book, was that he was very heartless person.
He lived a detached life, where his only aims in life were for the sake of fighting, the sake of winning, or for the sake of escaping death. He had no sense of death, while constantly fighting in battles purely for the sake of winning, as though he was a machine designed to fight. As a result, I can't sympathize with him.
Q: So, your reason for fighting isn't "to win" ? Rickson:I fought for a much greater reason, for example, to please and bring joy to my family. Additionally, being able to freely demonstrate some high level technique and skill gave me great joy. I stood in front of many opponents, left plenty of accolades from those battles and have created a tradition all because I was pursuing happiness. The reason I had to climb over all the other fighters was because I was trying to achieve a rather daunting objective, happiness. I do not just blindly revere the ideas of Bushido. Besides, I think it's easier to live life like the Samurai and be impervious to to your surroundings. A life where you do not prioritize yourself first is much easier to live. However, if the center of the universe is not you, then you very well couldn't say it is your life that you are living.
Up Next: (1-D) A life that serves no value to anyone else has no value.
Over the next couple of weeks I will bring to you a translation of a four part article featuring Rickson Gracie! Rickson Gracie is a legendary martial artist with 400 undefeated fights! This article by Diamond Co. explores Rickson's background to reveal his philosophy, thoughts, and motivation which led him to his triumphs. Also included are; his thoughts on Japan, Jiu-Jitsu, why he retired from fighting, his future goals, and life to come. All will be brought to you in a four part series. The title of the first interview: "Winning, is not the most important thing, rather it is important to NEVER BE DEFEATED."
Rickson Gracie (Pronounced Hick-son)
Born: November, 21 1959.
Nationality: Brazil. Jiu-Jitsu Practitioner.
Known as Prodigal master of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
after leaving a mark in history though MMA.
Established the JJFJ (Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Japan)
and serves as the President.
Photo by Takahiro Kohara
Q:Rickson, I've heard from others that you are very pro-Japanese.
Rickson: Ya, it's been about 15 years now since the first time I visited Japan.
Until then, I had carried several images about Japan; Bushido (the way of the warrior), Samurai, Strength, Etiquette, and the stuff invincible men had, not a single crack in mental/spiritual might. All those thoughts about Japan were in my mind.
But I was very disappointed when I came to Japan.
I definitely felt the feeling of deep respect, but I realized those feelings originated from weakness rather than physical strength or mental/spiritual might. Regardless of all the respectful moments I encountered and stern and disciplined rules I witnessed, I didn't feel the slightest bit of strength or power.
Q:How do you define "Weakness?" What do you mean by this word?
Rickson: Well, if I were to use some other words, I guess you could say it felt like people were living inside a bubble. Even though you could sense the feeling of respect, that was because people were scared of intruding on others, or because they didn't want to hear others opinion.
I love Japan! I can definitely say that about the culture. However, I do feel a little disappointed about their weakness.
For example, if you went to a Martial Arts event like my last fight at the Tokyo Dome against Funaki Masakatsu, not a single paper cup would have been found left on the floor. When there was some type of action on stage the entire crowd would gasp at the same time. Sometimes you would hear people cheer "Rickson! Rickson!" but even the timing of this could be predicted after a while.
Observing this type of scene makes me realize how safe these people must feel living inside their bubble. They should open up a little more, allow their energy to be used and put out, it makes me wonder how much happier their lives could be if they did this.
Coming Next: (Part 1-B) The Age of the SAMURAI is long over...
Another one of the concepts Porfessora Caren covered in her seminar was the need to be heavy in jiujitsu. Many of the top positions like side control and mount are positions of weight. I remember when I first started learning jiu-jitsu the side control was referred to as the 100-kilos position, or Cem-Kilos in portuguese. Hearing this position called this resonated with me because it totally made sense. In the Jiujitsu for women seminar, Professora Caren chose to use the word luscious instead of heavy to describe the side control and mount position. Here is a little explanation of why from one of the students in attendance:
