Bushido

                                                            Bushido

   Bushido, the Way of the Warrior, is the Way of Jujutsu. It is a code of ethical conduct, a framework for living with purpose and integrity, and a guide to developing one’s greatest potential. Traditionally a Sensei’s lessons were about Bushido in a feudal society. Today, a Sensei must apply Bushido in a modern democracy. This may require innovation, but the fundamentals transcend time and culture.
    The virtues of Wisdom, Benevolence, Courage, of living with Integrity, of managing one’s fear and anger, of conducting oneself with dignity, of practicing fortitude, restraint and self discipline, are as relevant today as in feudal Japan.

                                                Warriors and Teachers



                       

 

     
  

      Shihan Frank J. Goody Sr, my Sensei, traveled to Japan as a teenager. With letters of introduction from his grandfather and/or uncle he became one of the few Westerners to study and train at the Old Kodokan, under Grand Masters like Mifune Sensei, Nagai Sensei, and Ichijima Sensei, earning the rank of Ni Dan.
    When World War II broke out he joined the Marines, was a hand to hand combat instructor, and saw extensive combat in the Pacific theater, where he was seriously wounded in the Island fighting.
    After the war he joined the Denver Police Dept. He met Frank Matsuyama, Hereditary Grand Master of the Matsuyama Yawarakai (Yawara being an advanced jujutsu system taught only in a few Hatamoto family schools), became his Ichi Ban, and partnered with him to found the American Judo College (later renamed American Budo College). When he died in 1957 Matsuyama designated Shihan Goody as his successor. 
    Shihan Goody was 19 years a police officer, and Denver P.D. hand to hand combat instructor. When I joined the American Budo College in 1963 Shihan Goody held, among others, the following ranks and titles. Judo - Ni Dan (Kodokan), Jujutsu - Roku Dan (Nagai Ryu), Goju Karate - Sho Dan (Yamaguchi), Shin Go Ju Ryu Karate - Hachi Dan (Tin Yang), Tang Soo Do - Yi Dan (honorary - Hwang Ki), Aikido - Sensei (Morihei Ueshiba), Wu Style Tai Chi Ch'uan - Sifu, Yawara - Shichi Dan, Hereditary Grand Master of the Matsuyama Yawarakai. United States Karate Assn. - Hachi Dan and Western Regional Director (Rob't Trias).

    It is Jujutsu Sensei’s responsibility to lead by example, teaching the techniques, principles, and tactics of Warrior Jujutsu, along with spirit of Bushido, the Way of the Warrior. Lessons in life are integrated into the training and practice.
    His responsibility begins with mastery of the principles and techniques of his art.           
 
        “You can’t teach what you don’t know, you can’t lead where you won’t go.”  
 
    Beyond mastery of his art, it’s principles and philosophy, a sensei should approach teaching with humility and respect for tradition, honoring the Sensei’s who have gone before.
    A Sensei must be able to inspire and encourage students. In order for a student to care what you know he needs to know that you care. Know that you care about your art and all aspects that you teach. Know that you honor and respect those who taught and guided you. Know that you care about them, their progress, their safety and well-being.

    I make no pretense to profound scholarship. I’m am not an expert on Japanese culture. Regarding the history of Jujutsu and the philosophy of Bushido I rely on the lessons of my teachers and the writings of others, Japanese and westerners. My Sensei studied in the Japanese dojos of pre WWII and my Japanese terminology probably reflects that. I will offer my views from more than fifty years of training in, studying, and teaching bujutsu. My only expertise is on my own journey.
   From brash young student to Sensei emeritus I’ve tried to approach my art with intellectual curiosity and an open mind. I’ve learned enough to know that seemingly impossible feats can be mastered, and magic can be explained. I’ve seen enough I can neither do nor explain keep me humble in my quest.     
     A traditional sensei is as much about teaching how to live as how to fight. I hope to share some of these “lessons of life” that have meant so much to me, and to my students. I share them as they were passed down to me, some as universal wisdom, some as casual observations, some as rules for conduct and etiquette
   For those who share my interest in martial arts I offer such insights from my training and experience as you may find relevant. For everyone, I hope you find my writings interesting and informative.