THE ESOTERIC PRINCIPLES OF
DANZAN RYU JUJITSU
Since the fundamental principle acquired through the practice of Jujitsu has
been elevated to a finer moral concept called Judo, "The Way of
Gentleness," it may well be said that the primary objective of practicing
Judo is perfection of character. And to perfect one's character, one must be
grateful for the abundant blessings of heaven, Earth, and Nature, as well as for
the great love of parents; one must realize his enormous debt to teachers and be
ever mindful of his obligations to the general public.
As a member of a family, one's first duty is to be filial to parents, to be
helpful and harmonious with one's wife or husband, and to be affectionate to
brothers and sisters, so that the family may be a sound, successful and
harmonious unit of the community.
As a member of a nation one must be grateful for the protection which one
derives as a citizen; one must guard against self-interest and foster a spirit
of social service. One must be discreet in action, yet hold courage in high
regard, and strive to cultivate manliness. One must be gentle, modest, polite,
and resourceful; never eccentric, but striving always to practice moderation in
all things. one must realize that these qualities constitute the secret of the
practice of Judo.
Anyone who practices Judo should neither be afraid of the strong nor despise the
weak; nor should he act contrary to the strength of his enemy because of the art
he has acquired. For example, when a boat is set afloat on water, one man's
strength is sufficient to move the boat back and forth. This is only possible
because the boat float, for if, on the other hand, the boat is placed on dry
land, the same man's strength is scarcely sufficient to move it. It is
necessary, therefore, that the weak should learn this fact with regard to the
strong.
The forms and techniques should be remembered as the basic art of Judo. One
should never use these arts against anyone without sufficient justification.
Therefore, refrain from arrogance and do not despise a small enemy or a weak
opponent.
Every Student of Judo should realize that honesty is the foundation of all virtues,
kindness is the secret of business prosperity. Amiability is the essence of
success. Working pleasantly is the mother of health. Strenuous effort and
diligence conquer adverse circumstances. Simplicity, fortitude, and manliness
are the keys to joy and gladness; and service to humanity is the fountain of
mutual existence and common prosperity.
As aptly expressed in the poem "The boughs that bear most hang
lowest," one should never forget the virtue of modesty as one attains
proficiency in the art of Judo. Do not disdain or regard lightly either literary
or military art; each is important and deserves equal cultivation and respect.
Within constant motion and change there is tranquility; and within tranquility,
there is motion and change.
Remember always parental love and one's enormous indebtedness to teachers. Be
grateful for the protection of Heaven and Earth. Be a good leader to younger
men. To lead younger men well, will in the long run, mean to attain proficiency
in the skill of Judo.
Like a drawing in India ink of the whispering of wind in the pines, the secrets
of Judo can only be suggested. Only through personal experience can one
comprehend the mystic ecstasy of such secrets. It is said of Jujitsu that it
would require ten years of practice to win victory over one's self and twenty
years to win victory over others.
Whatever the trials or dangers, even "hell under the upraised sword,"
remain calm and remember the doctrine imparted to you by your teacher.
A noted verse reads: "For the lotus flower to fall is to rise to the
surface."
Only by cultivating a receptive state of mind, without preconceived ideas or
thought, can one master the secret of reacting spontaneously and naturally
without hesitation and without purposeless resistance.
These are the secrets of Kodenkan into which I have had the honor to initiate
you.
H. Seishiro Okazaki
Judo Master
Director of Kodenkan
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