Welcome to the Bushidokan and to
Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu. To study here
means to move toward a greater awareness and perfection of
character. The Bushidokan is a temple of high ideals and morale
concepts as well as a training hall for combative prowess, “polish your spirit and you polish your martial arts”.
The training here at the Bushidokan involves all elements of the
martial arts for physical, mental, and spiritual harmony. Progress
may be slower than expected due to the precise, controlled movements
that are required to master the system. Jujitsu is a very deadly art
which lends (requires) itself to slow purposeful study and practice.
Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu is an esoteric system based on the utilization
of momentum and leverage over the use of brute force. In developing
physical abilities to defend yourself, you will also develop mental
abilities to expand your inner strength and grow as an individual.
In this system the mental aspects far out weigh the physical. Thus a
true masters' strength comes not from his body but from his mind.
With increased confidence and capabilities also comes increased
responsibilities. The successful Jujitsuka does not seek out
conflicts, rather avoids them, using the physical skills of defense
only as a last resort.
The beginning levels of instruction involve the principles of
leverage, movement, coordination, balance, and personal safety.
These principles form the physical foundation of jujitus and within
these principles can be found the basis of self defense. To acquire
mastery of the physical elements of jujitsu requires practice and
patience. Do not expect overnight proficiency. Also do not look
toward promotion or the learning of new and more advanced
techniques; concentrate on the lessons and techniques being
presented. As you progress through the system you will find that
each new set of techniques is based on the preceding ones, therefore
to gain command of the basic techniques will, in the long run, mean
to (you or the mastery of) master the advanced techniques.
Within the framework of Jujitsu you will be taught self-protection
techniques to be used against every conceivable type of attack,
defenses involving multiple attackers, knifes, guns, and other
weapons. In addition you will learn karate and Kung Fu techniques.
As you advance you will also be instructed in the arts of the sword,
the bokken, bo (staff), hon bo, along with other traditional and
modern weapons. Massage and traditional healing arts are also a very
important part of the instruction at the Bushidokan. To have the
ability to maim constitutes the requirement to heal.
Dan Zan Ryu Jujitsu utilizes a systematic approach to the martial
arts; however, this does not mean that the techniques are without
diversification. You will find that Jujitsu adapts to the individual
and this is a need for structure of foundation. Yet only through
your personal perception can you comprehend the secrets of jujitsu.
In the course of study you will find that the techniques of each
instructor will vary, as will his approach toward teaching. This
does not mean that one instructor is better than the another, but
rather each is an individual. With this broad spectrum of
instructors, you, the student, will gain an invaluable insight into
jujitsu.
As you progress you will be faced with many challenges. Some will
come from Sensei and some from your instructors. However, many will
come from within yourself. You will experience peaks and valleys in
growth and there will be many times you will feel like quitting, but
patience and strong will to master this complex art and most
difficult of all – to master yourself. With dedication and sincerity
you will prevail.