| OFFICIAL TRANSLATION OF JUJITSU
BLACK BELT SCROLL.
(What follows, is a translation of a portion
of a black belt scroll presented to Theodore E. Muran by Master
Henry S. Okazaki on May 5, 1939, commonly known today as Danzan
Ryu Judo Moku Roku, or the Catalogue of Hawaiian Style Judo.
There have been many translations of various scrolls to date,
of which, this is just one!)
CERTIFICATE OF THE DANZAN SCHOOL OF JUDO
History, Origin and Development ofJu-Jitsu
It has been said that the origin of Japanese wrestling dates
back 1,960 years ago, when a certain Nomino Sukune grappled
with and killed Taimano Kehaya in the seventh month of the
seventh year of the eleventh Emperor Suinin. In view of the
recorded statement, "THE TWO MEN STOOD UP FACE TO FACE
AND KICKED EACH OTHER; SUKUNE KICKED KEHAY IN THE RIBS AND
STOMPED ON AND CRUSHED HIS WAIST AND KILLED HIM." This
incident may be regarded as the origin of JuJitsu.
Then during the first year of Temmon, in the reign of emperor
Gonara, at the end of the period of Civil War (400 years ago),
the Takenouchi School of JuJitsu was systematized. Again,
during the Keicho era (340 years ago), a Chinese came to Japan
and taught an art of boxing. About forty years later, another
Chinese visited Japan and introduced the art of seizing one's
opponent. In the course of time, some of the forms and techniques
were eliminated, while others were harmonized with the art
of the old JuJitsu. Through the process of elimination and
harmonization, a new art known as "Yawara" was created
and was extensively popularized. This is the origin of present
day judo.
During the Edo period, various schools of Judo were brought
into existence, of which the following were the leading ones:
Tokeuchi, Teihozen, Araki, Muse, Miura, Fukuno, Isogai, Seigo,
Kajiwara, Sekiguchi, Shibukawa, Kite, Yoshin, Kyushin, Kanshin,
Yoshioka, Iga, Sosuishitsu, Iwaga and Namba Shoshin.
Instruction Regarding the Practice
of Judo
This section is commonly referred to
a the "Esoteric Principles"
The fundamental principle acquired through the practice of
JuJitsu was elevated to a finer moral conception called "Judo",
the way of gentleness. It may well be said then that the pnmary
object of practicing Judo is perfection of character. And
in order 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 one's
enormous debt to teachers and be ever mindful of one's indebtedness
to the general public. As a member of a family, one's first
duty is to be filial to parents, to be helpful, affectionate
to brothers and sisters. 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 the spirit
of social services. One must be discreet in action, yet hold
courage in high regard and strive to cultivate the powers
of manhood. One must be gentle, modest, polite and resourceful,
never eccentric, but striving always to practice moderation.
One must realize that these constitute the secret of the practice
of Judo.
Anyone who practices JuJitsu should neither be afraid of
the strong or 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 the water, one man's
strength is sufficient to move the boat back and forth. 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 BOUGH THAT BEAR MOST BEND LOWEST"
One should never forget the virtue of modesty as one attains
proficiency in the art of judo. Make no relative importance
between literary and military art. Within constant motion
and change there is tranquillity, and within tranquillity
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 of younger
men. To lead younger men well, would in the long run, mean
to attain proficiency in the skill of judo.
Like a drawing in India ink of the whispering of the wind
in the pines, the secrets of JuJitsu can only be suggested.
It is only through personal experience that one can comprehend
the mystic ecstasy of such secrets. It is said of Jujitsu
that it would require ten years of practice in order to win
victory over one's self and twenty years to win victory over
others. A noted verse reads:
"FOR A LOTUS FLOWER TO FALL IS TO RISE
TO THE SURFACE"
It is only by entering into the realm of open mindedness
that one is able to acquire or master the secret art of selflessness
and altruism, These are the secrets of Kodenkan into which
I have the honor to initiate you.
Henry S, Okazaki
Judo Master and Owner of Kodenkan
Honolulu, Hawaii
May 5, 1939
|