A Day of Jujutsu History and Tradition in Tokyo
Our fourth day in Japan was a journey into the rich history of jujutsu, filled with meaningful conversations and cultural insights. It began with a meeting with Mr. Yasu, a prominent writer and researcher in martial arts. We discussed the historical practice of jujutsu, and Mr. Yasu shared invaluable perspectives on how the art evolved over the centuries. Hearing these stories reminded me of how learning from the past is crucial to shaping the values we carry forward.
Afterward, we continued our conversation over lunch at a nearby restaurant known for its unagi, or Japanese eel. In the afternoon, Pedro and I visited the Meiji Shrine, a tranquil park in the heart of Tokyo. The peacefulness of the shrine, with its tall trees and serene pathways, reminded me of Central Park in New York—a space for reflection amid the city's fast pace. As we wandered through the park, Pedro noticed a large banner displaying the numbers “753.” Curious about its meaning, he asked our guide, who explained that “753” refers to a traditional Japanese celebration for children, where boys aged three and five, and girls aged three and seven, participate in ceremonies marking significant milestones.
What struck me was the connection Pedro made between this tradition and the 753 Code that he and his brothers developed—a code that teaches responsibility and growth at key stages in life. It’s moments like these that show how deeply intertwined culture and martial arts are, and how these teachings can guide us, not only in self-defense but in living with strength and integrity—values we emphasize in StandStrong.
Later, we returned to the hotel to prepare for an evening seminar at Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy, run by Sensei Takamasa Watanabe, a longtime friend of the Valente Brothers. The seminar had an impressive turnout, and it was inspiring to see such a motivated group of students. Pedro taught the Five Elements of Jujutsu as a complete fighting system, focusing on striking, throws, grappling, and philosophy.
After the seminar, we sat down for a roundtable discussion with several experts in martial arts history, including Tetsuya Nakajima, Ph.D., Teruyuki Okuda, and Yoshifumi Hishida, Ph.D. The discussion, organized by Gustavo Goulart from São Paulo and Sensei Takamasa Watanabe, explored various aspects of jujutsu’s evolution across Japan and Brazil. Also in attendance was Goko Hosokawa, the author of a book on Mataemon Tanabe, a legendary jujutsu master.
One of the highlights of the evening was when Pedro shared rare footage of private training sessions with Grandmaster Helio Gracie, which few have ever seen. The room was captivated by this glimpse into the origins of modern jujutsu. Before we wrapped up, Mr. Okuda presented Pedro with a book written by Kashiwazaki, a thoughtful gesture that left a lasting impression.
The roundtable discussion went on late into the night, finishing around 11:30 p.m. Though it was a long day, it was filled with learning and connection. The history of jujutsu is vast, and the lessons it offers go far beyond physical technique—they resonate with the values of discipline, respect, and empowerment that guide both the martial art and StandStrong’s mission. It was a day that deepened my appreciation for how these teachings can help us face challenges, stay resilient, and grow stronger, not just in body but in spirit.
