A Meaningful Day in Tokyo: Yom Kippur and Jujutsu with Ambassador Emanuel
Our first full day in Tokyo was truly special, falling on Yom Kippur, a day of reflection and significance for me as a High Jewish Holiday. Pedro Valente and I were warmly welcomed by my longtime friend, Ambassador Rahm Emanuel, at the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo. It was an honor to visit and reconnect with Rahm in such a meaningful setting.
Ambassador Emanuel showed a strong interest in the practical use of jujutsu in these fields. He asked insightful questions about the differences between jujutsu and Krav Maga and how martial arts, especially jujutsu, can be applied in military and police training. Together, we explored how both arts are centered on empowerment, protection, and building confidence. Pedro shared a fascinating story about President Theodore Roosevelt, who was a big advocate of jujutsu and even trained in the White House with a professor from the Kodokan in Japan. It’s amazing how jujutsu’s influence extends beyond diplomacy into the cultural history of the United States.
One of the visit’s highlights was a tour of the embassy’s serene garden, where each U.S. ambassador plants a tree to honor the president they represent. The symbolism of the trees—standing strong and rooted—echoed the values we hold dear in StandStrong.
After visiting the embassy, Pedro and I had a memorable lunch at Tempura Ten-Ichi, a renowned restaurant in Tokyo that has been in operation since 1930. The historic spot has served figures like Mikhail Gorbachev, Bill Clinton, and Frank Sinatra, making our experience feel steeped in tradition. The food was exquisite, and the setting only enhanced the day’s sense of elegance and history.
Later, we returned to the hotel for a meeting with Professor Hosokawa, an expert on Mataemon Tanabe, a legendary jujutsu master who advocated for ground fighting—contrary to the Kodokan Judo style. The meeting, arranged by Pedro’s old friend Takamasa Watanabe, was deeply informative. Takamasa, the owner of Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Japan, has been a longtime friend of the Valente Brothers since their days in Rio de Janeiro.
The discussion with Professor Hosokawa was fascinating. We explored Tanabe’s legacy as a defender of traditional jujutsu in Japan and his role in preserving ground fighting as a key part of martial arts.
To finish the day, we enjoyed dinner at Musashi, one of Tokyo’s most prestigious sushi restaurants. The master chef, Musashi, is a friend of Valente Brothers student Eric Herzfeld, which led to exceptional treatment and some of the best sushi I’ve ever had. The continued conversation on jujutsu history with Professor Hosokawa reinforced how deeply rooted this tradition is in both Japan and the world of martial arts.
To end the evening, I had the privilege of attending the Kol Nidre service, on the Eve of Yom Kippur, with Rahm and his family. It was a powerful moment—reflecting on the day’s meaning while surrounded by friends in such a special place.
This day wasn’t just about diplomacy or martial arts. It was a convergence of personal and professional worlds, reflecting on the strength of history, tradition, and friendship. As I continue on this journey in Japan, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for these experiences and the opportunity to share them with people who inspire and challenge me.
