Tuesday, December 1, 2015

Do Versus Jutsu - - Chief Instructor's Blog December 2015


You may have wondered what the difference is between martial arts that practice “Do” versus “Jutsu” and what those differences are.

As noted in class and other blogs, “Do”, means “The Way”.  So, as examples, Tae Kwon Do means the way of the hands and feet, Judo means gentle way, Karate-do means the empty hand way, and Aikido means the way of the spirit of harmony or the way of harmonious spirit.  The Way refers to a lifetime pursuit of mind-body-spirit through martial arts training and applying that training to your day to day life. 

“Jutsu” refers to “technique” or “art”.  So, as examples, Jujutsu (also spelled jujitsu) means gentle/yielding/compliant art, Karate-jutsu means the techniques of the empty hands, and Aikijutsu means the technique of harmonious spirit.  The intent of meaning a jutsu style is strictly for the use of the techniques and in theory does not go beyond that.

According to an article in fightingarts.com, “Do versus Jutsu: Which Side Are You On?” by Jeff Brooks [1], prior to the end of the Samurai period, martial arts training was strictly “jutsu’.  “In Japan, when the samurai era ended, the culture changed, technology advanced and martial arts became in one way or another - technically or culturally - obsolete. Many people wanted to continue practicing their martial arts, but had to find a different purpose for practicing.”  This led to more culture studying and practicing an art training like tea ceremony.  To read more about this, please refer to my August 2015 blog “Samurai Training versus Today’s Martial Arts”.

From my observations and readings, some schools are not necessarily purposeful in the use of the terminology or even know the difference.   Other schools or clubs are very purposeful in the use of the terminology and what they practice “do” versus “jutsu”.   Many masters had a very strong opinion on which was better.

Master Gichin Funakoshi, the founder of Shotokan, was very purposeful in introducing karate to Japan as Karate-do.  As he wrote in his book, Karate-do Kyohan [2], “True Karate-do is this: that in daily life, one's mind and body be trained and developed in a spirit of humility; and that in critical times, one be devoted utterly to the cause of justice.”

Sokon Matsumura, who lived from approximately 1809 to 1901, and was the founder of Shorin Ryu Karate, in a letter written May 13, 1882 [3], wrote:

” If we investigate the martial arts, we also see that there are three distinct divisions or elements in them:

The first method, or division, is more like a game of psychology and tactics. It actually has no practical application in fighting, but it is more like pretty dancing. It is quite superficial.

The second method is nothing more than physical exercises. Its only goal is to win. In this there is no virtue. The practitioners of this method are contentious. Many times they bring injury to others and to themselves. Very often they cause dishonor to come upon members of their family.

The third method, in contrast, is always performed with conviction. The practitioners of this third method gain a solemn enlightenment, free of strife and depravity. It promotes loyalty among family, friends and country. It also promotes a natural demeanor, which develops a gallant character.

Thus, the true way of the martial arts has more than one element in it. A wise man does not need the first or second methods. All he needs is the third method. In this method, you will find the true way.

It might seem like I have no respect for the other two fighting methods, but my conviction is rooted immovably in the doctrine of the third method. I have revealed my words to you. There is nothing left secret or hidden in my mind, nothing held back. If you accept and heed my words, you will find the true way.”

Some schools or clubs are more focused on the “Justsu”.  Most military academies, police training and those clubs/schools that focus on competition would be considered jutsu versus do.

Motobu Choki, who lived from 1870-1944 and was an Okinawan Karate Master, stated "Nothing is more harmful to the world than a martial art that is not effective in actual self-defense."   One may infer from this, his focus was more on the jutsu side of martial arts training.

From my perspective, Han Moo Kwan is very purposeful in teaching the style as a way of life, but in doing so we do not lose sight of the importance of the techniques themselves and practicing their applications in as much of a realistic scenario as possible to be able to defend oneself in any situation.

Regards,
Kelly

“No matter how you excel in the art of “Ti” (Okinawan precursor to Karate), and in your scholastic endeavors, nothing is more important than your behavior and humanity as observed in daily life.” ~ Tei Junsoku (1663–1734), Confucian scholar

References

    1. Fightingarts.com, “Do versus Jutsu: Which Side Are You On?” By Jeff Brooks, accessed 11/29/2015
    2.  Karate-do Kyohan by Gichin Funakoshi
    3.  Sokon Matsumura's letter about Martial Arts, written May 13, 1882