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Have you ever taken the time to learn the history behind certain aspects of our Martial Art? How you tie your belt? What the colors symbolize? The bar on the belt on the left side? Right side?
Just like people go to Brazil to compete with the best, you should also take the chance if ever present, to visit Japan. Why go to Brazil? If you truly love the martial art you should see where it blossomed into the lifestyle that it is today. Not everyone may get the chance, but that’s ok. Its just always a blessing to take the time and appreciate what was done in the past for us. Like Grand Masters Helio and Carlos Gracie. They took Jiujitsu to a whole new level. Then it trickled down and spread to all of those who are willing to learn.
Why go to Japan? Jiujitsu has been around Japan for hundreds of years. While never brought to the light like the Gracie’s have done, it was still there. Do you know why you fold your kimono left over right? Do you understand what the tattoos of the samurai meant? In ancient Japan, the samurai would tattoo their body. Almost completely! The tattoos were like the first set of armor. The chest was traditionally left open…almost like a unbuttoned jacket. That was for whenever they died, their soul could escape. Beneath their armor, they wore a kimono. Similar to the one we use in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Not as heavy, but still the same design. This was for when ever they were killed, they would already have their burial robe on. When alive the kimono was crossed left over right. In death they would cross the kimono right over left before they were buried.
Your belt in Brazilian Jiujitsu has a bar on one end. The bar is meant for your stripes to be awarded, but others take more meaning in it. When I tie my belt, I always make sure my bar is on the side of my heart. While I’m not sure where this originated, it is still a cool concept.
Most of us who practice in the martial art of Brazilian Jiu jitsu, dont DO jiu jitsu….We LIVE it. So take pride in your way of life, because thats what it is. Jiujitsu is usually treated like a sport, and while it does have sport aspects, we should all appreciate the heritage and take the time to appreciate it as such.
One Response to “Take the Time”
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Hi, Super post, Need to mark it on Digg
Thanks
Dougles