Since I am the subject of arnisador's "too belts too many" post, and the author of the article in Grapping magazine, I would like to address these issues and a few others from around the board.
Too many black belts? Yeah, I agree, but after over 30 years doing this stuff (with almost 15 in the Marine Corps) and studying with multiple Sensei, it happens. You are right that most arts listed are similar, and that may be the point you should consider. I have been blessed with several influential and excellent Sensei over the years. As their deshi, if they feel that recognition of previous experience is proper and wish to award me rank based on my training with them and that previous experience, then that is their perogative. Because of my
respect for them, I don't tell them to shove their certificate where the sun does not shine, but instead, I bow and say "thank you". As a deshi, it is my obligation to respect their judgement. To do otherwise would be insulting. Likewise, the listing of those rankings on my official bio is also an obligation. By not listing them, I would risk possibly insulting them, or at least giving the impression that I do not find worth in the training they have given me. Like it or not, politics is all part of the deal. At least I have integrity to place my biography on record for all to examine and I use my real name on these message boards. I did notice arnisador that you do neither in your profile. Oh, and as a matter of record, I teach at a YMCA here in Baton Rouge. The students pay the Y, I do not accept "fees" for testing, I am not paid by the Y, and I do not and never have accepted money for teaching martial arts. So if you are thinking that the listing of the various rank is "just marketing", no it is a matter of obligation to and respect for my Sensei. So deal with it.
With regard to the article in Grappling magazine. I personally agree with Yari that Jujutsu is NOT a sport. However, as the VP for the USJJF, it is my obligation (the obligation word keeps popping up!) to support the policies and agenda of my organization. I am however NOT obligated to teach "competition" Jujutsu to my students. For me, Jujutsu is NOT about sport, it is about a "life and death" art. If others however want to compete, then more power to them. The USJJF has many members that do not compete, but are more interested in Jujutsu as an art. Part of the service of the organization is to provide an outlet for Jujutsu practitioners no matter their preference. Not to mention, by offering the competitive aspect, it gets members in the door and is a great way to expose them to the "other" side of the art.
As far as the spelling of Jujutsu vs Jujitsu, I personally prefer the Jujutsu spelling. It IS the more correct Romanization of the kanji. However, the spelling Jujitsu was one of the early Romanizations of the Kanji when the art was first introduced in Europe, and is STILL the more dominate spelling used in Europe. The Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) evolved from several European organizations that all used the "jitsu" spelling. When the JJIF was formed, they continued to use that spelling. The USJJF, in order standardize the spelling and conform to spelling used by our International organization chose to use the "jitsu" spelling. Since it was a little before my time with the USJJF, I did not have a lot of input into the matter.
Another matter brought up in this thread is the use of the term Jujutsu in describing your art, vice defining the Ryu or Ryuha. The statement "Honestly...if I told people that I studied Jujutsu, that would be telling them nothing" is total hogwash.
Let's take this same standard and apply it to other arts, such as karatedo, kempo/kenpo, kung fu, Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, Ninpo, Arnis, Escrima, etc, etc. Each of these are baseline arts and are defined by certain characteristics and all have separate ryu, ryuha, kwon, systems, styles etc. For instance, karatedo is defined as a "kick and punch" art, Arnis is defined by its use of sticks (which represent knives and short sword like the bolo), etc. Jujutsu is no different. Jujutsu is not defined by its techniques, or even that it is a "self-defense" art. Rather it is defined by principles such as "ju no ri", or the principle of suppleness (flexibility or "gentleness" if you prefer). If you visit,
http://www.budoseek.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?s=&threadid=224 you will note that we discussed some of these characteristics that define what Jujutsu is. So while many Ryu/Ryuha may have a particular emphasis on one type of technique over the other and indeed are more specific in that regard, the term Jujutsu itself is defining of an art that uses certain principles. If those principles are not present, then it is not jujutsu.
Last, I noted in another thread, "November 2001 Martial Talk Access Stats" that Arnisador had the silliness to state, "Most of these boards are much more narrowly focused--many even more so than E-Budo--and perhaps these posters are on these specialized boards. I can't think of another webboard that covers, or at least attempts to cover, such a wide variety of arts". You really do not get around much huh? For your information,
BudoSeek! has been around since 1997, a full year even before E-Budo (which John Lindsey has been kind enough to acknowledge). Since it's beginning, BudoSeek! has covered a wide variety of arts and it's basic structure has remained unchanged since that time. I recently noted that after Kaith joined BudoSeek! as a member, he totally restructured and reorganized MartialTalk with new categories and forums. Now it bears a remarkable likeness to BudoSeek! So if imitation is the highest form of flattery, then based on the recent changes here at MartialTalk, I am very flattered.
). One of my best friends was an Aikido instructor and we used to "cross-train" with him teaching me Aikido and me showing him the jujutsu variation on the techniques. Considering the lack of tatami, it was an interesting and often painful experience! I also had the chance to train in a little Arnis, and would love to do more of it sometime.
