V9.2, January 29th, 2017
Ryuso and Soke of Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu
8th Dan Jujutsu (USJJF)
6th Dan Judo (USA-TKJ)
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Linda Yiannakis, M.S.
5th Dan Judo (USJJF)
5th Dan Jujutsu (USJJF)
Copyright © by Andrew Yiannakis, 2010
The term “Ju” in judo and jujutsu has several meanings and they reflect both the intent and the situation in which the term is applied. We may list several surface meanings for Ju such as gentleness, pliability, softness, adaptability, and so on, but to get at the true heart of how it applies to both jujutsu and judo we must understand the situation and intent in which it is applied. The intent in judo and jujutsu is NOT to execute technique gently or softly but with determination, true spirit, maximum efficiency and, of course, minimum effort. Thus, a good jujutsuka or judoka executes technique with fluidity, timing and control and, of course, total commitment. To the untrained eye this may look like gentleness. However, to uke it feels like hell! But there is more.
It is important to mention at the outset that Ju possesses both offensive and defensive dimensions. Ju does not only refer to “yielding”. If that were the case jujutsuka or judoka would only be able to apply their skills defensively. Ju as applied in judo and jujutsu also has an offensive component.
In offensive applications, for example, tori initiates the attack by kicking, striking or using combinations. Ju in such contexts speaks to the ability to demonstrate the necessary amount of physical flexibility (e.g., fighting relaxed but controlled) and, even more importantly, psychological and strategic flexibility. The second dimension of Ju, which speaks to judo or jujutsu’s defensive applications, is about “yielding and redirecting”.
A classic example in Japanese martial art history of the adoption of Ju as a guiding principle in jujutsu comes to us from the story of Akiyama Yoshitoki. Akiyama gained his insight into Ju when he noticed how the branches of a willow tree bent under the weight of snow, and were able to let the snow slide off and spring back without breaking. After grasping the implications of his observation he named his jujutsu style Yoshin Ryu (Willow Spirit School) (Skoss, 1997). Yoshin Ryu later became one of the root arts of judo through Tenjin Shin’Yo Ryu.
Other classical bujutsu schools utilized the saying, “When the enemy comes, welcome him; when he goes, send him on his way”, a reference to the idea of psychological flexibility (strategy) in the use of the concept of Ju (Draeger, 1997).
Ju has several layers of meaning and many Westerners are, unfortunately, only exposed to the surface features associated with the concept. Thus we practice our martial art thinking that Ju simply translates into “gentleness”, or “yielding” to an attack, as though this is the only combat response that we use in jujutsu or judo. Let’s not forget, as stated earlier, that we also initiate attacks. That is, Ju may be employed offensively as well.
This meaning (gentleness or yielding), however, is only one in a complex and multi-layered system of meanings. In some ways the layers of meaning associated with Ju are like the terms “ura” and “omote” in kata. Ura refers to inverting; the underside; the aspects of technique and strategy which are hidden from immediate view, while omote is the public or demonstration version. However, the omote version only serves to display surface features and principles but not the complete combat applications. The term Ju is analogous to this distinction but has even more layers of meaning associated with it. Many Westerners are rarely exposed to “ura”, or the hidden aspects of their art, or to the multiple layers of Ju in their judo or jujutsu. To delve into the deeper layers of one’s art one must study with a master over a long period of time.
A central feature of the defensive dimension of Ju involves more than just yielding. It also involves redirecting the force applied against you. This entails preventing the force of the opponent from reaching you, and while maintaining your own balance and control, turning his/her momentum, or energy back against him, to neutralize or defeat him. Success in this application of Ju requires the use of strong centered action with power generated from the hara, an understanding of rhythm and alignment (such as joining, for example) with your opponent’s action, and the ability to “see” and analyze quickly how your attacker moves.
A classic reference to Ju in martial arts is “Ju yoku go o sei suru” – loosely translated as “Softness controls hardness”. Jigoro Kano reportedly interpreted the meaning of this expression from the Tao Te Ching which states, “Reversing is the movement of the Tao”. He saw in this a “natural law” in which the act of yielding and redirecting can be made with control and superior power. Thus yielding does not imply weakness (Draeger, 1997). Yielding and redirecting is, of course, one of the key principles of aikido.
The idea of mind-body harmony and coordination is also implicit in Ju. Ju carries the expectation that through diligent training, the body becomes “soft” or responsive to the mind. Thus, the body is then able to do what the mind envisions. This is an important concept in several jujutsu systems, including Tenjin Shin’Yo Ryu. Students in their early years of martial arts training often experience confusion and frustration because they know what they are expected to do but cannot make their bodies cooperate. This type of unity of mind and body requires a harmonious relationship (psychomotor integration) that can only be achieved through proper training1 and diligent, long term practice.
As with many principles in Japanese martial arts, Ju finds expression in the personal-social arena as well. We may see uses of Ju in debate or discussion. For example, when an opponent seeks to attack or impose his/her view on another, one application of Ju involves the ability to deflect the attacker’s argument and turn it back against him. This is a form of joining and redirection. Ju is also applicable in verbally volatile situations where, leading the participants to common ground (alignment), may serve to defuse the situation. It may also be seen when a speaker employs psychological and strategic flexibility by taking the initiative and attacking the opponent in ways that confuse and put him/her on the defensive. This is most effectively accomplished when one can think fast on their feet; is able to see the larger picture and can counter the attacker’s arguments by changing the direction of the attack by employing counter arguments that the attacker wasn’t prepared for. It’s complicated, and that’s why the martial arts as well as social environments require systematic training and the guidance of a superior teacher.
Ju also has philosophical aspects which are beyond the scope of this paper to address at this time.
In summary, Ju as it applies to judo and jujutsu (as well as many other martial arts) has FOUR key dimensions, or driving principles:
(i) The first dimension speaks to the notion of Psychological Flexibility, or the ability to think fast on the fly; that is, the ability to perceive and read a situation quickly, without preconceived notions, and be able to switch mental plans of action without pre-planning or conscious effort. Being able to think fast on your feet, therefore, and switch quickly and effectively from one technique to another is a key component of psychological flexibility. However, having psychological flexibility does not necessarily mean that one can act on it. Of necessity, students must train diligently under conditions that compel them to both think flexibly (psychological flexibility) and act quickly (strategic application of techniques).
(ii) The second dimension of Ju speaks to Strategic Flexibility in both combative situations or contest. Strategic Flexibility speaks to the ability to switch fighting strategies and tactics on the fly. Examples of strategic initiatives that demand a high level of Strategic Flexibility include initiating an attack (Sen), evasion (Kaihi Jo), joining (Aiki Jo), countering (Kaeshi Jo), and luring an opponent to attack (Sen Sen No Sen), and the like.
(iii) The third dimension speaks to the way a technique is executed when effective kuzushi is applied, especially when an attacker is taken through to the teetering point (rikiten) before being thrown, or taken out. Let’s call this Technique Efficiency. When a technique is executed with good kuzushi, timing, fluency and control it does appear to the untrained eye that this is indeed the way of gentleness because the action appears to require minimal strength and certainly NO brute force. This is maximum efficiency with minimum effort (the efficient use of energy), as Jigoro Kano would have it. There is no question, therefore, that when an assailant, or opponent, is effectively off-balanced to the teetering point it takes little effort to throw them, or neutralize them with a strike or kick. This is technique efficiency that utilizes the principle of Ju.
(iv) The fourth dimension of Ju speaks to the notion of Physical Flexibility.
Dr. Sachio Ashida (sensei to the senior author) would always remind us that if we played judo stiffly and rigidly, relying on muscle and strength to defend or execute technique, it made us less efficient, it often served to telegraph our technique, and after a couple of minutes of action we’d be exhausted. He constantly advised us instead to learn to play relaxed, to move with good fluency and to avoid meeting force with force. “Meet force with gentleness”, he would say; “yield and redirect”; “attack and reverse when you feel their strength”; “turn their strength against them”. Thus, physical flexibility speaks to the ability to play relaxed, and to initiate, yield, or redirect as the situation demands.
Thu, when applied in combination, the above four principles serve to illustrate the highest levels of functioning in the martial arts and help demonstrate a true understanding of the meaning of Ju.
1 See paper by Prof. Andrew Yiannakis entitled “Jujutsu And Its Contributions To Brain Stimulation…….And Psychomotor Development” at: http://unm.wsrjj.org/brain.pdf
References:
Cunningham, S., Personal communication to Linda Yiannakis, 2006
Draeger, D., Modern Bujutsu & Budo, Weatherhill, Inc., New York, 1997
Skoss, M., Tenjin Shin’Yo-ryu Jujutsu. In Koryu Bujutsu, Diane Skoss, ed., Koryu Books, New Jersey, 1997
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