PRINCIPLES OF THE WATER ELEMENT

The following strategies have the formed to provide the novice practitioner an introduction the principles of Jujitsu in relation to the Water Element (This is not extensive list):

Atemi

Water can flow around rock eroding its weak points, just as you can invade the anatomical weak points of your opponent by striking or kicking.

Water can strike with sheer force and motion destroying or damaging anything in its path. Some examples may be; pressure from a fire hose to put out a fire, hailstorm where water changes consistency and causes damage, Tidal wave, where its sheer size and force destroys everything, rough sea pounding against rocks eroding the weak points in the rock.

Blows directed at anatomically weak points of the body might kill, paralyse, stun, immobilize, and cause loss of sensation (numbness), pain and distraction.

Balance

Water will always balance itself, its force will off balance. It will continually flow from one area to another to create equality and balance. Through the sound of a crashing wave, water can off balance mentally, causing your opponent’s balance to be affected, just like the effect of kiai on an attacker.

In Jujitsu it is important to maintain good balance mentally and physically to be able to execute techniques effectively in both attack and defence.

Circle

Water can generate a powerful force, as in a whirling eddy or whirlpool. The whirlpool creates momentum, entraps anything within it and renders it helpless.

Applying the circle principle in your techniques will generate force as it entraps and off balances your opponent.

Ju

Water is flexible, gentle, non-resistant, strong, forcible and adaptable and, if necessary, can change the speed and direction of its flow.

It may be dewdrops on the grass at sunrise, the ebbing of a wave when it washes up on the beach or maybe a thundering waterfall with still quiet pool of water below followed by water flowing down river or over rapids.

If water is heated it vaporizes to become steam; if chilled it becomes a block of ice.

When applying this principle to Jujitsu, you have to be both mentally and physically capable of adapting yourself to whatever situation your opponent might impose upon you, giving you choices.

Meditation

“Mushin” or “no mind” is where the mind and body become one.

Peace and stillness of the mind can be created by being in tune with sounds of nature – for example: the gentle sound of the sea washing up on the beach, the trickling of water over rocks in a stream or the sound of softly falling rain.

In Jujitsu when the mind and body become one, you react easily to any situation presented to you. The water principle is what makes the art of Jujitsu extremely effective and gives the Jujitsu exponent a vast resource to draw upon.

Subdue

As a stone enters the water, the surface tension converts from convex, to concaved in a moment, magnetically drawing the stone into the depth of the water. Practitioners of Jujitsu do not push away the attackers force, or resist the force head on, but presents a target to lure the attacker.

The stone emerges under the surface of the water, being engulfed by the water, with no apparent feel of resistance. The attacker’s energy and force offer the Jujitsu exponent little resistant, converting this motion to accelerate into a flow of motion, blending into the movement of the Jujitsu exponent, where it increases their vulnerability to be ensnared.

The stone struggles, incurring its path to the bottom. As the attacker resists the adaptability of the Jujitsu exponent ensures the control, as a fly in a spider’s web, finally subduing the attacker providing them with nowhere to run or move.

Learning

Once again a stone or pebble is dropped into the water, creating ripples echoing across the surface. These ripples upon the water are likened to the phases of learning. The stone being dropped into the water is like being born, washed clean having a thirst for knowledge.

As the ripples echo outward from the initial contact upon the water, this marks the begging along the path of Jujitsu. Everyone having their own ripple, increasing their wisdom and learning as it reaches outward.

Each ripple moves towards the other and is followed by another, each being an example to another and looking forward towards another.

Water ripples create a flow of motion, leading more to be created to follow from its own source, leading it along the same path to a final destination.

As a student is a teacher once was, as a teacher is a student may become.

This is the essence of the principle of Jujitsu to obtain the sustainability for its life.

Honing personal growth, this is achieved through many means; Musashi recommends to “Knowing the smallest things and the biggest things, the shallowest things and the deepest things”.

To be like water, a teachable person can be moulded by the means of adopting the shape of its receptacle. To be pliable to a situation, with an open mind the individual can consider other possibilities, teachings, and ideas.

To be able to open your mind to one possibility you will free your mind to many other possibilities, which will accelerate your personal growth.

Relationship / Connection

Traditionally cities and countries were connected by water by a river, sea or other waterways. These waterways were and still are a conduit for trade, travel and connecting cultures. The Romans built their ports near waterways for strategic position for warfare and to maximise optimal position for provisions.

Water became an opportunity for adventure, the discovery of new lands and endeavours. Advancements in technology lead to the development of new ships, from the Egyptian interlocking outer shell boat, Viking rib style long boat, Tahitian bamboo boat, Chinese Junks, European sailing ships, Peddle boats, Steamers ships and cruise liners.

Either way, water brings people together and allows us to exchange ideas, technology and ideals. Jujitsu allows people from all walks of life to come together for a common purpose, however their education, employment, cultural, age and gender. Jujitsu is a conduit for the exchange of ideas and removes racism, wealth, language barriers, and personal selfishness to foster growth with others.

Water holds life and begets life, it sustains life and without water life is impossible. Water is renewing and is likened to the forgiveness of wrongs and provides the opportunity to create connections.

When there is a problem sometime we would rather a problem go away or we look for the obvious explanation. Water when contained or trapped will find its way out of the smallest of spaces. It is these small spaces or escape portals which provide the means for water to leave from an almost impossible storage vessel. When we are faced with an almost foreseeable situation, Jujitsu like water provides you with the options to overcome almost near possible situations.

The following is an analytical summary of the “Book of Five Rings” chapter on Water, authored by Master swordsmen Miyamoto Musashi.

Water Book

Just like anything we learn, the true and full mastery of any art is learnt by trial and error. After the basics, we learn the fine detail; much of it is through feeling and intuition.

We first learn technique, and then we learn the principles to enhance the technique. This allows us to exploit the technique, adapt it and refine it.

When sequencing technique we must ensure we do so with purpose, plan a strategy for where it is used and not merely going through the motions to learn the technique.

Otherwise technique becomes like puppetry, pulling strings without any purpose. First we may memorise and imitate, then we will need to realise the principle from within and make it our own.

Do not just read, memorise or imitate, but so that you realise the principle from within your own heart study hard to absorb these things into your body.

Spiritual bearing in strategy

When making decisions you must be unbiased with your views and the outcomes you wish to achieve. Sound judgement is made through the gathering of facts and collating many possible solutions, while remaining calm, a level head is the rational means of conclusion. Do not give away your intentions or which way you may wish to resolve the situation. When a decision is made, act upon it without haste.

Do not let the enemy see your spirit.

Be familiar with many options, be able to adapt to all situations, either it be a person of varying sizes, a problem, environment, a challenge or task. No matter the situation do not be misled by your own abilities or limitations, step beyond your merits to reap the rewards or to resolve the situation.

With your spirit open and unconstricted, look at things from a high point of view. You must cultivate your wisdom and spirit.

Be constant in growth; ceaselessly research the principles of strategy so that you can develop a steady spirit. Polish your wisdom.

Stance in strategy Musashi outlines stance that projects confidence and freedom in movement, a posture that does not interfere with breathing and balance. He explains that we should maintain this sort of stance in everyday life. He calls this, your combat stance and that we should make your everyday stance your combat stance.

The everyday stance should not project movement predictors to allow others to anticipate your intentions, technique or strategy, such as clenched fists, low stance and other strategies employed by other martial arts or defence systems.

The gaze in strategy

When assessing the opponent and the environment you should use your peripheral sight. Look broadly at the overall situation, use your perception. Do not focus on the anything in particular i.e. small movements or movements that may distract your strategy.

It is important to see distant things as if they were close and to take a distanced view of close things.

This is also the case for single combat and analysing a crowd or large scale conflict. Using this strategy in everyday situations will assist you with possible incidents i.e. constantly checking your mirrors when driving, looking before crossing the street.

Holding the long sword

Musashi in this section directly talks about the principles in holding the sword. I can also see the same principle as it can be applied to Jujitsu.

When taking hold of someone for a restraint hold, to apply a grip to execute a throwing technique or to apply a pinning technique, the grip should be the same in practice as it would be in competition or if resistance is offered in an operational situation (security).

When you take up a sword, you must feel intent on cutting the enemy. As you cut an enemy you must not change your grip, and your hands must not "cower".

The intent should always be in the grip however the way you train or practice. Foregoing this intent will breed neglect and insufficiency.

The grip for combat and for sword testing is the same.

Footwork

Tai sabaki is one of the elements of any art that if not practiced regularly will reduce the effectiveness of the art. This applies to standing and ground technique. Movement should be natural and free of tension, heavy and awkward actions. Movement should move as in normal walking, fixed long, gliding steps or crossed steps should be avoided. As these motions will only foster tension, balance displacement and give away you intention.

You should not move one foot preferentially.

The five attitudes

In this section Musashi lists five positions as the five attitudes; this is likened as notes in music. The notes in music do not change, but arranged in different ways can create an infinite amount of songs.

This can also be likened to your mood or attitude. Whatever your current attitude and however the situation, you must adapt your attitude to flow with the current situation. If you attempt to change the situation to suit your attitude, you will never be successful. You must adapt to the situation to achieve the desired outcome.

The underlying lesson is that there are always the same principles; it is just the techniques that should be adapted to resolve the situation. For example, communication style, body language and movement.

Musashi recommends using the middle attitude as the heart of the attitudes. To have a balanced demeanour and temperament is easier to adjust to a situation. The other attitudes are on the scale the extreme and are to be used cautiously and when necessary.

When is charge of a situation it is better to have a level head, as this allows you to make sound decisions.

The middle attitude is the seat of the commander.

The way of the long sword (or the way of the art)

To have the ability to execute technique with skill, finesse and the ability to read or feel the moment, you will have come to the point of knowing “the way”.

Maximum efficiency minimum effect

To attempt to achieve the way with haste you will only tarnish the desired goal. You must first crawl before you run. Always follow the principles to achieve the objective, short cutting will only lesson the effectiveness and cheapen your desired result.

Enjoyment of pleasures is neglect of practice.

You must constantly practice to hone your art and to maintain the way.

A man who has attained mastery of an art reveals it in every action.

The five approaches Musashi explains, in an earlier section that the “middle attitude” should be your first approach in any situation.

If you react hastily, you will force the enemy to react in an irrational manner.

It is easier to allow the enemy to attack and deflect their attack. As the enemy renews their attack they will reveal their weakness or open themselves up to weakness.

As the enemy attacks, move to evade their attack, this will cause them to off balance.

When you have mastered these strategies, you will be able to control any situation.

The "attitude no-attitude" teaching

This is likened to “Stance no-stance” the attitude, opinion or stance must be one that allows you to easily respond to any situation, place and your relation to the enemy.

From a balanced attitude or middle attitude you can respond much more quickly to resolve or execute a counter attack.

The principle of this is called "Existing Attitude – Non-existing Attitude".

Your response should always effect the enemy in some small way i.e. manipulate, damage or to create them to let their guard down. Every action must have a mental or physical intent of consequence.

Attitude in strategy on a larger scale is called "Battle Array"; such attitudes are all for winning battles.

Fixed formation is bad.

To hit the enemy "in one timing" This principle follows the same vein as self-defence, “to use appropriate action and force to conclude the situation in a prompt fashion”. Sound self-defence techniques utilises gross motor techniques to immobilise or conclude the enemies attack, with the use of anaerobic energy source.

The "abdomen timing of two" (setting the snare)

When setting a snare to trap a fox, it is with great importance to outwit the fox by making them feel that the trap area is natural, with deliberately placed obstacles to deceive the fox. When there is direct pressure on the enemy and suddenly there is an opening to escape, allow it and then strike when their guard is down. The strategy is also known as castling.

No design, no conception Musashi explains in this section that when you and another person have been tasked with a challenge, a job interview, or competition you should put your mind, body and spirit into it. To use all your skills and ability will give you a greater chance to achieve.

The flowing water cut when engaged against an aggressor and they lash out with a surprise attack, you should counter with deliberate technique to either fatigue their muscles or to cause a motor dysfunction. This strategy allows you the opportunity to set for a submission, knock out or restraint.

The fire and stones cut Musashi explains in this section, when caught in conflict with an aggressor you should remain calm and not allow the aggressors behaviour to influence your decisions. Being calm allows to assess the situation and to react with a clear strategy.

The red leaves cut

The red leaves cut is a combination of “the fire and stones cut” and the design of the "No Design, No Conception" Cut. What differs is the added strategy of transition between the techniques to an end resolve.

The body in place of the long sword

To hold and use a weapon as an extension of your hands or body the user should have a firm belief that it is not to be used alone as the extension, but instead as part of the overall arsenal available to the practitioner.

Musashi recommends hitting the opponent with the body first, as this creates a distraction or appropriate distance between you and the opponent to allow you to then enter to cut with the sword. It is like the boxer delivering a series of jabs prior to finishing with a cross or the negotiator reviewing and reading the situation before sending in the response team.

Alternatively, if the aggressor rushes you, it is better to move aside and then delivery a counter strike. The negotiator does this by allowing the assailant to vent and verbalise, to first deplete their energy, which allows the negotiator to close the gap by another means

.

“Dash against him with your body first and afterwards cut with the sword”

Cut and slash

Musashi in this section describes the differences between cutting and slashing. Cutting is explained as a deliberate or decisive action and slashing is nothing more than touching the enemy. The slashing is the setup likened to a jab in boxing, and then comes the nock out or finishing cut. The cut and slash have defined strategy in both movements.

In a competition the slashing movement is used as a finder or to wear the opponent down before the shoot or finishing move is applied. This can also me likened to negotiation, where open and leading questioning methods are employed to gather information about the background, behaviour and demeanour of the aggressor, before a plan is generated and executed to end the siege.

Chinese monkey's body

The Chinese monkey moves with their arms close to the centreline, this is where this method gets its name. This method is used in the defence of edged weapons, where a closed guard with outer forearms facing the aggressor is used by the defender. If the defender extends their arms away from their centreline, this reveals and increases target vulnerability. Extending the arms also decreases the distance to the aggressor forcing the defender to make unneeded additional movements in their defence. Using a closed guard allows the defender to maintain an appropriate distance to move in for a defensive counter manoeuvre.

When you come to within arm's reach it becomes easy to move your body in.

Extending the arms allows the aggressor to easily slash away and fatigue you, making it also easy to move in for a big cut. This can be also likened to business strategy, revealing all your strengths and weaknesses allow others to strategize or manipulate against you.

Playing your cards close to your chest

Glue and lacquer emulsion body

When grappling or restraining an opponent or aggressor it is very important to maintain close and constant control. The slightest gap provides them with the opportunity to evade or exploit your movements. Ineffective physical and mental focus diminishes your ability to control the situation.

People tend to advance their head and legs quickly, but their body lags behind.

To strive for height

When confronting opposition it is foolish to approach with half conviction. Anything less than full conviction allows you first to defeat yourself.

When you think you have won, and you are the higher, thrust in strongly.

To apply stickiness

In this section Musashi outlines strategy with the sword, explaining the use of the attacking energy from the enemy. In Jujitsu when an attacker delivers force, the force is drawn in, redirected and used against the attacker. This does not necessarily mean a greater force to defeat the attacker, but a calculated force with correct timing.

The spirit of stickiness is not hitting very strongly, but hitting so that you do not separate easily.

A clear focus makes it possible to adapt strategy and flow with the options presented.

The difference between "Stickiness" and "Entanglement" is that stickiness is firm and

entanglement is weak.

The body strike

Musashi outlines in the section strategies to draw attack by the use of your body, to create movement to off balance the attacker either physically or mentally. Creating movement also provides distance in timing and proximity to allow additional opportunity to close the gap and finalise attack.

Approach with a spirit of bouncing the enemy away,

striking as strongly as possible in time with your, breathing.

Three ways to parry his attack

Within this section Musashi outlines the methods to parry the attackers advance.

The first principle is to counter the attackers advance by deflecting and deliberately countering to a vulnerable target. The second principle is to offer an attack to a less vulnerable target with the intention to cause a higher degree of injury to a secondary target. Finally, the third principle is to draw attack, to give the attacker the feeling that you have a weakness, or to be vulnerable, then counter attack to a vulnerable target.

You must bear in mind that you can always clench your left hand

and thrust at the enemy's face with your fist.

To stab at the face

To give the opponent a feeling that you are serious and have an attitude to attack a set point. This draws them into a false defensive strategy. In this state they prepare for the false strategy and not for alternative offensive strategies. The opponent’s body language is then easily determined.

To stab at the heart

When the odds are against you, this being your ability, health, or experience it is important to pursue a set agenda and achieve your objective rather than jump about without a planned approach. Doing so will only squander your resources and lead to disheartenment.

To scold "tut-tut!"

When the opponent attempts to counter your advance, attempt again with the same attack followed by a quick attack from a different direction. This modern term for this strategy is “flanking” to hold the position, as part of the team counters from differing direction.

Individually this might be utilised in sparring, to deliver striking techniques to the head followed with a kick to the legs.

In business, this strategy may be applied by costing the product the same as an opposing business competitor and then value add i.e. provide additional products, extended warranties etc. The objective is to win the sale.

The smacking parry

Musashi outlines in this section the method of employing a strike simultaneously with the attackers advance. The strategy is to use appropriate timing, however your technique or position.

Executing a technique to early before the appropriate distance is achieved or counter technique could be damaging, not just to yourself but to your opponent.

This strategy is also utilised in business, say a toy sales team releasing a new product before the release of an animated film, which features the characters that resembles the toys, releasing the toys for sale too early or to late could be detrimental to the business.

There are many enemies

In life, business, or defence there are many hazards, which can cause you potential harm. It is better to have strategies in place to counter the likelihood of these hazards to cause you potential harm. This may be for example, insurance, continuous improvement, professional development, audits, having appropriate safety measures and risk assessments in place and to regularly review your policies and procedures.

"There are many enemies" applies when you are fighting one against many. Draw both sword and companion sword and assume a wide-stretched left and right attitude.

It is better to predict and prepare for the worst then allow misfortune to come to you. Nip it in the bud do not allow a hazard or situation be your peril. Do not be blind to the situation; consider all threats seriously, with every step review your situation.

Sweep your eyes around broadly, carefully examining the attacking order, and cut left and right alternately with your swords. Waiting is bad.

The advantage when coming to blows

To achievement greatest you must understand more than has been placed before you and practice these things well. This is the true way wisdom is revealed.

You must practise diligently in order to understand how to win.

One cut (one chance) To obtain ultimate success, it is import to be patient, diligent and humble. This is difficult if you do not allow this to come from your heart. However the result you will win and you will win at will if you follow this principle.

Direct communication

To fully comprehend the application and techniques it is of paramount importance to receive instruction first hand. A wisdom of the teacher will then be departed to its fullness.

Teach your body strategy

Underpinning knowledge and the way of the school

To learn the strategies of the martial arts, you first must learn the technique and application and then be able to absorb these into your mind and body naturally.

You must understand spirit, timing, move naturally, and move body and legs in harmony with your spirit.

Through experience you will gradually understand the principles of the way. To be patient, absorb everything and discard nothing of what you not fully understand.

Step by step walk the thousand-mile road.

The hard work you put in now will reward you in the end.

Today is victory over yourself of yesterday; tomorrow is your victory over lesser men.

It order to triumph sometimes you will falter, do not allow this to sway you, rise up and continue. If you success due to stealing victory or due to false achievements you will have not learnt the true path and attitude to obtain wisdom and respect from yourself and others.

Empty achievement in nothing, substance of achievement is the ultimate reward.