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THE JUJITSUIST
by
Edgar E. Carol, Jr.
I was teaching judo in my garage in Kaufman, Texas, a small
class of about ten kids and four adults. A stranger showed up one evening during
the kids’ class and stood in the driveway watching. I assumed he was related to
one of the children and ignored him.
A thirty-minute break between the kids’ and adult classes allows me time to
answer questions, get paperwork done, and plan the adult class. The stranger
stood quietly allowing me finish my work, then asked to speak to me.
Steve had come two years earlier from South Africa, where he’d studied a
Japanese style of jujitsu for seventeen years. He’d been looking for a place to
teach or study jujitsu. I told him that I’d like to see his skills before
letting him teach with me. He agreed, eager to begin. He returned from his car
with a frayed gi and black belt.
I introduced Steve to my class, and he jumped right into teaching his style. I
joined in. It never hurts to learn something new.
Steve concentrated on complex techniques with difficult, rarely workable
entries. My class was mostly beginners except for Glenn Long, who’d studied
several martial arts and recently earned judo ikkyu rank.
Glenn was frowning at Steve's teachings, so I asked what was bothering him.
Glenn didn't like complicated stuff in a fight and he didn't see any kuzushi in
Steve’s style. I watched more critically and sure enough, Steve wasn’t using
kuzushi. I asked him about that, and he responded that kuzushi wasn’t necessary
in his style. I let him continue. By the end class every student was frowning.
We did some randori, which brought back the smiles.
When the class departed, I asked Steve to randori. He was very strong but
without kuzushi couldn't even move me. I waited until he was frustrated and then
started throwing him, repeatedly. In desperation he dragged me onto the mat. I
actually felt sorry for him then. Mat work has always been my strong point. When
he began striking me, I arm-barred him twice, after which we stopped to discuss
the workout. I explained that I wasn't as good or strong as he was but that
kuzushi was giving me a distinct advantage. Steve didn't agree but agreed to
look into it.
He was with us for about four months. After one of my green belts threw him,
Steve saw the light and began trying to use kuzushi. Seventeen years of practice
was hard to break, and although he didn't get the job done in the time he was
with us, he got a start.
I still hear occasionally from Steve. He is living in another Texas town and has
a good-sized jujitsu class of his own. His rank is now recognized in one
international and several national organizations.
And one thing more: The word "Kuzushi" is included in the name of his school!
***********************************************************
E. E. Carol, former Police Olympics silver medalist, has practiced martial arts
for 40 years, including over 30 years under Vince Tamura. Carol Sensei teaches
at his Ichi Ni San Judo and Jujitsu Club in Kemp, Texas, where he is terrorized
by seven-year-olds. He holds yodan judo and sandan jujitsu ranks.
2008-10-11
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