The Way of Tea (Chadō) is more than just preparing and drinking tea—it is a philosophy deeply rooted in discipline, mindfulness, and respect. The same values that guide the Japanese tea ceremony also serve as pillars of martial arts training. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that the principles of Chadō—harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku)—align perfectly with the mindset needed to excel in Jiu Jitsu.
In part three of this three-part series, we’ll explore how the wisdom of the tea ceremony applies to martial arts, helping practitioners refine their skills both on and off the mat.
In Chadō, purity (sei) and tranquility (jaku) represent a clear mind and a peaceful spirit. The tea master ensures that every tool is clean and every movement is intentional. Similarly, in Jiu Jitsu, mental clarity and inner calm are crucial to success.
1. Purity: A Clear Mind in Training
Distractions and emotions can cloud judgment in sparring. A pure mindset—one free from anger, frustration, or ego—allows for better technique and decision-making.
How to Cultivate a Clear Mind:
Approach each training session with curiosity, not frustration.
Let go of past mistakes and focus on the present moment.
Train consistently to develop instinctive movement.
2. Tranquility: Staying Calm Under Pressure
Whether in competition or real-life challenges, staying composed is a mark of a true martial artist. In Jiu Jitsu, panic leads to exhaustion, while relaxation allows for fluid movement and quick thinking.
Tips for Maintaining Tranquility:
Control your breathing during intense moments.
Accept that mistakes are part of learning.
Trust your training and react with confidence.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe martial arts are more than physical techniques—they are a path to mental clarity, discipline, and peace. Join us and experience the deeper side of Jiu Jitsu.
The Way of Tea (Chadō) is more than just preparing and drinking tea—it is a philosophy deeply rooted in discipline, mindfulness, and respect. The same values that guide the Japanese tea ceremony also serve as pillars of martial arts training. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that the principles of Chadō—harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku)—align perfectly with the mindset needed to excel in Jiu Jitsu.
In part two this three-part series, we’ll explore how the wisdom of the tea ceremony applies to martial arts, helping practitioners refine their skills both on and off the mat.
In the Way of Tea (Chadō), respect (kei) is a fundamental principle. Every action in the tea ceremony is performed with deep consideration—not just for the tea itself, but for the guests, the tools, and the tradition. This same level of respect is essential in Jiu Jitsu, shaping the culture of the dojo and the relationships between students and instructors.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, respect is more than just a courtesy—it’s the foundation of growth, trust, and community.
1. Respect for Instructors and the Art of Jiu Jitsu
Martial arts have been passed down for generations, refined by masters who dedicated their lives to understanding combat and self-discipline. Just as a tea master honors the centuries-old tradition of Chadō, Jiu Jitsu practitioners should recognize the lineage of their art.
Traditional ways of showing Respect in Training:
Bowing or greeting your coach and training partner upon entering the training space.
Listening attentively to instructors and applying feedback.
Understanding that learning Jiu Jitsu is a collaborative process between you, your coach, and your partner.
2. Respect for Training Partners
Every training partner is essential to your improvement. Without them, you wouldn’t have anyone to test techniques, develop timing, or sharpen your skills. Training should be a collaborative process, not a battle of egos.
Ways to Show Respect to Training Partners:
Control your intensity – Rolling too hard or recklessly increases the risk of injury.
Communicate – If you’re injured or uncomfortable, let your partner know.
Express gratitude – A simple “thank you” after each round builds a culture of respect.
3. Respect for Yourself
Self-respect means taking care of your body, setting goals, and maintaining discipline in training. It also means understanding your limits and knowing when to rest. A tea master treats every movement with care—likewise, a martial artist should approach training with mindfulness and purpose.
Respect in Everyday Life
The lessons of kei apply to how we interact with others outside the dojo. Whether it’s showing appreciation for family, respecting coworkers, or maintaining humility in success, martial arts teach a level of mindfulness that extends far beyond the mat.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we cultivate respect not just as a martial arts principle, but as a way of life.http://edhjiujitsu.com
The Way of Tea (Chadō) is more than just preparing and drinking tea—it is a philosophy deeply rooted in discipline, mindfulness, and respect. The same values that guide the Japanese tea ceremony also serve as pillars of martial arts training. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe that the principles of Chadō—harmony (wa), respect (kei), purity (sei), and tranquility (jaku)—align perfectly with the mindset needed to excel in Jiu Jitsu.
In part one of the following three-part series, we’ll explore how the wisdom of the tea ceremony applies to martial arts, helping practitioners refine their skills both on and off the mat.
In the Japanese tea ceremony (Chadō), harmony (wa) is one of the four guiding principles. It represents balance and unity—between the host and guest, between movement and stillness, and between the individual and the surrounding environment. Every action in the tea ceremony is carefully considered, flowing seamlessly into the next. This same sense of balance and flow is at the heart of Jiu Jitsu.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we teach that success on the mat doesn’t come from brute force but from adaptability, connection, and smooth transitions. Let’s explore how the principle of harmony applies to your martial arts journey.
1. Adapting Instead of Resisting
One of the first lessons in Jiu Jitsu is that forceful resistance is rarely the best approach. When an opponent applies pressure, fighting directly against it often leads to fatigue or getting swept. Instead, practitioners learn to the movement—redirecting energy, adjusting angles, and finding the path of least resistance.
This principle mirrors the tea ceremony’s emphasis on natural, effortless movement. A tea master doesn’t rush or force actions; they move with intention and grace. Similarly, in Jiu Jitsu, techniques become most effective when executed with timing and precision rather than sheer strength.
Examples in Training:
Instead of forcing a guard pass, use your opponent’s reactions to set up the next movement.
If someone applies pressure in side control, don’t push directly—find an angle to create space and escape.
When defending against a takedown, redirect the force rather than trying to overpower your opponent.
2. Building a Connection with Training Partners
In Chadō, the host and guests work in harmony to create an atmosphere of respect and mutual appreciation. Similarly, Jiu Jitsu training thrives when both partners cooperate, challenge each other, and grow together.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize that training is not about “winning” in practice. Instead, it’s about creating a learning environment where both partners benefit. When students train with awareness, adjusting their intensity based on their partner’s skill level and goals, everyone improves more efficiently.
How to Cultivate Harmony in Training:
Match your intensity – Don’t overpower a beginner just because you can. Meet them at a level where they can learn and improve.
Give and take – Sometimes, allow your partner to work their techniques so they can develop confidence. Other times, challenge them to push their limits.
Respect different styles – Some training partners play an aggressive game, while others are more defensive. Learning to work with different styles improves your adaptability.
3. The Flow of Movement and Breath
Just as a tea master moves with precision and economy of motion, a skilled Jiu Jitsu practitioner develops smooth, efficient techniques. This concept is sometimes referred to as “flow state” in martial arts—a condition where movements feel effortless and transitions happen naturally.
Breathing is a key element of this flow. In Jiu Jitsu, beginners often hold their breath when exerting effort, leading to fatigue and tension. In contrast, experienced practitioners breathe rhythmically, keeping their movements relaxed and efficient.
Tips for Better Flow in Jiu Jitsu:
Stay relaxed – Tension slows you down and makes your movements rigid. Keep a loose, adaptable posture.
Breathe with intention – Use slow, controlled breaths to maintain endurance and composure.
Anticipate transitions – Rather than reacting at the last second, stay ahead of your opponent’s movement by sensing where the fight is going next.
Applying Harmony Beyond the Mat
The principle of wa extends beyond Jiu Jitsu into daily life. Whether dealing with workplace challenges, personal relationships, or unexpected difficulties, maintaining a sense of balance allows you to handle situations with composure.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we don’t just teach martial arts—we teach a mindset that enhances every aspect of life. Join us on the mat and experience the power of harmony in Jiu Jitsu and beyond.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re always looking for resources to deepen our understanding of martial arts and personal growth. One book that offers profound insights for anyone serious about developing mastery is The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin. Waitzkin’s journey – from chess prodigy to Tai Chi world champion – shows how mastering any skill involves universal principles that apply across disciplines. This makes it a powerful read for Jiu Jitsu practitioners seeking growth, resilience, and mental clarity both on and off the mat.
Josh Waitzkin’s Journey
Waitzkin’s unique path is central to the lessons in The Art of Learning. Recognized as a chess prodigy in his youth, he was the inspiration behind the film Searching for Bobby Fischer. But Waitzkin didn’t stop at chess – he transitioned to the martial art of Tai Chi, eventually winning a world championship in its push-hands division. The switch from one discipline to another helped him recognize patterns of learning that are universal, and he distilled these insights into his book.
Key Lessons for Jiu Jitsu from The Art of Learning
1. The Beginner’s Mindset
Waitzkin talks about embracing the beginner’s mindset, an idea that resonates deeply in Jiu Jitsu. No matter how skilled you are, there’s always room to learn. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize continuous learning, encouraging students to stay curious, ask questions, and recognize that each roll or technique holds something new. Keeping an open mind – even as we progress – allows us to improve and adapt over time.
2. Chunking and Building Foundations
In chess, Waitzkin learned to break down complex games into “chunks” or fundamental patterns. This method allowed him to recognize situations and respond quickly. In Jiu Jitsu, we practice chunking as well. Starting with foundational movements, positions, and escapes, we gradually combine them into complex sequences. By mastering the basics, students can respond intuitively under pressure, much like Waitzkin did in his Tai Chi and chess competitions.
3. Resilience and Embracing Failure
One of Waitzkin’s most profound insights is about the role of failure in learning. He explains that setbacks aren’t just inevitable; they’re essential. In Jiu Jitsu, we know this all too well – getting tapped out or failing a sweep can be frustrating, but it’s part of the process. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we teach that resilience is built through these tough moments, helping students learn and come back stronger. Embracing failure as part of growth is what helps transform frustration into progress.
4. The Art of Slowing Down
Waitzkin emphasizes the importance of “making smaller circles,” which involves slowing down to refine and fully absorb each detail of a movement. For Jiu Jitsu practitioners, this is invaluable. Rather than rushing through techniques, taking the time to break down each grip, shift, and adjustment allows for deeper understanding. Slowing down in practice often leads to faster, more intuitive reactions when rolling or competing.
5. Finding Flow
One of the most inspiring concepts in The Art of Learning is Waitzkin’s approach to finding “flow” – a state of mind where action becomes effortless. In Jiu Jitsu, we might describe this as the moment when everything clicks, and techniques come together naturally. Waitzkin shares how meditation, visualization, and focused training can help cultivate this state. At our gym, we encourage students to explore these techniques as they build their mental game, finding that balance between focused effort and letting go.
6. Learning from Every Opponent
Waitzkin emphasizes the importance of learning from every encounter. For him, each match, whether in chess or Tai Chi, offered insights into his strengths and weaknesses. In Jiu Jitsu, our training partners are also our greatest teachers. Every roll is an opportunity to adapt, test skills, and gain new perspectives, and Waitzkin’s approach encourages us to approach each session with an open mind and a focus on growth.
Bringing The Art of Learning to the Mat
Reading The Art of Learning reminds us that mastery is a journey, one that goes far beyond the physical aspects of any skill. For Jiu Jitsu, this book reinforces the idea that progress isn’t always measured in belts or medals, but in how we approach each challenge, how we respond to setbacks, and how we nurture a love for learning.
At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage all students to explore this book and reflect on how these principles can shape their journey on the mat and in life. Whether you’re a white belt or a black belt, The Art of Learning has valuable lessons that resonate with anyone looking to deepen their practice and embrace the path of mastery.
