Tag Archives: martial arts philosophy

Wrestling

Wrestling concepts from Japan: Balancing 力を抜く (Letting Go of Force) and 力を与える (Applying Force) in Martial Arts

In martial arts, there’s a delicate balance between relaxation and exertion. Two essential concepts in this balance are 力を抜く (chikara wo nuku), meaning “letting go of unnecessary force,” and 力を与える (chikara wo ataeru), meaning “applying force effectively.” While 力を抜く teaches us to release energy and move efficiently, 力を与える emphasizes the intentional and precise use of strength when it matters most.

Together, these concepts form a harmonious approach to combat—learning when to relax and when to engage. Let’s explore their relationship and how you can integrate them into your Jiu Jitsu practice.

EDH Jiu Jitsu recently hosted coach Shimizu Seshito PhD and athlete Miyu Nakamura from Combat Label to teach a clinic on the Japanese wrestling system. We gained some insights into a few different concepts emphasized in Japanese wrestling. One repeatedly emphasized concept was how to apply pressure and at the same time redirect or take away that pressure to effectively maintain control. Let’s dive into idea of communication through the application of pressure and releasing pressure.

What is 力を抜く?

力を抜く is about releasing unnecessary tension in the body and mind. This allows for greater freedom of movement, improved energy conservation, and sharper decision-making.

In practice:

  • Relaxation in Transitions: During sweeps, escapes, or guard retention, excessive tension slows you down. Relaxing lets your body flow with the movement.
  • Staying Calm Under Pressure: When someone has you in side control or mount, resisting with brute strength can exhaust you. Instead, focus on breathing, relaxing, and waiting for the right moment to escape.
  • Efficiency in Technique: Muscle strength alone isn’t enough in BJJ. Proper technique is more effective when your body is relaxed and moves fluidly.

What is 力を与える?

力を与える is the purposeful application of force at the right time and in the right way. Unlike 力を抜く, it involves engaging your strength and focus with precision.

In practice:

  • Executing Finishes: Whether locking in an armbar or securing a choke, you must apply controlled force to make your technique effective. Too much or too little, and your submission may fail.
  • Holding Position: When passing guard or maintaining mount, a strong base is critical. This requires intentional application of pressure to keep your opponent controlled.
  • Explosive Transitions: In moments like takedowns or reversals, explosive power (力を与える) is often necessary to succeed.

The Dance Between Relaxation and Force

The real art of martial arts lies in knowing when to apply 力を抜く and when to shift into 力を与える. Too much relaxation, and your technique becomes ineffective. Too much force, and you risk telegraphing your movements, exhausting yourself, or losing the technical battle.

Here’s how these concepts interplay in BJJ:

1. Guard Passing Example:

  • 力を抜く: As you move to pass, keep your upper body relaxed and responsive, using technique rather than strength to clear your opponent’s legs.
  • 力を与える: Once you secure side control, apply steady pressure through your chest and hips to pin your opponent effectively.

2. Escaping Side Control Example:

  • 力を抜く: Relax your shoulders and conserve energy while framing to create space.
  • 力を与える: When you bridge or shrimp, engage your core and legs explosively to escape or regain guard.

3. Submission Example:

  • 力を抜く: During set-up, relax your grip and bait your opponent into exposing a limb or neck.
  • 力を与える: Once the submission is locked in, apply controlled force to finish without hesitation.

How to Practice 力を抜く and 力を与える

  1. Build Awareness: During drills and sparring, focus on how your body feels. Are your muscles unnecessarily tense, or are you too relaxed in critical moments? Adjust accordingly.
  2. Flow Rolling: Use flow rolls to practice the transition between 力を抜く and 力を与える. Focus on moving fluidly until the right moment demands force.
  3. Breathing Techniques: Controlled breathing helps you relax when needed (力を抜く) and engage powerfully (力を与える) during explosive moments. Practice exhaling sharply during exertion to engage your core effectively.
  4. Strength and Conditioning: Developing strength and body awareness outside of class helps you apply 力を与える with precision. Strong muscles combined with relaxation give you better control over your body.

The Broader Lesson

These two principles go beyond martial arts. In life, we often need to balance moments of relaxation with moments of intense effort. Too much force or tension can lead to burnout, while too much relaxation may prevent us from achieving our goals. The interplay between 力を抜く and 力を与える teaches us to stay flexible and intentional in both movement and mindset.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our students to explore this dynamic balance. Whether you’re a beginner learning to relax on the mat or an advanced student refining your timing and pressure, this concept is fundamental to growth.

The next time you step onto the mat, ask yourself: “Am I balancing 力を抜く and 力を与える?” With practice, you’ll find that sweet spot where relaxation and power work in perfect harmony.

Discover the balance for yourself. Join us for a class and see how the interplay of relaxation and controlled force can elevate your Jiu Jitsu game to the next level.

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

The New Competition: Insights for Jiu Jitsu from Start with Why

In Simon Sinek’s Start with Why, Sinek explores how businesses and organizations thrive by focusing on their purpose rather than getting caught in endless battles for market share. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, these ideas resonate deeply with how we approach training, competition, and community.

Competing Against Yourself

Sinek emphasizes that true success doesn’t come from beating others—it comes from staying true to your “why.” In Jiu Jitsu, this aligns with the idea of personal growth over external validation. While competition is a valuable tool for testing skills, the real opponent is often yourself:

• Improving consistency: Did you show up on the tough days?

• Measuring progress: Are you better than you were last month?

• Focusing on fundamentals: Have you deepened your understanding of key techniques?

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we encourage our students to embrace these questions, ensuring that their journey on the mats is driven by internal motivation rather than external comparisons.

Infinite vs. Finite Games

Sinek contrasts finite games (with set rules and winners) with infinite games (focused on continued growth and contribution). Jiu Jitsu is both. While tournaments are finite, the art itself is infinite—there’s always something new to learn, refine, or teach.

Our gym embodies this infinite mindset. Whether you’re a white belt mastering escapes or a black belt honing subtle details, the path never ends. It’s about engaging with the process, not just chasing medals.

Inspiring Through Purpose

Organizations that succeed inspire people by sharing their “why.” For us, our “why” goes beyond teaching techniques—it’s about building confidence, resilience, and a supportive community. This purpose drives everything we do, from kids’ classes teaching life skills like bravery and humility to adult classes that foster camaraderie and personal growth.

Applying These Lessons

Here’s how you can bring the lessons to your Jiu Jitsu journey:

1. Define your “why”: Why did you start training? Why do you keep showing up? Keep this purpose front and center.

2. Focus on improvement: Compete with the person you were yesterday, not the person across the mat.

3. Celebrate the journey: Remember, the medals and belts are milestones, not destinations.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we aim to create an environment where everyone is inspired to keep growing—on and off the mats. Whether you’re preparing for your first competition or simply looking to improve your fitness and mindset, let your “why” guide the way.

Want to explore this mindset for yourself? Join us on the mats and discover how Jiu Jitsu can align with your purpose.

Adults Jiu Jitsu, Kids Jiu Jitsu

How the Positive Coaching Alliance Philosophy Enriches Training at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we believe in a holistic approach to martial arts that goes beyond just technique. We strive to foster personal growth, resilience, and camaraderie in every student. This commitment aligns well with the Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA) philosophy, which emphasizes creating a positive, character-building sports environment. Let’s dive into how we incorporate these core principles of PCA to support our students’ growth both on and off the mats.

What is Positive Coaching Alliance?

Founded in 1998, PCA is dedicated to developing “Better Athletes, Better People.” The organization’s approach focuses on creating a balance between striving for improvement (pursuing success in sport) and emphasizing the character lessons that competition naturally teaches. Through concepts like “Double-Goal Coaching,” PCA encourages coaches to make winning important but, more importantly, to place an equal focus on teaching life lessons and building character. This perspective aligns closely with our philosophy at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, where our mission is to empower students through both skill and mindset development.

Applying PCA in Jiu Jitsu Training

1. Fostering a Positive Environment

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we aim to create an encouraging space where each student feels valued. Our instructors emphasize respect, support, and teamwork over rivalry. Whether students win or lose in a tournament or sparring session, the focus remains on what they learned from the experience. By highlighting growth over results, we teach our students to appreciate both success and setbacks as part of the journey.

2. Embracing the ‘Mistake Ritual’

PCA teaches that mistakes are opportunities for growth. This is crucial in jiu jitsu, where trial and error are fundamental to learning new moves and improving technique. For example, if a student gets caught in a submission, instead of feeling discouraged, our instructors encourage them to view it as a learning opportunity. We use the “flush it” technique — a simple physical or mental cue to let go of mistakes and refocus. This practice helps students develop resilience and a positive mindset, building both confidence and adaptability.

3. Focusing on Effort and Improvement

Jiu jitsu is as much a mental challenge as a physical one. By celebrating effort and dedication, we encourage our students to focus on long-term growth over instant success. This approach helps to build grit, self-discipline, and a growth mindset — qualities that apply to life beyond the mats. Each month, we discuss these values in our youth mat chats, underscoring the importance of perseverance and respect.

4. Role of ‘Honoring the Game’

A core PCA principle is to “Honor the Game,” which aligns with the respect inherent in jiu jitsu. At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we emphasize the importance of respecting teammates, opponents, and instructors alike. Our students bow before entering the mats as a mark of respect for the art and those who practice it. This tradition serves as a constant reminder that jiu jitsu is not just a sport but a way of life, teaching humility, honor, and respect.

5. Building a Culture of Team Support

Jiu jitsu can be a very individual pursuit, yet at El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we operate as a team. Instructors often pair students of varying skill levels to build a supportive learning environment. Our advanced students become role models, helping beginners with technique, and sharing insights. By encouraging this camaraderie, we foster an atmosphere where everyone feels they belong and contribute to each other’s growth.

A Lasting Impact On and Off the Mats

The PCA’s emphasis on life lessons in sports meshes perfectly with the broader mission of El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu. As our students learn to apply the principles of resilience, respect, and positivity on the mats, they naturally carry these values into their personal lives. Many of our adult students have shared that jiu jitsu has improved their patience, problem-solving skills, and overall mental resilience — all values championed by PCA.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we’re more than just a gym; we’re a community committed to building strong, well-rounded individuals. Through PCA’s guidance, we continue to create a safe and supportive environment where students can learn, grow, and thrive, both on and off the mats.

community

The Philosophy of Kano Jigoro: Jitakyoei and Seiryoku Zenyo

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, our practice extends beyond the physical techniques of martial arts. We are deeply rooted in the philosophies that have shaped martial arts over generations, particularly those introduced by Kano Jigoro, the founder of Judo. Two of his core principles, Jitakyoei and Seiryoku Zenyo, resonate with our approach to training and community.

Jitakyoei: Mutual Welfare and Benefit

The concept of Jitakyoei translates to “mutual welfare and benefit.” It emphasizes the idea that true progress in martial arts—and life—comes from cooperation and mutual respect. This principle is foundational in our dojo, where training isn’t just about individual advancement but also about helping others grow.

In practice, Jitakyoei means that every technique we learn is done with the well-being of our training partners in mind. It’s not just about executing a move but understanding how to do so safely and effectively, ensuring that both parties benefit from the experience. This philosophy fosters a supportive environment where everyone, regardless of skill level, can thrive.

Kano Jigoro at the Kodokan in Tokyo

Seiryoku Zenyo: Maximum Efficiency, Minimum Effort

The second key principle, Seiryoku Zenyo, is often translated as “maximum efficiency, minimum effort.” This concept is the cornerstone of not just Judo but many martial arts, including Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. It teaches us to use our energy wisely, focusing on techniques that allow us to achieve the greatest results with the least amount of effort.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, Seiryoku Zenyo is a guiding principle in every aspect of our training. Whether it’s perfecting a sweep, executing a submission, or even deciding when to engage or disengage, we constantly strive to use our physical and mental resources efficiently. This approach not only enhances our technical skills but also prepares us to apply the same mindset in our daily lives—making the most out of every situation with minimal waste of energy.

Integrating Jitakyoei and Seiryoku Zenyo

Together, Jitakyoei and Seiryoku Zenyo form a balanced philosophy that guides our actions on and off the mat. Jitakyoei reminds us of the importance of community, cooperation, and mutual growth, while Seiryoku Zenyo encourages us to be mindful of how we apply our efforts, ensuring that our actions are both effective and sustainable.

By embracing these principles, we not only become better martial artists but also better individuals—capable of contributing positively to our community and navigating life’s challenges with wisdom and efficiency.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we honor these philosophies daily, ensuring that our training is not just about learning techniques but also about cultivating character, respect, and a deeper understanding of the art and its application in life.

Guardian El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu is a non profit scholarship program
community

Exploring Jita Kyoei: The Heart of Judo and Its Relevance in Jiu Jitsu at El Dorado Hills

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we strive not only to teach techniques and build physical strength but also to foster a sense of community and mutual growth. Central to this philosophy is the concept of Jita Kyoei, a principle originating from Judo that has profound implications for all martial artists, including those practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

What is Jita Kyoei?

Jita Kyoei (自他共栄) translates to “mutual welfare and benefit.” This concept was introduced by Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, who believed that martial arts should contribute to the betterment of society. According to Kano, the practice of Judo isn’t just about defeating opponents but about working together to achieve personal and communal growth. This principle emphasizes the importance of cooperation and respect, promoting an environment where everyone can thrive.

The Essence of Jita Kyoei in Martial Arts

The core idea behind Jita Kyoei is that the well-being of one individual is intrinsically linked to the well-being of others. In a martial arts setting, this translates to training in a manner that prioritizes both your development and that of your training partners. By helping others improve, you also enhance your own skills and understanding.

Applying Jita Kyoei in Jiu Jitsu at El Dorado Hills

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, we embrace Jita Kyoei as a guiding principle in our training sessions and overall community ethos. Here’s how this concept is integrated into our practice:

  1. Collaborative Training Environment: We encourage a culture of mutual support. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced practitioner, you are both a student and a teacher. Sharing knowledge and techniques with your peers helps everyone progress and fosters a supportive training environment.
  2. Respect and Safety: Respect for your training partners is paramount. Practicing Jita Kyoei means ensuring that techniques are applied safely and with control. This respect extends beyond the mats, fostering a community where everyone feels valued and safe.
  3. Continuous Improvement: By adopting Jita Kyoei, we recognize that improvement is a collective journey. We celebrate each other’s achievements and support one another through challenges, understanding that each individual’s progress contributes to the strength of the entire group.
  4. Community Engagement: Jita Kyoei also guides our engagement with the broader community. We participate in and organize events that promote the values of martial arts, such as discipline, respect, and mutual aid, extending the benefits of our practice beyond the dojo.

The Broader Impact of Jita Kyoei

Embracing Jita Kyoei has benefits that extend far beyond martial arts training. It fosters a mindset of cooperation and empathy that can be applied to all areas of life. Whether in personal relationships, professional environments, or community interactions, the principles of mutual welfare and benefit encourage a more harmonious and productive society.

At El Dorado Hills Jiu Jitsu, Jita Kyoei is more than just a principle—it’s a way of life. By integrating this concept into our training and community interactions, we aim to create an environment where everyone can grow and thrive together. Join us on the mats and experience firsthand how the spirit of mutual benefit and welfare can transform your martial arts journey and enrich your life.