Bushido Notebook

I got a question the other day from one of the Academy's white belt students. He said that it seems like I am the only instructor that teaches throws and asked why I taught throws.  There are a lot of ways that I could answer the question, but the sake of time I just said that I teach the Academy curriculum first and that I also teach related judo throws from which the curriculum originated.  I went on to say that if they watched videos of Master Helio Gracie from several decades ago he is doing throws.  Judo throws.  He was listed at a 7th dan with the Kodokan and was even asked to teach there.  I have seen video of Royce Gracie competing in judo tournaments.  I have seen jiujitsu competitions with Royler Gracie doing judo takedowns.  So many people either don't know or refuse to admit that the Gracie style of jiujitsu has its origins in old school judo, which itself is a style or offshoot of Japanese jujitsu.  Japanese jujitsu didn't skip judo and suddenly become Graci