In 2003, I began planning to leave Florida. For personal and business reasons, my time living there was coming to an end.
I approached Jorge and informed him of my plans and my goal to own an academy in Ohio. I asked if I could continue his traditions and become an affiliate of his. He readily agreed and we began a series of private training sessions.
Our private time together was not intended to learn much more technique but to remember, refine, and perfect the basics. We also talked about his days in Brazil, jiu jitsu philosophy, and how to be a better teacher.
One session, we were talking about the "olden days" when Jorge was back in Brazil. We got on the subject of Rickson (who really doesn't need an introduction, but for the uninitiated, go here) and what it was like training with him. He asked me a simple question to describe what Rickson was like. He said " Have you ever tried to catch water? That is what it is like to train with Rickson. That is what I have always tried to be and that is what you should try to be too"
The most eloquent way to describe what he meant is the following passage I found. It references Judo, but this applies as much to Jiu Jitsu and it echos what Jorge was trying to teach:
The principle of Judo is like the nature of water. Water flows to a balanced level. It has no shape of its own but moulds itslef to the recepticle that contains it. Its surge is irresistable and it permeates everything. It has existed and will exist as long as time and space. When heated to the state of steam it is invisible, but has enough power to split the earth itself. When frozen it crystallizes into a mighty rock. Its services are boundless and its uses endless. First it is as turbulent like the Niagra Falls, and then calm like the still pond, fearful like a torrent, and refreshing like a spring on a hot summers day. So is the principle of Judo.
This was written by G. Koizumi in his forward for Higher Judo by Dr. M Feldenkrais. G. Koizumi is credited with introducing Judo in France in 1918. This passage was written in 1952.
Being "water" is the ultimate state of being in Jiu Jitsu. Calm and still, simmering to a a boil, surging to torrential and then ultimately overwhelming.
After seven years, this principle was the ultimate gift. It was not the final lesson, learning never ends in this art, but it was the key that unlocked the true essence of jiu jitsu.
Now go and be water.
