Just wondering how everybody feels about the topic of change. They say nobody likes it, but it is something we all have to go through. I suppose I could be talking about physical or mental change, but I'm talking about stylistic changes.
I have been practicing and teaching Jujitsu for many years now, and it is a relatively new art (as traditional jujitsu styles go), but it was devised by a Japanese man who exudes the concept of budo. He created the style in order not to lose the aspects of the original jujitsu techniques that he thought were being lost. With that said, from the day I first met him through my sensei some 15+ years ago to today, he has changed many of the things that I do. And I'm not talking about the little things (i.e. angles, hand position,etc.), I'm talking about major things to the system. Furthermore, he keeps adding to the system things no one teaches outside of Japan (I suppose that is another topic altogether).
I don't mind change that much. God, I been through enough with the Uechi system!!:-) But the jitsu systems are different that the do systems in that you are learning and practicing more of the combative aspects instead of looking for that perfection of form. I'm not saying one is better than the other, just different in the ways and means of training. My question is that with all the changes thrust upon me and my students (BTW, the only in Massachusetts who as far as I know train Nihon Jujitsu/Kokusai Budoin), is that normal for other grappling arts?
I'm interested in knowing from the more traditional jujitsu arts as well as from the more contemporary (i.e. Brazilian JJ) arts.
Thanks,
mike