Author Archives: Gui Valente

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Valente Brothers’ Japan Journey – Day 4 (Continuation): A Special Testimonial from Teruyuki Okuda

Posted on by Gui Valente

Following the seminar at Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy, Pedro received a meaningful testimonial from jujutsu researcher and black belt Teruyuki Okuda.Moved by the experience, Okuda shared his thoughts on Pedro’s teachings and the impact they had on him:

“I had the honor of attending a seminar by the great Sensei Pedro Valente at the Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy, a place I have long admired.

Sensei Pedro has been one of my idols for many years.

I finally received answers regarding self-defense that I had never been able to find before.

You truly embody the Gracie spirit more than anyone else in the world.

Your technique of modernizing the classic Sodeguruma and the way you applied Kuzushi from the Jigotai position were nothing short of eye-opening.

After the seminar, we held a fascinating discussion on the history of Jiu-Jitsu with Hishida Sensei, Nakajima Sensei, and Hosokawa Sensei until the last train.

It was an incredibly meaningful time. Thank you very much.

I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to Mr. Ted, the businessman, who stayed with us until late, and to Watanabe Sensei of Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy for his long hours of interpreting and for sharing his own intriguing insights.

Lastly, I am deeply thankful to Sensei Gustavo from the University of São Paulo for introducing me to my long-time idol, Sensei Valente.”

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Valente Brothers’ Japan Journey – Day 4: Seminar at Axis and Exploring Jujutsu History

Posted on by Gui Valente

The day began at the Aman Hotel, where Pedro and Ted enjoyed a breakfast with a taste from home—banana smoothies with apple juice and fresh cream cheese.

Afterward, they met with Mr. Yasu, a prominent writer and researcher, to discuss the history of jujutsu. Yasu shared valuable insights into how jujutsu was practiced historically, and the conversation continued at a nearby restaurant known for its unagi, or Japanese eel.

Following lunch, Pedro and Ted visited the Meiji Shrine, a peaceful park in the heart of Tokyo that reminded them of Central Park in New York. While exploring the park, Pedro noticed a large banner displaying the numbers “753.” Curious, he asked their guide about its meaning. She explained that “753” refers to a traditional celebration for children in Japan, where boys at the ages of three and five, and girls at the ages of three and seven, participate in special ceremonies. Pedro found it fascinating that these ages aligned with the 753 Code developed by the Valente Brothers, highlighting a meaningful connection with Japanese culture.

After their visit to the shrine, Pedro and Ted returned to the hotel to prepare for the evening seminar at Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy, run by Sensei Takamasa Watanabe, a longtime friend of the Valente Brothers. The seminar had an impressive turnout, with a large group of respectful and motivated students. Pedro taught the Five Elements of Jujutsu as a complete fighting system, focusing on striking, throws, grappling, and philosophy.

Following the seminar, a roundtable discussion took place with several experts, including Tetsuya Nakajima, a Ph.D. in anthropology and a professor of martial arts history, Teruyuki Okuda, a key researcher in the history of jujutsu in both Japan and Brazil and Yoshifumi Hishida, Ph.D. Also in attendance was Goko Hosokawa, the author of a book on Mataemon Tanabe. The discussion, organized by Gustavo Goulart, from São Paulo, Brazil, and Takamasa Watanabe, covered various aspects of jujutsu’s history and its evolution. During the conversation, Pedro shared rare footage of private training sessions with Grandmaster Helio Gracie, which had only been seen by a few individuals. Before they parted, Mr. Okuda presented Pedro with a book written by Kashiwazaki, a gesture Pedro greatly appreciated.

The roundtable conversation extended late into the night, concluding around 11:30 p.m. It was a highly productive day, deepening both Pedro and Ted’s understanding of jujutsu’s powerful history.

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Valente Brothers’ Japan Journey – Day 3: Exploring the Imperial Palace and Eishoji Temple

Posted on by Gui Valente

In this entry, we will keep Pedro’s own words to better reflect the incredible experience at the Eishoji Temple.

This morning began with a workout at the hotel gym. Shortly after, a local guide joined Ted and I for a tour around the city. Our first stop was the Imperial Palace, formerly Edo Castle during the Tokugawa period. The palace became the residence of the Emperor after the Meiji Restoration.

Next, we headed to Ginza, one of Tokyo’s most famous shopping districts, before visiting the Eishoji Temple. This temple holds great significance for us, as it is where the Kodokan Judo Institute was founded in 1882.

As we stood at the entrance of the temple, something extraordinary happened. An elderly woman, who seemed to work there, approached us and said, “Normally, we don’t open the doors or allow visitors inside, but I feel I should help you today.” To our surprise, she opened the door and invited us inside.

She led us into a small, traditional tea ceremony room—a sacred space where samurais used to leave their swords outside before entering through a small, humble opening. This practice symbolized humility, as everyone inside was equal, and the room was reserved for peace and harmony. We knelt in the serene atmosphere, feeling a deep connection to the history of the place.

Ted and I spent time speaking with the woman, and I shared insights about Bushido, explaining how my brothers and I have dedicated our lives to teaching Japanese culture and the art of jujutsu. She was visibly moved, telling us that she felt a connection that prompted her to let us inside. It was a special moment, and we took photos to remember it.

After our visit to the temple, we returned to the hotel, where I relaxed in the sauna and enjoyed a traditional Japanese bath.

We ended the day with dinner at a teppanyaki restaurant, where guests sat around a large circular table, watching the chefs prepare an impressive meal. The menu featured steak and seafood, all cooked to perfection. It was a fantastic dining experience and a perfect way to wrap up an incredible day.