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Day 8: Exploring Nara and Reflecting on an Incredible Journey

Posted on by Gui Valente
Pedro Valente And Ted Schwartz at the top of Mount Wakakusa
18
Oct

After a great breakfast at the hotel, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz set off for a day trip to Nara. On the way, they made a stop in South Kyoto at the famous Fushimi Shrine, known for its 1,000 red gates.

From there, they continued their drive to Nara, where their first stop was the Todaiji Temple, home to the Great Buddha Statue. This enormous bronze statue, the largest in the world, dates back to the 8th century. After touring the Todaiji Temple and many of its beautiful ancient structures, Pedro and Ted headed to the top of Mount Wakakusa, which stands at about 1,200 feet. The peaceful surroundings and the breathtaking view of Nara from above offered a moment of tranquility and reflection, surrounded by nature.

Throughout Nara, we noticed that deer roam freely, a unique feature of the city tied to the Shinto religion, which considers these animals to be sacred. Pedro and Ted were impressed by this natural harmony as they made their way to the Kasuga Shrine, famous for its beautiful lamps. This visit marked the final stop in Nara before they drove back to Kyoto.

Back in Kyoto, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz enjoyed a wonderful sukiyaki dinner before returning to the hotel to pack and prepare for the journey back to Miami. Reflecting on the trip, Pedro expressed how the experience had far exceeded their expectations, not only for the invaluable research and the historical landmarks they visited, but most importantly for the profound connection they felt to Japanese culture. The respect, good manners, positivity, and happiness of the Japanese people left a deep impression, reaffirming the Valente Brothers commitment to teaching Japanese martial arts, philosophy, and culture.

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Day 7: A Day of Kendo, Castles, and Temples in Kyoto

Posted on by Gui Valente
16
Oct

The day started with breakfast at the beautiful Park Hyatt Hotel in Kyoto. After their meal, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz made their way back to the Butokuden to observe Kendo training. There were two classes in progress—one private session and a group class for senior trainees. Despite their ages, with all the practitioners being over 80 years old, their energy, great footwork, and impressive movement were remarkable. It wasn’t until they removed their helmets that Pedro and Ted realized they were not middle-aged practitioners. The teacher informed Pedro and Ted of their remarkable health and energy, especially considering they were all beginners, having trained for less than two years.

Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz introduced themselves to the teacher, who was intrigued by Valente Brothers in Miami. After showing him some photos, they were graciously invited to participate in the class. Without the proper training uniform, they happily accepted the offer and engaged in a Kendo session. Practicing with wooden swords, they struck towards the head, wrist, and torso, moving in different angles.

It was an incredible experience for both of them. Before leaving, they had a friendly conversation with the students, during which the Pedro shared the story of their work in Miami, teaching Japanese culture, philosophy, and martial arts.

After the training, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz went sightseeing in Kyoto. Their first stop was the historic Nijō Castle, built in 1603. The castle holds great significance as the place where Tokugawa Ieyasu was appointed as the political leader of Japan, and later, where the last Shogun relinquished power to the Meiji Emperor in 1867. Walking through the 33 rooms of the castle, they observed the stunning architecture and artwork, including what Pedro described as “breathtaking paintings on the walls and ceilings.”

Next, they visited a Zen Buddhist temple, Nanzen-ji, and its sub-temple Konchi-in, built over 500 years ago. Inside the temple, they saw some of the first muskets brought to Japan from Portugal in the 16th century, which were on display. They also explored the temple’s five beautiful meditation gardens, feeling the serene atmosphere. The muskets are part of a historical exhibit, reflecting the exchange between Japan and the Portuguese during the 16th century, when firearms were first introduced to Japan.

After a day filled with history and culture, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz returned to the hotel. They had another great meal at the hotel’s teppanyaki restaurant.

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Day 6: A Journey to Kyoto and Jujutsu History

Posted on by Gui Valente

After having breakfast at the hotel, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz checked out and headed to the Shinkansen train station. They boarded the bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto. After roughly a two-hour journey, they arrived in Kyoto and went directly to the Butokuden site, historically known as Butokukai. This site holds great significance in the history of jujutsu, as it was where many jujutsu masters gathered for challenge matches and important organizational meetings. It was also the venue for several Kosen Judo competitions, where practitioners like Masahiko Kimura developed their skills. Kimura later became a Kosen Judo champion on that very site.

Following their visit to Butokuden, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz explored several antique shops specializing in samurai katanas and armor, before walking around the city. They then checked into the Park Hyatt, a beautiful hotel, and took some time to prepare for dinner.

In the evening, they enjoyed a private dinner with the renowned Soba Samurai, a famous soba chef. The experience was exceptional, with various soba dishes served throughout the meal. Afterward, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz had the opportunity to spend time with the chef, further enriching the dining experience.

Before heading back to their hotel, they passed by a famous site from the movie The Last Samurai, where Tom Cruise’s character walks up a staircase. The Last Samurai is one of the top movies of the Valente Brothers.

As the evening concluded, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz returned to the hotel to prepare for a full day of exploration in Kyoto the following day.

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Valente Brothers’ Japan Journey – Day 5: A Visit to the Tokyo Police Academy and More Jiu-Jitsu Training

Posted on by Gui Valente

The day began with breakfast and a workout at the Aman Hotel. After their morning routine, Pedro and Ted were invited to the Tokyo Police Department for a visit and tour. They were hosted by Special Agent Sorci, the defensive tactics instructor at the academy and a black belt under Sensei Takamasa Watanabe. During the visit, Special Agent Sorci extended an incredible honor by inviting Pedro to teach a Valente Brothers seminar at the historic Tokyo Police dojo.

Following their time at the academy, Pedro and Ted returned briefly to the hotel before heading to Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy. There, Ted received a private lesson from Pedro, with both Sensei Watanabe and Special Agent Sorci observing. After Ted’s lesson, Pedro conducted a special training session for both Sensei Watanabe and Special Agent Sorci. The focus of the session was a review of the self-defense curriculum, with an exchange of valuable insights. Special Agent Sorci’s strength and skill allowed Pedro the opportunity to experiment with some defensive techniques against a fully resisting opponent.

Pedro and Ted expressed their deep gratitude for the warm hospitality extended by both Sensei Watanabe and Special Agent Sorci, appreciating their generosity and openness throughout the last few days.

To conclude the day, the group headed to Roppongi for another teppanyaki-style dinner, where they shared stories and reflected on the day’s experiences. As the evening came to a close, Pedro and Ted returned to the hotel to pack up, preparing for their journey to Kyoto by train the following morning.

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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.

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Valente Brothers’ Japan Journey – Day 2: Part 2

Posted on by Valente Brothers Staff

After their visit to the US embassy, Pedro and Ted enjoyed lunch at the historic Tempura Ten-Ichi, a renowned restaurant that has been in operation since 1930. Over the decades, it has served notable figures such as Mikhail Gorbachev, Jacques Chirac, Kofi Annan, Bill Clinton, and Frank Sinatra. The restaurant, known for its history and elegance, is a landmark of Tokyo’s culinary scene.

Following lunch, they returned to the hotel, where Pedro and Ted had an important meeting with Professor Hosokawa, the author of a book about Mataemon Tanabe, a jujutsu master who was a contemporary of Jigoro Kano and a strong advocate of ground fighting, which opposed the Kodokan Judo style. The meeting was arranged by Pedro’s old friend Takamasa Watanabe, who is now the owner of Axis Jiu-Jitsu Academy, a chain of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) schools in Japan. Takamasa has been a longtime friend of the Valente Brothers since their days at Escola Americana in Rio de Janeiro.

In between this discussion and dinner, Ted attended a Yom Kippur religious ceremony at the synagogue with Ambassador Emanuel. Later, he reunited for dinner with Pedro and Takamasa at Musashi, one of the most prestigious sushi restaurants in Tokyo, located at the Aman. Coincidentally, master chef Musashi is a friend of Valente Brothers student Eric Herzfeld. The group received exceptional treatment, and the food was spectacular.

The highlight of the day was Pedro’s conversation with Professor Hosokawa about the history of jujutsu, specifically Mataemon Tanabe’s legacy and his role as a defender of the lost traditional jujutsu ways in Japan.

Mataemon Tanabe applying a rear naked choke
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Valente Brothers’ Japan Journey – Day 2: A Special Visit to the US Embassy

Posted on by Valente Brothers Staff

On this important day, which also happened to be Yom Kippur, Pedro Valente and Ted Schwartz were warmly welcomed by Ambassador Rahm Emanuel at the residential area of the US embassy in Tokyo. The visit was organized by Ted, who is a longtime friend of Ambassador Emanuel.

During the visit, Ambassador Emanuel showed a strong interest in how jujutsu can be used for military and police training. They also discussed the differences between jujutsu and Krav Maga, and the interesting history of jujutsu in the United States. Pedro explained how President Teddy Roosevelt, a big supporter of the martial art, practiced jujutsu in the White House with a professor sent from the Kodokan in Japan.

One of the highlights of the visit was a tour of the embassy’s beautiful garden, where each ambassador plants a tree to honor the US president they represent. Pedro also had the chance to visit the embassy library and was impressed by the modern art displayed in the residence.

Pedro also learned that Presidents Ulysses S. Grant and Theodore Roosevelt visited the embassy later in their lives, while President Gerald Ford was the first sitting president to visit the embassy.

We’re excited for the next part of this incredible journey.