Tag Archives: selfdefense

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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: 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.