In Japan, there is a saying, Nana Korobi Ya Oki, which means, "seven times down, 8 times up." This phrase, like the kanji character NIN, is a reminder that not everything in life is (or perhaps should be) easy. If it were, there would be little need for grading in the Jujitsu dojo- or school itself for that matter. The reality of life as we all experience it is that life has challenges and outright difficulties.
But, the definition of our character, expressed both outwardly and as an inner idea of self is not so much dependent on whether or not something is difficult or easy, but in how we deal with that thing, that makes the difference and brings with it the equivalent success or failure.
In Today's Western culture, and particularly that of the more affluent nations, it seems that the drive-up-window mentality rules the day. It is this very "I want it now or I'll go somewhere else" thinking that is destroying the idea of career, family, and society in general. Many traditional Japanese ideas such as a dedication to the greater good of Society, a deep and lasting commitment to family unity and loyalty to career or company are also eroding in a similar fashion. Perversely, not content with the pain of one divorce people seek out many in order to be not ‘unhappy’ in one. When no one is willing to "stay the course" and work through difficulties and challenges, nothing gets better and we are perpetually stuck in a "start-over" cycle.
The attitude of the true Ninja upholds the higher values. There are many styles of the Jujutsu art, most of which emphasize grappling, locking, and throwing, striking, kicking, gagging, and spiking, thrusting and not least short stabbing techniques. As with most things Japanese there is an official name for the periods of Jujutsu development - Sengoku Jidai (Sengoku Period, 1467- 1603) katchu bujutsu or yoroi kumiuchi (fighting with weapons or grappling while clad in armor), or Edo Jidai (Edo Period, 1603- 1867) suhada bujutsu (fighting while dressed in the normal street clothing of the period, kimono and hakama). It is in the last period before Meiji that the Jujutsu ninja learnt how to fight in an urban setting.
In the cause of justice or freedom or a self-defense situation can you imagine how disastrous this modern ‘start over’ attitude could be? Where everything we do, we do with either...
1) the mindset of "If this doesn't work the first time, I'll just quit,"
or...
2) the inability to take the attacker down and lock him up, causing a situation where the fight is continually being reset to zero.
In the first scenario, the all-or-nothing mentality will cause us to simply lie-down-and-die at the first sign of trouble. In the second, we will run ragged trying to maintain enough energy for a sustained assault.
The truth is that, sometimes, we will have to endure, to persevere, to put up with things that are uncomfortable. Because, if we take action now, we will be in greater danger.
So, with the greatest of ninja skill...
...we wait.
We wait for the opportunity when something can be done that will effect a victory for us.
This is the core lesson for the modern Jujutsu fighter of “nana korobi ya oki”. It is what allows a ninja warrior to go beyond what most others see as possible. It is the ability to - no matter how many times we're knocked down, attacked, restrained or threatened - get back up and take that next important step toward the fulfillment of our vision.
This is one of the most important traits of a winner - a survivor - the ability to 'go on.' Because in the end, it will not be those who sought mastery who will find it, but those who sought to master themselves with the spirit that "I will find it, no matter how many times I have to go at it or start over. It is they who will have set their minds and hearts firmly on their vision, and with firm resolve and disciplined action, moved confidently into their future to attain their goal. Life is challenging and difficult sometimes but, you are stronger. And, the next time it knocks you down - get up and keep going.
And remember the Ninja Warrior's motto:
..."Never give up!"
Edited from the original by Jeffrey Miller
(the original of this article has been lost, and if you recognise it, please let us know).
