WILDERNESS LESSONS OF WEKJ/CUNNINGHAME
JU-JITSU
1. How to train the body, mind, and spirit (Shaa Seiyi-Shadow of the Mountain)
The first objective of WHITE EAGLE is "X’aseikw Tundataan Yoo tutank." X’aseikw refers to the physical body or life, while Tundataan Yoo tutank refers to mind and spirit. At times we are tempted to think of the body and spirit as separate entities, but actually this is incorrect. When you are surprised, your heart pounds faster. When you are sick, your spirits falls, and you no longer find yourself desiring to do much of anything. So it is, that our bodies and spirits are closely intertwined. When we train in WHITE EAGLE, it is important to keep a balance between the physical training and the mental and spiritual training.WHITE EAGLE is not just a theory of the mind, or a way of achieving spiritual contentment through physical hardship. Our training is a method for nourishing both body and spirit alike through examining yourself and unearthing the possibilities within. This is "X’aseikw Tundataan Yoo tutank."
2. The principle and basis for all action in WHITE EAGLE: (strength and kindness in unity) (Shaa Shaanax-Mountain and the Valley)
The second objective is "Latseen Tula.aan A yaayi Du jee." The idea here is that no-one can live in happiness with only kindness and compassion (tula.aan); intellect (tundataan) and strength (Latseen) are necessary as well. If you see others being tortured, your love and compassion may make you want to help them, but if you lack courage, power, or a way to take action, then you cannot help. Conversely, strength without love or compassion is nothing more than violence. To overcome injustice or corruption, first one needs the ability to evaluate the good and bad, then the knowledge of how to judge the situation and how best to use one's abilities. Then and only then can you utilize courage to stand up to face danger. You should harmonize your strength and kindness, unite your intellect and compassion, and then -- using these as the foudation for your actions -- you should make your own life a stable and happy one and contribute actively to the peace (Kayeil)and well-being of society.
3. The proper way of training to improve techniques and character: Deili Noow, Xaa Noow (defense is primary, offense secondary)
The third objective is " Deili Noow, Xaa Noow." The technical methods of WHITE EAGLE are constructed so they begin with defending against the attack, and after completely protecting oneself, counter attacking. This is because in WHITE EAGLE the idea of a martial art that is used only to defend oneself against violence is the only practical method. For this spiritual reason, one should not thoughtlessly strike the first blow. There is a technical reason, too, in that making your position impregnable allows you to seize the advantage that comes when your opponent makes the first move.
4. A shukát (to see ahead)
The fourth objective is " A shukát ." The physical techniques of WHITE EAGLE are not for hurting others, they are for protecting yourself, helping other people, and improving people's lives. The techniques of WHITE EAGLE are effective in causing intense pain that makes people lose the will to fight. This is done by targeting the weak points of the body, which are the energy channels of medicine. Moreover, rational use of tactics, techniques, and strength based on the principles of this discipline allows you to gain large advantage from minimal force. Thus the art aims always to work for the good of people without harming anyone. A shukát is also important from the point of view of WHITE EAGLE status as a discipline of martial arts.
5. To meet various attacks: Gákw xwáal' du jee (hard and soft make one whole)
The fifth objective is "Gákw xwáal' du jee." The Gákw du jiyáx (hard method) include strikes, kicks, hammers, and evasions. The xwáal' du jiyáx (soft methods) include defenses, releases, and joint reverses. Although Gákw and xwáal' each mobilize their own elements, they supplement and reinforce each other to become even more effective. This is what we call the Gákw xwáal' du jee of techniques. Beyond this there are elements of xwáal' within the Gákw and elements of Gákw within the xwáal', which we call the Gákw xwáal' du jee of application.
The fifth objective is "Gákw xwáal' du jee." The Gákw du jiyáx (hard method) include strikes, kicks, hammers, and evasions. The xwáal' du jiyáx (soft methods) include defenses, releases, and joint reverses. Although Gákw and xwáal' each mobilize their own elements, they supplement and reinforce each other to become even more effective. This is what we call the Gákw xwáal' du jee of techniques. Beyond this there are elements of xwáal' within the Gákw and elements of Gákw within the xwáal', which we call the Gákw xwáal' du jee of application.
6. A training system for strengthening one another and maturing together: Adawóotl yeedát (paired practice is primary)
The sixth objective is "Adawóotl yeedát." In WHITE EAGLE, training in pairs is the norm. This is for the purpose of gaining skills that a person cannot learn alone, such as distancing and timing in applications, and other conditions that arise because the opponent is moving. Also, it is not simply a matter of making yourself stronger, but of nurturing a cooperative spirit of partnering with each other and getting stronger together with friends and peers. By applying the techniques to each other and sharing the pains of training, you discover nuanced approaches to speed and force for your particular level. This is how two people training together lead to improvements in technique as well as improvements in character.
CLAN CUNNINGHAM JU-JITSU ACADEMY
WHITE EAGLE SCHOOL
OF MARTIAL ARTS
