by Prof. Sig Kufferath
I started training with Prof. Okazaki in 1937. I studied at the main dojo, Kodenkan, 801 S. Hotel St. in Honolulu. Many times it was only Prof. Okazaki and me at those training sessions. Classes were not very big, most times only 6-10 students, the assistant instructor for the class was Charles F. Wagner, one of Okazaki’s original 5 students on Oahu. I trained 6 days a week. Since I only lived two hundred yards from his house, where he had a small dojo too, he frequently had me train there also. I will talk about various subjects in this column.
One of the most interesting and special training methods Prof. Okazaki had was his “calming & steadying the nerves” training. He had two Japanese tubs, one hot and one cold. He had me soak in the 105 degree hot tub for two minutes, then go into the 35 degree cold tub for two minutes. I had a 120 lb. block of ice floating in it. I changed off 6 times each session. He had me do this three times a week for six months. Prof. Okazaki said this will develop nerves of steel and you will have built a shield around you. Even if lightning struck next to you, you would not flinch. It worked.
Another thing he taught me was water therapy. Professor had a special room at the dojo. The patient would stand with his back facing you, arms outstretched against the wall. Using a garden hose with a fire nozzle attached and standing about six feet away using a pinpoint spray you started at the Whitney’s Triangle and then move down along the left side of the spine. Go up then along the outstretched arms to the fingers. Then over to the scapula to the right side and do the same. Then to the buttocks and down the back of the legs.
Have the person turn to face you. Start the spray at the third eye, then to the esophagus, then to the clavicle point, then to the extended arm to the center of the palm. Repeat this on the other side. Now go to the stomach in a circular movement clockwise, then to point six & seven. Finally, go down the inner thigh to the legs and feet. This therapy gives the greatest feeling one can imagine.
On December 13, 1993, the American Jujitsu Institute formally acknowledged and conferred to me the rank of Judan. This took place at Prof. Limbago’s residence. I want to thank the AJI board of directors for this. I was a charter member, former president 1951-53 and one of the original incorporators of the institute. Once again, thank you AJI.
Next time, I will explain how to walk on the body. Also some other Jujitsu training methods Okazzaki used, such as developing pinch strength and sweeping power.
Note: This is taken from the Talk Story, the newsletter of the Kodenkan Jujutsu & Restoration Therapy. June 1994.