Farewell Letter to the International Federation of Nihon Taijutsu / Jujutsu

December 12, 2006

Dear Mr. Hernaez:

During the past 20 years, I have had the privilege of teaching Taijutsu, transmitting the legacy of various masters at my school, Kodenkan Budo. Throughout my career, I have learned not only from you, Mr. Hernaez, but also from Mr. Calpe, whom I came to consider not only my teacher but also a friend. As you know, I have participated in courses taught by renowned figures such as Masters Minoru and Hiroo Mochizuki, Alain Floquet, Sizuya Sato, and Kuniyuki Kai, among others.

Over this time, I have trained numerous black belts and instructors in Aragón and other countries, collaborating in the creation and evolution of various organizations that have contributed to spreading our martial art not only in Spain but also in Portugal, Cuba, Santo Domingo, Panama, etc. On two occasions, I invited you to conduct Nihon Taijutsu / Jujutsu courses in my city that had never been held before, and I was able to participate in several courses and examinations in different cities across Spain and France.

I have taken part in fundamental initiatives in Spain, collaborating in the founding of the Nihon Taijutsu department in the Federación Aragonesa de Judo in 1994; in the creation of the Spanish Association of Nihon Taijutsu, Nihon Ju Jutsu, and Nihon Kobudo in 1999; in the Federación Aragonesa in 2000; in the Wrestling Federation in 2001; in the Spanish Federation in 2002; in the Karate Federation in 2004; and in Artes Marciales Seibukan in 2006. However, these experiences have paved an unfruitful administrative path in the field of martial arts in Spain, due to the lack of professionalism of its directors.

While I deeply appreciate the opportunities and the journey we have shared over these years, I have observed with growing concern the lack of responsible and loyal administrative management on the part of the leadership of the International Federation of Nihon Taijutsu / Jujutsu towards me as a committed teacher and director. Furthermore, this leadership shows support for a sporting and competitive orientation of Nihon Taijutsu, rather than preserving its original purpose of self-defense. For this reason, I inform you that I will not renew my position as a board member or practitioner in that organization.

This decision has not been taken lightly. My commitment has always been to the integrity of the art and the education of my students; I know that many of them are taking different paths, and I invite them to find their own direction, although, as I mentioned in Paris, not in my school. Despite my gratitude for the time experienced and the lessons learned, I cannot continue to be part of a structure that deviates from the technical rigor oriented towards self-defense that we have always upheld, nor from the traditional principles of loyalty, honesty, integrity, and justice. Let us not forget that these principles must exist not only in the teacher-student relationship but, as the tradition of Budo teaches, also in that of the teacher towards the student.

I prefer to focus my energy on continuing to promote and teach the true spirit of Budo in general and Nihon Taijutsu oriented towards self-defense in particular, preserving the flame of knowledge in a professional environment that respects and strengthens our roots.

With sincere gratitude for the moments we have shared and a firm critique of the current administrative and leadership deficiencies—which have yet to be addressed—I bid farewell to this stage, reaffirming my unwavering commitment to the tradition of Budo and the martial essence of Nihon Taijutsu oriented towards self-defense.

Best regards,