Seishinkai Ju-Jitsu International

20/04/2026

Yesterday, the SJJI Dan examinations took place.

During these exams, four candidates were assessed:

• Luc Scheppers – 2nd Dan
• Bert van Hezik – 4th Dan (Block B/C)
• Jeroen van Venrooij – 4th Dan (Block B/C)
• Michael van Oostrum – 4th Dan (Block A)
•
In total, the examinations lasted over two hours, during which the audience was able to watch various kata performances as well as two individual projects.
The individual projects, in particular, were very engaging, as the candidates demonstrated their personal interpretation of Ju Jitsu across different themes.

The examiners also followed a new approach.
During these exams, a new concept was introduced in which the examiner asking questions no longer remained seated behind a table but instead joined the candidate on the tatami.
The candidates responded positively to this change, and it will be further developed and evaluated for full implementation.

After the examinations, there was, as always, a moment of anticipation while waiting for the results. Fortunately, the examiners did not keep the candidates waiting long.
All four candidates successfully passed their (partial) examinations.

On behalf of SJJI, congratulations to all four candidates on achieving their new Dan grade or partial certification.

26/03/2026

We say :
お誕生日おめでとうございます
"Otanyobi Omedetou Gozaimasu"
Happy Birthday

On this day in 1936 our Honorary President, Soke Sadatomo Harada was born in Osaka City

22/01/2026

20/01/2026

Anyone who want to more about joining Seishinkai Ju-Jitsu International (SJJI) please leave a comment or send an email to [email protected]

01/11/2025

Mr. Werner Tiggeloven and Mr. Thijs van Driel in 2016 got second place at the Seishinkai Open E-Bo-no-Kata Tournament

07/10/2025

The History of Tsukimi: Japan’s Timeless Tradition of Moon Viewing

The moon has captivated humans since the dawn of our existence, and Japan has partaken in lunar reverence for centuries. Japan’s tradition of tsukimi (or otsukimi), which literally means moon-viewing, commonly occurs during the full moon in September. People, often dressed in a yukata, gather at moon-viewing points, eat mochi and partake in all kinds of autumnal activity. The purpose of tsukimi is to show appreciation for the year’s harvest and to pray for a safe winter ahead. The custom of appreciating the otsukisama dates back over 1,000 years in Japan, and is still a thoroughly-enjoyed festival in Japan to welcome fall.

The official celebration of tsukimi happens during the full moon in September. It became an official event during the Heian period (794–1185), when Japanese aristocrats were inspired by the Tang Dynasty’s moon-viewing customs. They would host moonlit parties with music and poetry, taking boats out at night to see the moon’s reflection on the water. During this time, tsukimi was held on the 13th night of the eighth month, the night of the full moon on the old lunar calendar.

Over time, tsukimi became popular with all kinds of people, not just aristocrats. Throughout the Edo period (1603–1868), the festival became linked with autumnal traditions like giving thanks for a good harvest and praying for another fruitful year ahead. As the calendar changed in 1683, the festival date moved to the 15th. Now, the festival’s date depends on the lunar calendar, but it usually happens in September, the best time to catch the full moon.

Many western countries say that there is a print of a man on the moon, but Japanese people grew up hearing that there are two rabbits pounding mochi on the moon. This mythology is also a play on words, as mochizuki is another word for full moon, but it also sounds like the phrase for pounding mochi. Rabbits are also considered to be creatures that ward off evil spirits, and a lot of rabbit imagery is used during tsukimi season festivities.

There are many ways to enjoy tsukimi. Many restaurants serve dishes using seasonal ingredients and moon or rabbit-themed foods to get in the spirit of autumnal moon-viewing.

To celebrate tsukimi, though, all you truly need is the full moon and a pair of eyes. Grab some mochi and your favorite people and look up – you’re already celebrating tsukimi.

23/08/2025

"SHOKUNIN"

The Japanese word “Shokunin” can be translated as “craftsman” or “artisan”. But “Shokunin” is much, much more than that.
Beyond just meaning good skills or a piece of beautiful craft, it also celebrates the sheer joy of and dedication to making something to the utmost of one’s ability.

To this day, many Japanese people all over the country still dedicate their lives and efforts to protect and pass down various forms of traditional craftsmanship, including gold foil production, glass crafts, bamboo crafts, lacquerware, traditional paper making and also Martial Arts.

How about in many Western Countries?
Off course there are exceptions, but many times (again recently in Belgium) we see people who were 3rd Dan and then suddenly 7 years later (!) are 7th Dan in Ju-Jitsu.

Also we see people promoting themselves to 8th or even 10th Dan.

Accepting numerous Diploma's and Certificates from dozen different federations and organizations.
Or even giving away high Degrees themselves to people who do not train anymore ....
Why ?
Maybe the only person who answer to that question, are those persons themselves ....

There are no shortcuts to the top of the mountain and even when you reach the top.
There is an old Zen adage that says once you think you have arrived, you have already begun your descent. One must never think they "have arrived."

"...Just when you think you know it all, you realize that you're just fooling yourself," the true Master says. One must always try to improve. "Do the same thing over and over, improving bit by bit. There is always a yearning to achieve more."

26/06/2025

Our SJJI Associated Director for Spain, Mr. José Caracena (7th Dan Sensei) in action in Japan.
He is updating his already vast knowledge in Kata.
Here he is doing the defense against the Mae-Geri attack within the Kodokan-Goshin-Jutsu.

13/04/2025

Saterday April 12th there was nice international seminar in Hamont in Belgium.

The Seishinkai Dojo “Tai-Sabaki” invited Sven Loevenich (6th Dan Germany), Matieu Bex (8th Dan Belgium) and Tony van Venrooy (8th Dan the Netherlands) to show their teaching skills during this 4-hour seminar.