Jiu-Jitsu translates to the gentle way. It is not just a gentle way to me. It is a way of life.
When I hear someone say Jiu-Jitsu my mind interjects the word honor.
Jiu-Jitsu is not Jiu-Jitsu without honor. Jiu-Jitsu has a long history. It was tested, executed, and forged in the fires of Samurai battle. When we practice this ancient art we invoke the code of Bushido.
Not one man or woman is free to rewrite the rules. This would be wrong, foolish, and arrogant. Jiu-Jitsu is honor.
Jiu-Jitsu is also an open system, and we can evolve the practice. We cannot rewrite the philosophical scaffolding that holds it up.
I competed at Rickson Cup Albany last year. I was lucky enough to meet the man (let alone get gold). The theme of the tournament was "keep the art alive." Rickson wasn't keen on modern day black belt champions. He feels the self defense aspect of the art is being watered down. I also feel that BJJ is blowing up. It will be hard to maintain the integrity. Many of us who care deeply for this art want to keep it alive.
I trained Karate as a kid with Billy Blanks (and he was true Karate). Karate was my introduction into the beautiful world of martial arts. Now, Karate has been watered down. Karate has lost it's soul, at least in the states. I am doing my best to keep the art alive. This means that I need to practice diligently, and be cognizant of where my Jiu-Jitsu falls short (this is not just limited to the technique).
Every time I practice and/or compete I try to remember why I practice in the first place. Competitions, and glory don't last forever. In fact, it is a tiny fraction of ones own Jiu-Jitsu journey. We should value the practice itself. We should value honor. We should value the team. We should grace the warriors of times past. We should respect the wisdom of the ancients, and heed their teachings.
To practice the art, and to live the art is to strive towards honor. Nobody is perfect. We all sin, and have sinned. I have done my fair share, and push towards honor. There is never a moment too late to take Jiu-Jitsu to the next level, and let it subsume you with the ability to be better.