Tagore & the introduction of Jujutsu in ShantiniketanTagore is credited with the introduction of Judo in India, a fact which is less talked about than his literary creation. Rabindtranath Tagore believed that physical exercises are an inseparable part of our education. In his autobiographical work ‗Chelebela‘, Tagore reminiscences his childhood experiences of taking lessons of wrestling from a wrestler, whom he describes as „KanaPalowan‟, in the text. Similarly, young ‗Rabi‘ was made to learn gymnastics under the guidance of a gymnastic –instructor.i It is no wonder that, Tagore a great admirer of traditional Japanese culture had been an ardent admirer ofJujutsu. What evokes wonder is Gurudev‘s endeavor to transplant it in an alien soil. He had invited Judo instructors to his school, Shantiniketan. The history of the introduction of Jujitsu in Shantiniketan dates back to 1902, the year which marks a historic meeting of two minds, Tagore and Tenshin in Kolkata. Tenshin Okakura (1862-1913), the eminent writer and art critic of Japan had been the founder of the renowned art school “Nihon Bijutsuin”. He came to Calcutta in 1902.Further; he had sent two of his disciples, Shaokin Katsuta and Arai Kampo, to join Shantiniketan as art teacher. Tagore had also requested Okakura to send a jujutsu teacher for his school. Responding to his invitation, Jinnotsuke Sano, who had been a student of Keio University, was sent to Tagore‘s Ashram by Fukazawa of the Keio University. From Supriya Roy‘s ‗Makers of a Mission‘ we come to know that, even before Jinnutsuke Sano‘s arrival, S. Kusumato, another Japanese teacher whom Okakura had sent to teach carpentry in Shantiniketan, had been teaching the boys the basics of Jujutsu.ii However the introduction of formal teachings of Jujutsu in Shantiniketan was surely a great contribution of Sano San. Jinnutsuke Sano stayed in Shantininiketan from 1905-1908, during this period of time he had taught Jujutsu to the students of Shantiniketan. Supriya Roy‘s short biographical sketch of Sano, the teacher and his fostering role in the creation of Shantiniketan is worthy to be noted — ―A tin-roofed shed was built on the northern side of the mango-grove (amrakunja) for jujutsu classes. The students were enthusiastic about these classes. Rathindranath reminisces, ‗Father had bought a jujutsu expert from Japan. We took lessons from him in order to prepare ourselves to fight the British! Had not the spirit and training of judo helped the Japanese to win the war?‘‖iii It is interesting to note that, for Tagore and his generation Jujutsu became an icon of Japanese nationalism. Japan succeeded to thwart the onward march of western imperialism. Japan‘s victory over Russia in the war of 1904-1905 enkindled the nationalistic impulses of Bengal‘s intelligentsia of the early 20th century. This victory was celebrated in this part of the empire as an assertion of the power of Asians Also, Okakura‘s book ‗Ideals of the East ‗with his famous phrase ‗Asia is one‘, had left an indelible impression on Tagore and his disciples. Thus this nationalistic impulse played an important part in fostering Japanese martial art. Tagore‘s admiration for this traditional Japanese art and game is quite evident in his writing. While writing to Monoronjan Bandyopahyay Tagore has praised Sano the teacher‘s skills in imparting lessons of Judo- In 1929. though long before Tagore the new coinage ‗Judo ‗had already substituted the word ‗Jujutsu‘. a renowned teacher of Judo came to Shantiniketan. Shinzo Takagaki during his life time achieved the 9th „Dan‟ (9th Grade). Kano Jigoro is considered as the founder of modern Judo of the 19th century Japan.Self-control and Respect are vital aspects of the BushiDo culture. until the learners became adept in the crafts of Jujutsu. As a teacher he was extremely affectionate to his student. the chief centre for Judo in Japan. rose out of the experiences of the Samuraies of medieval Japan and belongs to the traditional Japanese cult known as. Tagore paid a short visit to Japan. Almost two decades after Sanosan had left Shantiniketan. Shinzo Takagaki stayed in Shantiniketan for two years.Students of the Ashram greeted him with garlands and sandal wood. he used to prolong the practice of Judo. not as a destructive means. . Kano Jigoro‘s choice probably emphasizes his purpose of popularizing Judo. ‗Bushido‟.vii. like Kendo or Karate do. He also appealed to Bidhanchandra Roy. fully equipped for the purpose of imparting Jujutsu. Following Tagore‘s request to them to send a Judo teacher.―A Jujutsu teacher has come from Japan –it is worth watching his capers!‖iv It must be noted that Tagore‘s chosen word was ‗Jujutsu‘ instead of Judo. Tagore took another drive to bring another Jujutsu teacher from Japan. within this period of time he succeeded in popularizing Jujutsu. It is said that Tagore himself took an important part in the welcome ceremony of Takagaki . the character 術（Jutsu） denotes ‗technique‘. . The Japanese character of ‗Bushi‘ means Samurai and that of ‗Do‟ connotes way of life. Professor Azuma in his biography of Takagaki has referred to a few memoirs of the period. Shinzo Takagaki (1893-1977).The news of Takagki‘s visit to Tagore‘s school was published in the Japanese daily “Ashai Shinbun‟. but for the sake of moral and physical education. whereas. Prior to Bengal he had also taught Jujutsu in Canada . underwent a change. Judo. With the passage of time the ‗Budo‟ or „Bushido‟ culture in Japan. This time in Shantiniketan a new gymnasium was built.vTagore‘s inclination for the older diction perhaps was due to his love for the traditional Japanese coinage. on his way back from Canada. which throw light upon how Takagaki used to involve his students in the practice of Judo. Subhas Bose and others for supporting Takagaki‘s teaching of Judo in undivided Bengal. and was cultivated for nurturing personal virtues. The character 道（Do）in Japanese connotes ‗way‘. Takagaki gave a short speech which was translated by a Japanese carpentry teacher named Kounosan. one grade short of the highest grade awarded in Judo by the Kodokan. 1882. In October 1929.vi Tagore himself took the financial responsibility to bear the cost of employing Takagaki. Tagore‘s famous song „Shonkocher o Biwuvolota nijer opoman‟ was composed during this time and Gurudev dedicated it for the cause of teaching of Jujutsu in Shantiniketan. Takagaki came to Shantiniketan. He set up his own Judo school inMay. there he contacted the Tokyo Kodaikan. He also had preferred to use the term Judo instead of ‗Jujutsu‘. dated 25th April. education should unfold the ‗the unity of truth‘xi. our erstwhile Prime Minister. Takagaki to our country I had to take up the entire financial responsibility of his travel and stay in this country. Tagore appealed to Bidhan Chandra Roy and Subhas Chandra Bose for this purpose. but apparently he has not been able to reply to it as he is touring about in East Bengal. He had been probably ahead of his time. Why was Tagore so keen on introducing Jujutsu in his school? The possible answer to this question could be found in the kind of education Tagore desired to impart to his students. Those who had been Takagaki Sensei‘s students. It is said that. In Shantiniketan. ‗My School‘. After the 2nd World War he went to different countries and started teaching the art of Jujutsu. May I now put before you the case of Prof.‖x Tagore‘s hopes did not come true. Takagaki‘s contribution lies in popularizing it in the whole Indian subcontinent. he succeeded in involving girls in Jujutsu classes at a time. to watch Jujutsu. girls took part along with boys. Takagaki‘s wife in narrating this voyage. Nibedita Ghosh. Takagaki went to Nepal and Afghanistan to introduce Judo. He also had hoped to attain funding to support‘s Takagaki‘s teaching in Shantiniketan. Yamuna Sen and others. when bringing a girl child to school was itself a challenge for educators. For Tagore. He had hoped that Takagaki‘s efforts would be helpful in popularizing the game. Based on his experiences of teaching Judo to his pupils of Tagore‘s school. mentioned should be made of Amita Sen. had been among the audience that had thronged at the field of Beneras Hindu University. Techniques of Judo. he later wrote a book named. whom as you know I brought from Japan specially for the purpose of giving a thorough training in the art of jiu-jitsu to the students of Bengal…………………When I found out that our countrymen did not properly realize the importance of the visit of Prof. Takagaki with his students went to different places to demonstrate and to teach Jujutsu. Takagaki. a phrase he coined in the lecture he delivered in America. but for him.Mrs. Takagaki. In this context. Tagore believed that Judo could be useful for women from the perspective of self defenseviii. Advised by Tagore. Takagaki and his team received well appreciation in Varanasi. 1931. Tagore emphatically says: . Tagore had been extremely positive about Takagaki‘s involvement in Shantiniketan.ix If Jinnutsuke Sano is credited with the introduction of Judo in India. Professor Azuma has referred to the travelogue of Maki Hoshi. may be referred to– ―I wrote some time ago to Shrijukta Subhas Chandra Bose about our jiu-jitsu professor. Tagore wanted to popularize Jujutsu. In this lecture titled as. Gandhi. the aim of education can never be confined to the needs of fulfilling the requirements of livelihood. Once they went to Varanasi to display the craft of Jujutsu.One significant aspect of this phase of Jujutsu training was that. As early noted. Tagore‘s letter to Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy. After leaving India. Mr. ‗it must be made into a centre for the spiritual endeavor of all mankind‘. Lectures &Addresses . About Viwsa-Bharati.Rabindranath Tagore . not knowing that by this emphasis we are accentuating a break between the intellectual. or Jujutsu is not an ordinary game. Although Tagore did not know Japanese.4 viii ibid Page. It was also Tagore‘s desire to inculcate the spirit of universalism among his students.Page -47 xii Ibid Page.47 iii . the strength of it lies in the possibility of developing self.3 vii ibid Page. it is no wonder that Tagore rightly perceived that Judo. Thus. physical and the spiritual‖xii Tagore‘s vision of education was one of total activity.6 ix ibid Page -10 x Selected Letters of Rabindranath Tagore. Page58 v Budo The Martial ways of Japan: NipponBuddokan. His efforts in transplanting Judo or Jujutsu in Shatiniketan.723 Makers of a Mission: Supriya Roy Page 38 Makers of a Mission: Supriya Roy Page 58 iv Quoted by Supriya Roy in Makers of a Mission. Page -40 vi Ujjol Surjo: Kazuo Azuma Page.discipline and spirituality among the learners. was in coherence with his ideas about the making of Visva-Bharati. where East would meet West. Edited by Krishna Dutta and Andrew Robinson xi My School. and all the wisdoms of the world would be available for his students. his dream vision was that. i ii Chelebela: Rabindranath Tagore Pages 722. as ideal seat of learning. this never created an impediment to understand the essence of another culture.―We devote our soul attention to giving children information.