Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Murray.
Jason, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My martial journey began when I was 6 yrs old, with Ying Jow Pai (Eagle Claw) a traditional Chinese gung fu system. As both my parents were martial artists, my mother practiced traditional Okinawan Shotokan Karate, and my father was a U.S. Marine, it was not a choice for me to begin, yet the type of system that called to me was what is considered as “internal.’ Generally, martial arts systems fall into two descriptions: internal and external. Internal styles are ‘soft’ systems such as Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and Baqua, martial styles that utilize motion, and body alignment to negate an aggressors size and strength. External styles like Tae Kwan Do, Karate, and Hapkido, utilize strikes, kicks, and body hardening skills to overpower and dominate and aggressor. These are, again, generalizations, and do not in any way describe the intricacies of each style, nor attempt to put one above another. Every martial system has its own elements, and pros and cons. For myself, I did not like hitting bricks, boards, bags, or being hit by them. Being small in stature, I chose to pursue systems that allowed me to utilize my entire body, as well as cultivate my mental and emotional abilities to not put myself in a volatile situation, if at all possible. My studies continued from my youth, throughout college, and even during my 10 years as a U.S. Marine. It was during that time, while in Japan, that I encountered Aikido, and upon completing my service honorably, and returning to Chicago, that I found my teacher, Meido Moore-sensei, and I have been at Shinjinkai ever since.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Martial learning is not linear. There is no text that states, learn this in 2 weeks, learn that in 1 month, it comes in ebbs and flows, like a tide, and the more you come to realize, the deeper you go to learn the nuances. It is a never ending circle, and that is the joy of training, and the frustration. For me, after so long in the Corps, I had to learn to be soft, to see practice as a cultivation of self, and not a life or death -pass or fail- situation. There is a saying in aikido “the mat does not lie” meaning that whomever you are, emotionally, physically, and mentally, at the time you are on the mat is what comes out, it is impossible to disguise or hide it. So, if you are a person who enjoys confrontation, who is uncoordinated, easily angered, or afraid of contact, etcetera, your instructor, partners, and ultimately, self, sees it clearly. And this is one of the main points of practice, to refine those aspects of self, however difficult, or ugly, to become a better human being.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Shinjinkai – what should we know?
Shinjinkai is a unique a community united by a common purpose: intensive study of Japanese warrior arts. Our culture is one of camaraderie, hard work and the joy of practice and we are known worldwide for traditional, rigorous training. Today, society judges individuals by what they do or own. In the dojo, however, our only interest is what you use your life to become. This is the spirit of shugyo: deep, mind-body training to live fully and benefit others.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
First credit goes to Shinjinkai’s founder, the late aikido and zen master, Tenzan (Fumio) Toyoda. Without him, our lineage of aikido and zen would not exist in Chicago, nor would there be my teacher, Meido Moore. Of course, there are many others along the way, John Mazza, and Lisa Tomoleoni, both great mentors, friends, and extremely gifted instructors. Then there is my fiancée, Jana Roon, who has supported my constant training both in America and abroad (long trips away for days, even weeks at a time) without complaint, even so far as to not only come to a seminar with me, but tirelessly helping out in whatever way she can. I have met many individuals from numerous cultures, countries, and backgrounds during my training in aikido, and will continue to do so. Each person enriches my existence, and we aid in one another’s growth as aikidoka, and ultimately as human beings.
Contact Info:
- Address: 3717 N. Ravenswood, Suite 113 Chicago, IL 60613
- Website: shinjinkai.org
- Email: info@shinjinkai.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/77215549149/
- Other: korinji.org
Image Credit:
Meido Moore
John Mazza
Lisa Tomoleoni
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