Word of the Year 2026: Leverage – From Shokunin Mastery to Strategic Empowerment in Jiu-Jitsu and Self-Defense

Self Defense Academy COS
Jan 9
5 min read

Updated: Jan 13

Leverage on the Mats and in life — Leverage on the Mats

Hello, fellow seekers of growth and warriors of the mat! As we step into 2026, I'm excited to share my personal "Word of the Year" tradition. If you've followed my journey, you know that last year, 2025, was all about Shokunin – the Japanese concept of craftsmanship, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of mastery in one's art. It shaped how I approached everything from daily routines to my training sessions. But this year, I'm evolving that foundation with a new guiding principle: Leverage.

Why leverage? In a world that's constantly accelerating, I've realized that true power isn't just about grinding harder; it's about working smarter. Leverage is about amplifying your efforts, turning small actions into massive impacts, and using what's already at your disposal to achieve more. As someone deeply immersed in Jiu-Jitsu (or Jujutsu, as it's traditionally known), this word resonates on multiple levels – from the physical mechanics on the mat to the mental strategies off it. And nowhere does this play out more vividly than at the Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, where I've been honing my skills.

In this blog post, we'll dive into the etymology and historical evolution of "leverage," explore its profound ties to JuJutsu, and see how it integrates with the empowering programs at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs. Whether you're a martial arts enthusiast, a self-defense advocate, or just someone looking for personal development inspiration, stick around – this word could transform your year too. Let's leverage our time together and get started!

The Etymology of Leverage: From Ancient Roots to Modern Power

To truly embrace a word as your guiding star, you need to understand its origins. The term "leverage" has a fascinating history that mirrors its meaning – starting small and building into something influential.

The word "leverage" stems from the noun "lever," which entered English in the Middle Ages. It derives from the Old French "levier," meaning a tool for lifting or prying, which in turn comes from the Latin "levare," translating to "to lift" or "to lighten." This Latin root traces even further back to the Proto-Indo-European "*legwh-," a base word evoking ideas of lightness, agility, and ease – think of something that's easy to lift or maneuver.

Initially, "leverage" was purely mechanical. By the early 19th century, around 1827, it referred to the "power or force of a lever" – that simple machine we all learned about in physics class, where a fulcrum allows you to lift heavy loads with minimal effort. This concept of mechanical advantage was revolutionary during the Industrial Revolution, enabling innovations in engineering and machinery.

But words, like ideas, adapt over time. By 1858, "leverage" had evolved into a figurative sense: an "advantage for accomplishing a purpose." It shifted from physical tools to strategic ones, representing influence, sway, or any edge that multiplies outcomes. Then, in the 20th century, it infiltrated the world of finance. The financial usage – borrowing money to amplify investment returns – emerged around 1933, with the verb form "to leverage" gaining traction by 1957. Today, "leverage" is ubiquitous in business, personal development, and even pop culture, embodying the idea of using resources wisely to create disproportionate results.

This evolution from a humble lifting tool to a metaphor for empowerment is what drew me to it. After a year of Shokunin – focusing on meticulous craftsmanship and internal mastery – leverage feels like the natural next step: taking that honed skill and multiplying its impact externally.

Tying Leverage into JuJutsu: The Art of Amplified Strength

If there's one discipline where leverage isn't just a concept but a core principle, it's JuJutsu. This martial art literally translates to "yielding/flexible art" or the "gentle art ." But don't let that fool you – it's all about using leverage to overcome brute force.

In JuJutsu, leverage is the great equalizer. Techniques like armbars, chokes, and sweeps rely on biomechanics: positioning your body (or your opponent's) to create mechanical advantages. A smaller practitioner can submit a larger, stronger opponent by applying pressure at the right angle, using the body's joints as fulcrums – much like that original lever from etymology. As Hélio Gracie, famously demonstrated, leverage allows the weak to defeat the strong through intelligence and efficiency, not raw power.

This ties directly back to my word of the year. In 2025, under Shokunin, I dedicated myself to perfecting techniques – drilling escapes, transitions, and submissions with artisan-like precision. Now, with leverage, I'm focusing on application: how to use those skills strategically in live sparring or real-world scenarios. It's about leveraging momentum, timing, and even your opponent's energy against them. JuJutsu isn't about fighting harder; it's about fighting smarter, amplifying every move for maximum effect.

Leverage in Action at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs

Valente brothers getting direction from GrandMaster Helio — GrandMaster Helio and the Valente Brothers

Speaking of real-world application, no place embodies the power of leverage in JuJutsu better than the Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs. Located in the heart of downtown Colorado Springs, this academy isn't just a gym – it's a hub for empowerment, teaching the Valente Brothers JuJutsu method with a focus on street self-defense, confidence, and holistic wellness.

The Valente Brothers system, which the academy proudly represents as an official study group, emphasizes practical Jujutsu techniques rooted in traditional Japanese principles. Here, leverage is taught not as an abstract idea but as a lifesaving tool. Classes cover everything from ground defense to stand-up scenarios, where students learn to use body positioning and mechanical advantage to neutralize threats efficiently. It's perfect for anyone – men, women, kids – looking to build real self-defense skills in Colorado Springs.

What I love about heading Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs is how it builds on Shokunin. We encourage that craftsman-like dedication to form, but we also teach leverage in broader terms: leveraging community support, mental resilience, and even wellness practices to enhance your JuJutsu journey. For instance, our program highlights how leverage boosts physical strength, endurance, and mobility, making it an ideal full-body workout for self-defense. If you're in the area and searching for "Jiu-Jitsu classes Colorado Springs" or "self-defense training near me," try us out we might be your game-changer. It's where I've leveraged my Shokunin mindset into tangible progress on the mat.

Building on Shokunin: How Leverage Amplifies Mastery

Transitioning from Shokunin to leverage feels seamless. Shokunin is about the internal grind – the daily commitment to excellence, like a blacksmith perfecting a blade. Leverage, however, is about wielding that blade effectively. In JuJutsu terms, Shokunin is drilling a technique a thousand times; leverage is applying it in a split-second during a spar to turn the tide.

This synergy extends beyond the mats. In my personal life, I'm leveraging last year's habits: using time-blocking (a Shokunin tool) to amplify productivity, or networking to multiply opportunities. At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, this means mentoring newer students – leveraging my experience to help them grow faster.

Embracing Leverage in 2026: Your Invitation to Amplify

As I commit to leverage this year, I challenge you to do the same. Whether it's in JuJutsu, business, or daily life, ask yourself: How can I use what I have to create more? Start small – maybe sign up for a complimentary trial class at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs if you're local, or simply reflect on your own "lever" moments.

Thanks for reading this deep dive into my Word of the Year 2026: Leverage. If Shokunin gave me the seeds of mastery, leverage will teach me multiplication. What's your word for the year? Drop it in the comments below – let's leverage our collective wisdom! YOU Are Worth Defending!

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Thought of the Moment: "Give me a place to stand, and I will move the Earth" - Archimedes