Your TR Source
Theodore Roosevelt thanks King O’Malley for sending him the gold medal relating to jiu-jitsu and points out there is an error in the inscription.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1917-06-02
Theodore Roosevelt informs R. M. Calkins that the inscription in the medal is false as he was never taught jiujitsu by Mr. Hill.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1917-06-02
President Roosevelt shares his concerns about grades with his son, Kermit. Roosevelt encourages Kermit to concentrate less on homesickness and more on his work, and everything will be well. Roosevelt describes a recent trip to Philadelphia, and a hand-to-hand combat match between U. S. Grant and Professor Yoshiaki Yamashita.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1905-02-24
President Roosevelt enjoyed the book and wishes he could see William Sturgis Bigelow. Japan currently has more things to attend to than jiu-jitsu.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-08
William Sturgis Bigelow sends to President Roosevelt six jiu jitsu jackets that he purchased in Tokyo. Bigelow expresses relief at being settled in a new home, especially since the Lodge brothers have taken care of moving the furniture while he was away. He invites Roosevelt to visit when he is next in town and paints a vivid picture of the Boston sights visible from his bathroom window. In a postscript, Bigelow notes that a verdict by Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis has “waked things up,” and in another, he remarks that the Lodges are doing well and that Anna Lodge’s health has improved.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1906-08-15
President Roosevelt points at a sign that reads, “The Strenuous Life: bears I have met, boxing lessons I have taken, what I know about fencing, mountain lions I have devoured, what I know about jiu jitsu, band men from the Bad Lands I have met, powder I have smelt.” Six boys, including one holding “The Strenuous Life,” look at teacher Roosevelt. Caption: President Roosevelt, addressing the Groton Preparatory School: “Now, boys, don’t be molly-coddles.”
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-05-28
William Sturgis Bigelow is sending President Roosevelt a book on Jiu-jitsu.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-02-02
Samuel Hill, a Harvard University trustee, knows two Japanese jiu-jitsu masters who are far superior to Professor John J. O’Brien as they have six degrees and O’Brien only two. Hill offers to bring them to the White House for an exhibition.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1903-12-03
John J. O’Brien sends photographs of jiu-jitsu positions he promised to President Roosevelt.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-08-06
William Sturgis Bigelow has found a new scale that goes “far to make life worth living.” Henry Cabot Lodge told Bigelow that President Roosevelt enjoys “violent exercise, with danger” and Bigelow recommends fishing for New England flounder off Tuckernuck Island.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1902-03-07
John J. O’Brien, an expert in jiu-jitsu that has trained President Roosevelt, was assaulted by Michael T. Bodkins and Rudolph W. Bower in Boston, Massachusetts. O’Brien successfully defended himself against the two assailants who were subsequently arrested.
Library of Congress Manuscript Division
1904-03