Jujutsu
is considered the mother of all Japanese martial arts. Once
called taijutsu or yawara, jujutsu was a loosely organized system of
attack and defense methods that included throwing, hitting, kicking,
joint locks, and many other types of skills. Although modern
practice centers around throwing, grappling, and joint locks, there are
many variations on the way jujutsu is taught. It is one of the
most effective forms of self-defense, since it employs simple motions
for coping with a variety of attacks. Ukemi, or safe falling
skills, are a vital part of jujutsu, being both a form of self-defense
and also a necessary part of two person practice in this art.
Nihon Jujutsu is a modern system
of pure Japanese jujutsu
headed by Shizuya Sato, 9th dan and one of the last direct students of
the legendary Kyuzo Mifune of the Kodokan. Basic practice
consists of defensive stepping drills, safe falling skills, and
fundamental locks and throws. At the intermediate level, students
are taught challenging techniques involving fighting attacks and
dynamic throws and pins. Advanced students face continuous
attacks from several opponents, armed attacks, and learn to counter
with sophisticated parries, takedowns and grappling techniques.
At
the same time, the mental and spiritual benefits are emphasized.
Learning to perform physical skills correctly and applying them
correctly always engages the student's ego. By facing one's own
weaknesses and learning to overcome them, the student can become calmer
and more confident. Learning to cooperate in practice refines
teamwork skills. Working within a hierarchy builds a system
of positive values. These positive characteristics can be applied
to all areas of life, yielding benefits far greater than the obvious
ones of better physical health and the ability to defend
oneself. Nihon Jujutsu ranks can be
certified by the
Shudokan Martial Arts
Association (SMAA) and the
Kokusai
Budoin, IMAF.
For
information about Nihon Jujutsu in Ann Arbor, Michigan, contact
Nickalus
Suino Sensei at
info@japanesemartialartscenter.com.
For
Private Lessons in Muso Jikiden Eishin-Ryu Iaido in the
Ann
Arbor, Michigan or Lansing, Michigan area, please contact Dan Holland
Sensei at
dholland@itama.org.
