Aussie Jujitsu - Recently Updated Pages

Contact Me

SenseiSam — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:41:57 CST

Got a question?
email - sensei_sam_oz1@hotmail.com

Available for seminars, classes, and private lessons in:
- Self defence (Jujitsu),
- Sports Jujitsu, and
- Control and Restraint.

I train at:
- Lang Park P.C.Y.C in Brisbane
Tuesday and Thursday nights 7:30 - 9pm
Saturday Morning 9 - 11am

- Ipswich P.C.Y.C.
Monday and Wednesday nights 7:30 - 9pm

So please drop in and train or chat :-)

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Aussie Jujitsu - Home Page

SenseiSam — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 01:56:46 CST

Welcome to my Internet Dojo. My name is Sensei Sam Koch of Tohkon Ryu Jujitsu, located in Queensland Australia.

I have set up this site to hopefully educate others about Jujitsu and also gain feedback and knowledge from others. Thank you for taking the time to visit my site, I hope that you are able to take something away with you.
There are many great sites on the internet for Martial Arts and especially Jujitsu. I hope this site will also be a great resource for information as it develops. Please contact me if you have any queries, Sensei Sam :-)

Disclaimer
The following information contained within the "Aussie Jujitsu" site is the property of "Aussie Jujitsu", and content found within "Aussie Jujitsu" do not take any responsibility for the actions of the user or reader of the content. All content within this site is to be only used and practised under the direction of a qualified Jujitsu instructor. Jujitsu should only be used within legal and moral parameters.

Please note:
All information contained within this website has been copyrighted (c) Sam Koch 2006 - 2008 All rights reserved.

Self Defence

SenseiSam — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 05:50:37 CST

Under Construction!

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History of Jujistu

SenseiSam — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 05:12:25 CST

Introduction

Jujitsu originated as an art forged through civil war by the samurai of old Japan, adapting with time to survive the constant changes to become what it is today. The early history of Jujitsu has been long lost as a result, though traces of its past scatter Japan’s mythology, theology and archology.
Many of the national archives of Japan were damaged by fire in 672AD during the Jushin Rebellion.
Clay figures of warriors have been uncovered in Neolithic tombs dating within the 'Haniwa' period approximately 5000 BC.
The ancient Shinto script 'Takanogawi' informs us of two gods, Kashima and Kadori that used grappling to chastise the lawless inhabitants of the eastern provinces.
More factual works, like the 'Nihon Shoki' chronicle appeared in 720AD, tells us in 230BC, the Emperor Suinjin to commemorate the completion of the seventh year of his reign held a 'Bugei Chikara Kurabe', (contest of martial prowess). It is recorded how during the contest Nomino Sukune killed his opponent Tomatetsu Hayato by throwing him to the ground and then finishing him by Atemi waza.
Its ancient traditions have transformed many martial systems within this period to form the basis of modern Judo, Hapkido, Nippon Shorinji Kempo and some systems of Karate.
There were as many as 700 Ryu (schools) that developed taking many methods of unarmed grappling within their syllabus. Jujitsu is a generic collective term used to describe the numerous systems which, when combined together, form Ju jitsu. Some of the systems were; Wajitsu, Taijitsu, Yawara ge or gi, kumiuchi, Yoro Kumiuchi, Kogusoku, hobaku, Torite, Shubaku and Koshimawari.

The Ryu (school)
The masters of Ju jitsu named their school by using various terms to differentiate between their Ju jitsu Ryu. These names came about by one of two ways. Either the techniques practised were of Chinese origin or the school simply gave the kanji or Japanese pronunciation of the synonymous Chinese calligraphy i.e. Ch'an-fa becomes Kempo. The second way was that a pure Japanese school would adopt a specific word, which would best illustrate the concept that lay behind his style of Yawara and how his would be used.

The Spelling of Jujutsu
The term JuJutsu is a romanisation of the Japanese term meaning Science of Yielding / Gentleness. As the Japanese use two alphabets, made of two different sets of symbols (Kanji and Katakana), the romanised version of the word (using the alphabet we use in the western world) cannot completely reflect how to spell the word. There is agreement that the first syllable is "Ju", pronounced "Joo", or "Jyoo" depending on where in Japan you come from. This is why in various parts of the world – the romanised spelling is either "Ju" or "Jiu". The second set of syllables is pronounced either "joots" or "jits" in some areas of Japan – or – "joots" with a barely audible "uh" sound at the end in other areas. Thus the spelling "jutsu" or "jitsu". That last "u" reflects that gutteral "uh" at the end of the word. Those who attempt to correct another in the spelling of the term in the western alphabet do so incorrectly. There is no correct spelling in our alphabet. We must all simply accept the fact that the Japanese sounds are best reflected in the alphabet created to reflect those sounds. So JuJutsu, Ju-Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu, is the same.

My History

Before travelling through time describing various schools and events that has shaped the development and the course of Jujitsu, I believe I should start at my self. As a boy I would listen to my father speak of his time training with his father, older brother and uncles in Holland (Judo/Jujitsu). My grandfather and his brothers lived in Holland at a time when they had to learn such an art to defend themselves against others during the Second World War. Having a larger family with many boys in the family, they all would have competition wrestling and throwing each other to see who was the best.

Left: My Great Uncle Mathieu Koch (1950’s)

I lost my father when I was a boy due to illness, but before he passed he made sure my brother and sisters and I would also be able to defend ourselves, so he enrolled us into a local jujitsu school. It was good because I was a shy child always getting picked on and bullied at school.
Here I met Mark Haseman the teacher of the school. Over twenty years have passed and I am still part of the same school.
Mark started his training in Judo and then Jujitsu in the early seventies, where the school’s syllabus was simple though the techniques and skills were of a high standard. In the early nineties Mark needed to put a name to the school, due to his growth and the influences that has affected the school’s development. The school was christened “Tohkon Ryu” meaning fighting soul school. Not just for the reason of the success Mark has had in his early days fighting, but mainly for the passion he instils in others when departing his knowledge and kind character.
Marks son Chris has had a prosperous career as a professional fighter in no hold barred events and has travelled extensively around the world. Chris would bring home many new training ideas and techniques to become part of the schools syllabus.
Left: Chris Haseman landing a Spinning axe kick on his opponent

With other martial art practitioners around the world becoming more open in supplying their knowledge to others through seminars, books and now the internet, we all are able to as a community grown and expand our training syllabi.
In Australia the late Jan de Jong (9th Dan) of Tsutsumi Hozan Ryu Jujitsu in Perth Western Australia has greatly contributed to the growth and development of Tohkon Ryu Jujitsu and Australian Jujitsu culture. Demonstrating many methods of body movement, kata, locking techniques and weaponry.
Many members of the Society were not happy with the dictatorial attitude the Australian Society of Jujitsuans (now known as the Australian Jujitsu Federation Inc) placed on its members, so many key members formed another group calling it self the Australian Jujitsu Association on the 12th May 1985. Their goal was to enhance the Art and bring as many styles together for a common purpose, that being the exchange of ideas and new techniques.

This committee of the new AJJA inc., were:
- President: Sensei Wayne Brabham (Vic),
- Vice-President: Sensei Bruce Watts (NSW),
- Secretary: Sensei Mike Jeans (Qld), and
- Director of Coaching: Shihan Jan de Jong (WA).
Other foundation members who originally formed the AJJA were Sensei Mark Haseman (Qld) and Sensei Brierley Bailey (NSW).

Shihan Jan de Jong OAM 9th Dan unfortunately passed away in April 2003.

Left: Shihan Brierley Bailey (AJJA Secretary) on the right handing a certificate and red belt to Shihan Jan de Jong OAM. Shihan de Jong was awarded 9th Dan by the Senior members of the AJJA - 1996

Right: Shihan Mark Haseman and his teacher Sensei Mike Jeans attending the annual AJJA National Semiar in Sydney 2005.

Mark was instructed by a national wrestling champion who had a diverse background in his martial arts training, Mike Jeans Sensei (5th Dan) trained under many of the Instructors that formed what Jujitsu is today within Australia and now continues doing the same. Jeans Sensei now is in his prime, a friendly gentleman that also has this passion in sharing his skills between others. Jeans Sensei called his school of Jujitsu Aiki Ryu, mainly due to the influences that had affected him in his journey within the martial arts.

Schools that developed Tohkon Ryu Jujitsu

Many schools and disciplines of martial systems have developed the schools of all martial arts today. Not one can credit its teachings and principles to claim the foundation of any school of learning. I will attempt to outline the schools that have shaped Tohkon Ryu Jujitsu in its journey.

To see the lineage chart Click Here

Click onto the school to see some details -

- Datio Ryu (Takeda / Minamoto)
- Takenouchi Ryu
- Namba Ippo Ryu
- Fusen Ryu
- Aiki Ryu
- Jikishin Ryu
- Kito Ryu
- Kodokan Judo
- Shin no Shindo Ryu
- Yoshin Ryu
- Tsutsumi Hozan Ryu
- Futagami Ryu
- Sosuishitsu Ryu
- Sessho Hiden Ryu
- Ito Ryu
- Takagi Ryu (Now Hontai Yoshi Ryu)
- Ryoi Shinto Ryu
- Tenjin Shinyo Ryu
- Sekiguchi Ryu
- Ono Ha Itto Ryu
- Hozoin Ryu
- Fukuno Ryu
- Shaolin Kenpo

This is a list of over twenty schools; many have directly or indirectly contributed to Tohkon Ryu and other martial arts systems.
Today Tohkon Ryu Jujitsu has grown in its syllabus from approximately 150 elements in the 1970’s to approximately 850 elements. The school has a good reputation and standard among the martial arts community here in Australia and has many that visit internationally.

I thank today’s martial artists that will bring this great art to others in the future and most of all, the masters of the past that have provided us with the tradition, culture and skills that gives us our art today.

You will find that Jujitsu is still a growing and living art, because it has always been willing to change to adapt and yield in order to overcome, as its very name suggests. Flexibility!

To see the lineage chart Click Here

* More information to be placed here!! Coming Soon!

email - sensei_sam_oz1@hotmail.com

Sports Jujitsu

SenseiSam — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 05:06:23 CST

Introduction

Sports Jujitsu is as old as Jujitsu its self. Contests of martial prowess were always a part of the martial arts arena, different warriors and systems of fighting would come together to test their skills on and off the battleground. Sometimes to prove themselves and other times to decide victory over a battle.

There were two distinct systems of fighting in early Japan, one being Sumo and the other Yawara, later renamed to Jujitsu.

Master Kano the founder of Kodokan Judo used different methods to train safely within his school. Many Jujitsu pupils and other Jujitsu masters joined Kano to make the syllabus of Judo. Under the banner of Judo, these Jujitsu practitioners defeated many other notable Jujitsu schools to be allowed to teach the Japanese Police.

Japan opened its doors to other countries allowing the Japanese people to experience other cultures first hand. With the American navy in Japan, sailors challenged anyone and everyone to prove that boxing is superior to any other fighting art.

With the fall of the Jujitsu, many masters found it hard to make a living, turning their skills to contest against the Americans. Easily defeating their challengers, many masters went abroad to find wealth and a new life.

Traditionalists frowned upon these masters. In their eyes Jujitsu was being used for the wrong reasons. How dare these masters and practitioners of Jujitsu show their skills to others in such a spectacle.

Without these masters Jujitsu would not be what it is today and indirectly saved the art and we are thankful for it.

It is Sports Jujitsu!

Many systems of martial art teach self defence, foolishly only teaching the aggressive sporting component. Jujitsu has many components within its syllabus, self defence is one part. Self defence has many principles such as parity and disparity and use of force that make it so attractive to modern society

Sport Jujitsu is not self defence and is not aggressive. A Jujitsu practitioner that actively becomes a good Sports Jujitsu player, discovers the fineness of the art and does not need aggression.

Aggression is an uncontrolled emotion that contradicts with Jujitsu principles.

Why do I say, "player"?, well if a jujitsu practitioners works towards a safe means to submit his or her opponent in a contest without injury, then they are a "player". If this was not their objective, they would just be thugs.

Self defence and Sport Jujitsu both have rules of enagement. For one it is the law and the other is sportmanship.

See Training Drills Technique Analysis

Pinning Techniques

SenseiSam — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:42:05 CST

Osae Waza

A set of ground controlling techniques that lock your opponent's movement by removing their natural use of physical mechnaics to counter.

Osae waza are grouped into seven main holds, each having a vairation on the main technique. All pinning techniques flow from one another by the resistance of the opponent's movement. When moving around our opponent in a circular movement either clock wise or anti clock wise, we nic name this moving around the clock. You may continually flow back and foward continuously around the clock flowing into the next technique.

Each pinning technique utilise the same principles:
- Gripping
- Forming a base
- To reduce mechanical movement of the opponent
- To maximise on downward pressure (diaphragming)

Techniques

1a Kesa gatame - Scarf hold (Also called Hon kesa gatame)
Kesa gatame technique name is derived from the scarf a monk wears across one of their shoulders. The creator a monk named Takeda Butsugai the founder of Fusen Ryu Jujitsu.

Description
1. The uke is positioned on their back.

2. The Tori begins by sitting close to the uke’s right hand side beside their lower ribs, almost with their back to Uke, but slightly towards Uke’s head.

3. Then take hold of the Uke’s right arm and position it under your armpit, anchoring their elbow for maximum control.

4. You then place your right arm under the opponent’s neck with your hand cupped under the Uke’s right shoulder. This creates upward lift reducing the ability to counter.

5. Your right knee is moved as far forward (as close as possible to the Uke’s right ear), and the left leg is thrust back as far as possible with comfort. Your legs are positioned in this formation to strengthen your base and the opponent’s counter ability. The tripod is formed between your two legs and your hip.

6. Finally, your head leans forward to assist with maintaining downward pressure and the reduction of anchor points the opponent can use to escape. The main objective for the head is to lock the opponent’s head movements, inturn securing the opponents options in pivoting their body to gain a counter technique.

Remember to keep your body completely relaxed maintaining downward pressure on the opponent’s diaphragm.

Many throws lead naturally to Kesa gatame, since many throwing techniques places one grip on the opponent's lapel and one grip near the opponent's elbow. Then as one enters the ground phase, one arm goes around the opponent's neck and the other arm secure's the opponent's arm.

Escapes
1. Hell strangle

2. Arm pull out to reverse cross arm lock
3. Left leg hook roll
4. Bridge and roll kesa gatame (pressure on lower ribs)
5. Collar / leg hook combination into ude gatame.
6. Waki gatame

1b Kuzure kesa gatame - Broken scarf hold

1c Makura kesa gatame - Variation scarf hold

2 Kata gatame - Shoulder hold

3a Kami shiho gatame - Upper forequarters hold

3b Kuzure kami shiho gatame - Broken upper forequaters hold

4a Ushiro kesa gatame - Rear scraf hold

4b Kuzure ushiro kesa gatame - Broken rear scarf hold

5a Yoko shiho gatame - Side forequarters hold

5b Kuzure yoko shiho gatame - Broken side forequaters hold

6a Mune gatame - Chest hold

6b Kuzure mune gatame - Broken chest hold

7a Tate shiho gatame - Longitudinal forequarters hold

7b Kuzure tate shiho gatame - Broken longitudinal forequarters hold

Home Technique Analysis Turn Overs

Tenjin Shinyo Ryu

SenseiSam — Sat, 12 Jan 2008 03:27:54 CST

Iso Mataemon studied and mastered Yoshin Ryu Jujutsu and Shin no Shindo Ryu Jujutsu (also based on the Yoshin Ryu style) before developing Tenjin Shinyo Ryu Jujutsu in 1830. Tenjin Shinyo Ryu Jujutsu is in turn based on the styles mentioned above, but what distinguished it from the other styles of Jujutsu of the day was the use of Atemi (strikes).
Most of the Jujutsu techniques in Tenjin Shinyo Ryu are accompanied by a strike. This is what made the style so effective. Note also that Jigoro Kano studied Tenjin Shinyo Ryu and Kito Ryu Jujutsu before developing Judo, so many of the Techniques particularly the Kime No Kata and Itsutsu no Kata are based on Tenjin Shinyo-Ryu. Morihei Uyeshiba the founder of Aikido studied Tenjin and Daito Ryu Jujutsu styles. Although Daito Ryu is the basis of Aikido some techniques such as Kote Gaeshi are common to both styles.

Tenjin Shinyo Ryu is an extensive system of over 130 kata of classical jujutsu unarmed combat teaching from seated positions, standing positions, weapons defence, and also includes special healing methods and resuscitation (kappo).

Home History Main Kodokan Judo Aikido

Control and Restraint

SenseiSam — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:26:27 CST

Listed topics relating to control and retraint:

- Use of Force
- Pain Compliance

- Carotid Restraint Principles
- Environment & C& R
- Fluid Shock Wave - Striking
- Open & Close Hand Striking
- Knife Defence Strategies
- Principle of the Fighting Arc
- Reaction Time
- Visual Awareness

Jujitsu Theory

Use of Force

SenseiSam — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:23:00 CST

Please be advised this is nto legal advice, seek legal clarification from current lagel policies and procedures in your state.

What Level of Force Do I Use?

When you have been placed into a situation that has the potential for escalation or already escalated to a point of no return, questions such as “What should I do”, “What force should I use” comes to your mind.

Obliviously there are several factors to consider, such as options, backup, subjects behaviour, amount of subjects, environmental and architectural attributes and you’re our limitations. Illustrated below is the “Situational use of force model” outlining tactical options a operator may use.

The “Situational use of force model” is a visual representation of an Operator surrounded by options available to him or her. Operators are not restricted and may select other ‘use of force’ options to escalate or de-escalate the ‘use of force’ if necessary, wherever possible, ’use of force’ is to be avoided or minimised. Multiple options may be used simultaneously to assist in deescalating or resolving the situation.

This diagram is a model only and the operators control response should be based from the subject’s actions, the operator’s perception of threat and the operator’s knowledge of his or her own abilities.

Resistance Vs Control

Another way of determining the appropriate methods to varying situations is to consider two components:
- The level of resistance which the subject displays, and
- The level of control, which an operator may use to overcome such resistance. We need to look a bit closer at each of these and provide some definitions.

Levels of Resistance

The degree of force to be used to control a subject verses the proportional level of resistance, in ascending order:

Psychological Intimidation
Non-verbal cues indicate a person’s attitude, appearance and physical readiness, body language, such as clenching of fists etc, which may warn you of potential violence.

Verbal Non-compliance
Dialogue, which offers a threat of physical resistance or unwillingness to co-operate

Passive Resistance
The lowest level of physical resistance, such as a sit in, where there is no actual physical resistance to control.

Defensive Resistance
Physical actions, such as pushing or pulling away, which attempt to prevent control, but with no intent to harm the operator

Active Aggression
Physical assault upon the operator, which may cause bodily harm, this may also involve an attack, which may result in injury to others.

Aggravated Active Aggression
A level of force used by a subject, whereby the operator is justified in using deadly force, such attack may be with or without a weapon and is to an extent, which may cause death or grievous bodily harm.

Levels of Control

Presence
Presence is an exercise of force, the mere fact that security personnel are present influences behaviour and is a visual or verbal identification of authority, which he or she presents.

Situational Containment
This is the process of assessing the hazards and potential risks of danger, threat level, opportunity for situation escalation and reducing triggers of conflict.

Verbal Direction (Communication skills and negotiation)
A variety or methods may be attempted orders, commands or instructions, which are given as directions for a subject to comply, or the process of negotiation and challenging subject behaviour.

Empty Hand Control (Restraining, open and closed hand tactics)
Used to control a non-compliant subject, which may be as subtle as applying a control technique to guide the subject’s movements or by delivering a stunning or immobilisation techniques.

Withdrawal
When tactical options have been exhausted and there is real and present danger. Ensure to plan your escape route evaluating possible options while remaining calm and in control, look assertive but not aggressive and know when you must enter for a controlling technique, defend yourself or another or withdrawal (understanding your physical limitations). If you are being verbally abused but do not feel threatened, it may be wise not to withdraw rather than risk escalating the situation.
Impact Weapons
Used to control active aggression using an approved baton as outlined within the employers SOP (Security Officers only).

Lethal Force
Use when death or grievous bodily harm may occur (Firearms or other survival techniques). Note that these levels represent a continuum rather than a series of graduated steps, and should not be misinterpreted to suggest that levels correspond to each other.

Conclusion

The use of force is a very complex subject. The Operator concerned will usually be the only person aware of all of the factors before he or she makes their decision to use force. Everyone should exercise due care at all times when using force and consider all options available to him or her….Operator safety first! The question that could be asked is: "Could a reasonable person, in the circumstances, have reached the same conclusion as to the necessity to utilise that degree of force?"

If the question is answered affirmatively the Operator's conduct must be excused. It must be remembered that if, as the result of a situation, death or grievous bodily harm has occur, it would be reasonably expected that a detailed or coronial inquiry would be held and during such inquiry the actions of the operator involved would be scrutinised. If it was considered that any operator used unreasonable force there is a possibility that criminal charges could be recommended.

The utmost care and discretion must be exercised in the use of force. Any misuse will involve, as can be seen, gave responsibilities, as the law jealously guards human life. The individual Operator must remember that they are using force, and it is the operator who is ultimately responsible for his or her own actions.

Home Control & Restraint

Weapon Training

SenseiSam — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 06:06:42 CST

Weapon Use in the Laws Eyes

The following is not legal advice, please refer to current policies and practices in your state and country.
With regards to weapons, the use of such must be ‘reasonable’. As a guide, never use a weapon or kick to defend yourself or another person, unless:
- Attacker has a weapon
- More than one attacker
- No alternative methods to defend yourself or another person

A weapon according to the Queensland Criminal Code is “Anything that does not have a common use as anything other than a weapon or anything capable of being used for offensive purposes”

Never carry an item for the intent to use it as a weapon, even if you can justify using the item for your defence you may be prosecuted i.e. baton, knife, long torch, baseball bat, hair spray.

Even, security guards may only carry a restricted weapon such as a baton or handcuffs if they have received appropriate training and have a reasonable excuse. This means that they have been authorised by their employer and it has been specified in the employer’s standard operations procedure (SOP).

If a security guard is off duty then they do not have a right to carry or use these restricted items. If you are a farmer and use a knife in your line of work and visiting the city you may not carry a knife, the need for that item is not valid.

Be sure you know the current laws regarding your training weapons, the storage and transportation.

Most importantly what you teach to your students as this may impact on you indirectly. You cannot control what students do outside of your classes. One young student brought a restricted weapon to school and was caught with it. He didn't use the weapon, but in the laws eyes he had the intent to use the weapon.

So if you are teaching various weapons to stduents, be sure to inform them of the laws in your state and advise them to seek clarification. Remember these laws varry from state to state.

Outlined so far -
- Nunchaku
- Tonfa
- Manrikigusari (Weighted Chain)
- Tanto (Knife)
- Hojo (Rope Restraint)

- Kubotan or Yawara (Hand Stick)
- Tanbo (Baton - 2ft)
- Hanbo (Short Baton - 3ft)
- Jo (Quater Staff - 4ft)
- Bo (Long Staff - 6ft)

Sorry currently under construction! :)

Technique Analysis email - sensei_sam_oz1@hotmail.com

Kito Ryu

SenseiSam — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:45:06 CST

The Kito Ryu logo is of two arrow heads facing up and down, it means “rise and Fall” school (To rise up and strike to throw down). The Kito Ryu Jujitsu system was founded by Ibaragi Sensai, a warrior of low status from the Yagyu Shinkage Ryu style just prior to the opening to the Edo period between the end of the sixteenth century and 1622.
Sensai’s successors were greatly influenced by the teachings of the Tenshin Ryu and others in which had emphasis on Wajitsu.
The third headmaster of Kito Ryu, Terada Heizaemon was the founder of Tenshin Ryu, where he studied earlier with the second head mater of Kito Ryu, Fukuno Shichiroemom. Fukuno Shichiroemom had also founded his own style of combat Fukuno Ryu; prominent in his syllabus were techniques of Kempo. These techniques are methods taught by Chin Gempin.
Chin Gempin (Chinese – Ch’en Yuan-pin), born 1587 and naturalised Japanese, was famous for teaching three Ronin methods of Kempo to Miura Yojiemon, Fukuno Shichiroemom and Isogai Jirozaemon.
The fifth head master of Kito Ryu, Terada Kan’emom, the grandson of Heizaemon where he specialised in “Ran” freedom training methods and founded his own system Jikishin Ryu Yawara (Jujitsu) and would have its name changed in 1724 by the fourth head master to Jikishin Ryu Judo. The term “Judo” predates Kano’s use by 168 years.
Kuninori Suzuki V, the Master of Kito-ryu Jujitsi, changed the name of Kito-kumiuchi to Kito-ryu Judo in 1714. The purpose of Kito-ryu Judo training is to tap the vital energy of the universe, fusing the universe and the student into one, thus allowing students to lead their lives with sincerity. Twenty-one techniques in the kata of Kito-ryu Judo are meant for hand-to-hand fighting, with both combatants being completely clad in armor. Latent in these techniques is the principle of kuzushi, which is the key to the throwing techniques of modern Judo.
The Kito Ryu is a system of jujutsu that merits a particular place in the doctrine of unarmed martial arts because of its esoteric elements, elements similar to those of Aiki jutsu. Of particular interest are the kata that have been preserved by the modern inheritors of Kito ryu.
These techniques generally performed in full armour or in formal robes resembling armour, are centred upon throwing an opponent to the ground. They were considered difficult even by masters such as Judo's Jigoro Kano and Aikido’s Morihei Uyeshiba, both of whom had studied them at great length before incorporating any of their features into their own modern methods. The original concepts of Kito Ryu are forever preserved in the Kodokan Judo kata Koshiki-no-kata.

Home History Main Aikido Jikishin Ryu Chin Gempin

Fusen Ryu

SenseiSam — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:33:26 CST

Possibly one of the youngest Koryu, Fusen ryu goes back only to the end of Edo Period (Bakumatsu). The art is well known for it's practicality and influence on modern day ground work and submission. Though a Koryu, Randori is still a common practice today.
Takeda Butsugai (also known or spelt as Takeda Genkotsu Motsugi) was born in Onomichi 3rd March 1794 (end of the Tokugawa Shogunate era).
When he was 6, his parents sent him to Ryu Tai Ji (竜泰寺）where he lived until he was 12. When he turned 12 he left the temple and began his martial arts training under the tai jutsu instructor of the Gei Shu Han, master Takahashiihyoei Mitsumasa. He achieved Menkyou kaiden of Nanba Ippo Ryu. From age 19 to 30, he traveled throughout Japan studying Buddhism sword and pen. At 31 he became the head priest of the Saihouji Temple (済法寺).At the age of 12 years old, Butsugai became a monk at the Denpuku-ji temple in Geishu (present day's Hiroshima City), a temple of the Sodo sect of Zen. Where he was then known as Takeda Butsugai Osho (Osho is a term of respect for a monk).

(Left: Sai Houji Temple - Motsu Gai, founder of Fusen Ryu was head priest of this temple)
Takeda Butsugai was a child of Miki Heita, a retainer of Matsudaira Okinokami and Lord of Matsuyama-han (present day's Ehime Prefecture). He studied Nanba-ippo Ryu with Takahasi Inobei Mitsumasa and official Taijutsu (unarmed combat) instructor of Geishu, for about seven years and was awarded “Menkyo Kaiden”.
After this Butsugai travelled around many parts of Japan and kept studying in both literary and martial arts until the age of 30. On top of Nanba-Ippo Ryu, he studied Yoshin-ryu, Shibukawa Ryu, Kito-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu, Yagyu-ryu, Sekiguchi-ryu, etc. and, by adopting strong points of each style and created his style “Fusen-ryu”.
A stage in History - Motsu Gai was walking in Kyoto one day and come across the office of the famous Shin Sen Gumi. Because he stopped to watch their training, the chief of the Shin Sen Gumi, Kondo Isami, got angry and attacked Motsu Gai with a spear. It was witnessed that Motsu Gai quickly and easily defeated this famous Samurai.
It has a variety of techniques such as devastating “Atemi” (Tsuki), which was a speciality of Butsugai, “Shime” (strangling of joints), “Gyakute” (twisting and over-extending of joints), “Nage” (throwing) and “Ne waza” (ground techniques), On top of “Kenjutsu” (sword), “Jo jutsu” (short staff) and “Kusarigama” (sickle with chain and weight).
Many martial artists heard the reputation of “Fusen-ryu” and came to challenge him and but nobody could beat Butsugai and people called him “Genkotsu Osho” (monk with strong fists), on famous episode is that Butsugai had a match against Kondo Isamu, head of the Shinsengumi, a group which was policing in Kyoto at time and had a reputation as very hard fighters and beat him. This episode is an example to show the excellence of “Fusen-ryu” techniques and the quality of Butsugai as a martial artist, Butsugai died in 1867.
Several branch schools, as certain other branch schools of Fusen-Ryu still exist today, and they do not focus on newaza).One branch school that does is Shin Mei Fusen Ryu Jujutsu (新明不遷流柔術).

Fusen Ryu Jujitsu Lineage:
Founder 1st Head master - Motsugai Fusen
2nd Head master -Takeda Sadaii Yoshitaka
3rd head master - Tanabe Torajiro Yoshisada
4th Head master - Tanbe Yoshishiro Yoshimitu
5th Head master - Nakayama Eizaburo Yoshyiuki
6th head master - Nagayama Kaza
7th Head master - Inoue Kazutoshi Yoshitsugu.
8th Generation - Masumoto Takamasa received Menkyo Kaiden and permission to head a "Bunkei" in Osaka.

Home History Main Kodokan Judo Kosen Judo

Kosen Judo

SenseiSam — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:28:02 CST

Around the turn of the 20th century, the Fusen-Ryu master Mataemon Tanabe challenged a new jujutsu master to the area - Kano Jigoro. His new jujitsu style had challenged several of the old style Jujitsu schools to contest and had beaten them easily. So Mataemon Tanabe's school fought Kano's school and won every match - not trying to throw, but going right to the ground and doing arm locks, leg locks, chokes, etc. Thus was the real birth of Ne waza as a science. Kano was so fascinated with the ease his judoka were beaten that he persuaded (and perhaps paid) Tanabe to reveal the core of his technical strategy.
The Fusen Ryu was unlike the other Jiu Jitsu styles that had sought to test their techniques against the Kodokan; Fusen Ryu fighters were expert at fighting on the ground, an area conspicuously lacking in the Kodokan syllabus of technique (up to this point in its evolution, Judo techniques were almost entirely composed of stand up throwing methods). The results of the Kodokan-Fusen Ryu matches highlighted the relevance and importance of ground fighting techniques in dramatic fashion, and Kano invited Tanabe to teach ground grappling at the Kodokan. Ground fighting became very popular at the Kodokan, and all students began practicing both throwing and ground grappling techniques.
After having several of his top students become Ne waza experts, Kano thought it a good idea to use this type of Judo in the school system, as the matches ended in submission instead of serious injury, it would be seen more in a sportive way.
So in 1914 he organized the All Japan High School championships at Kyoto Imperial University. He called this sportive style Kosen. By 1925 so much emphasis was on Ne waza - because of its success in contest that Kano had to make some new Judo rules limiting the amount of time the Judoka could stay on the ground. This "Kosen Rule" continued into the 1940's, stating Shiai had to be 70% standing and 30% ground fighting. This led to an early split in the Kodokan Judo movement. Many of those Judoka whom Kano had set to master Ne waza, had spent time inventing new series of movements, escapes, and submissions. They and their students were now dominating even the Kodokan contests. There was so much negativity with this, that Kano sent many of them abroad to teach Judo elsewhere. He was very aware that they would not be easily defeated no matter where they went, and he also smartly removed the challenge they presented in Japan. Kosen Judo soon spread across the world; some of the known Kosen Judoka was Yamashita, Hirata, Tomita, Yokoyama and Maeda.
Kosen Judo has only continued in a few places. One example is Hirata Kanae's dojo is in Japan. He died in 1998, but the dojo still continues. Then there is Brazil, which started with Maeda.
Mitsuyo Maeda (1878-1941)who began training in Judo in 1897, and became one of the troublesome Kosen Judoka who was sent abroad in 1904 with Tsunejiro Tomita. Travelling in the US, Maeda outshone his senior Tomita, defeating wrestlers and fighters that had beaten Tomita. Tomita and Maeda went their separate ways - with Maeda going onto the early "fighting circuit" for money. He even travelled to Europe where he lost the only two matches of his life against a Catch Wrestler. He spent extra time with the wrestler learning some of those techniques. Finally in 1915 Maeda settled in Brazil where he taught Carlos Gracie, the son of a local politician. Carlos Gracie and his brothers adopted the Kosen Judo techniques and developed them further during the 20th century into what came to be known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Kosen Judo has only continued in a few places. One example is Hirata Kanae's dojo is in Japan. He died in 1998, but the dojo still continues. Kosen Judo is still taught at 5 universities in Japan, but especially in Kyoto. A Judo or jujutsu practitioner would see the training simply as Judo, with an emphasis on Hikikomi - or pulling your opponent to the ground.

Left: Kosen Judo Training at Kyoto University

Home History Main Kodokan Judo Fusen Ryu Jujitsu

Jikishin Ryu

SenseiSam — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 15:17:58 CST

Terada Kanemon Masashige founded Jikishin Ryu Jujitsu in the mid 1600's. Masashige was born in 1616, and he studied Tenshin Ryu with his father and grandfather who were masters. There were already ground techniques in this art. Later he studied Kito Ryu, which focuses on throwing from Ibaraki Sensei, and Ryoi Shinto Ryu with Fukuno Masakatsu. Masashige and following generations developed many techniques that resemble sequences from modern Judo - grapple, throw, ground position, and submission. Jikishin Ryu actually called its art Judo in 1724 by the fourth head master Inoue Jibudayu Masayori, 168 years before Kano used the term for his art.

Home History Main Kodokan Judo

Technique Analysis

SenseiSam — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:35:09 CST

Technique Lists (Click here for quick lists - Eng /Jap)

Please select from the list below the technique area you wish to read:
- Rei - Bowing

- Kuzushi - Breaking balance
- Kobudo - Small weapons training

- Kappo / katsu - Resuscitation techniques
- Kyoji - Teaching skills
- Itsutsu no kata
- Kaeshi waza - Body Assault counter techniques
- Kubudo gaeshi waza - Weapon defence techniques

Tachi Waza - Standing Techniques
- Uke waza - Blocking techniques
- Ude ate waza - Striking techniques
- Ashi ate waza - Kicking techniques
- Tai sabki - Body movements
- Kumite - Free fighting

- Kumi kata (grip fighting)
- Nage waza - Throwing techniques
- (Grappling Drills Uchi Komi)
- Kansetsu nage waza - Joint locking throwing techniques
- Renraku and Kaeshi waza - Throwing combination & counter throws
- Ukemi waza - Breakfalling techniques
- Randori - Free practice (throwing)

Ne Waza - Ground Techniques
- Suwari waza - Kneeling techniques
- Hikkuri - kaesu waza - Turn over techniques
- Osae waza - Pinning techniques
- Shime waza - Stangles (air restriction) techniques

Kansetsu Waza - Joint locking Techniques

Syllabus Map Technique Lists
email - sensei_sam_oz1@hotmail.com

Kumi Kata - Grip Fighting

SenseiSam — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 14:04:53 CST

Grips with the Gi

Gripping methods fits into two categories within jacket work:
1 Hikite (the main pull) Sleeve grip “the working hand” or “Long pull”
2 Tsurite (the drawing hand) Lapel grip “the playing hand” or “short pull”.

Tsurite comes from the word tsuri meaning to fish and incorporates the idea of drawing an opponent off balance, just as a fishing rod bends when it draws a fish out of the water.
During competition gripping techniques supply the preliminary technique before executing a throwing method and to aid in countering the opponents attack. The outcome of the match usually depends if one opponent gains the first secure gripping position.
Every practitioner has his or her favourite gripping pattern and if achieved is more confident in leading the match.
It is important for the mastery of gripping techniques within training, so you are able to successfully apply and counter techniques.
A survey of 82 judo players was taken to determine their most favourite gripping position in hanging and pulling actions and whether they are a right- or left-hander, as well as their best or strongest technique.

Group	Method	Use	Surveyed No.	Favourite Techniques
A	Back grip / back collar grip	Hanging action	31	O soto gari, Uchi mata, Hari goshi
B	Side collar	Hanging action	30	O soto gari, Uchi mata, Ippon seoi nage, Tai otoshi
C	The front collar	Hanging action	21	Ippon Seoi nage, Tai otoshi, Ko uchi gari
A	Collar or armpit	Pulling action	12	O soto gari, Uchi mata, Harai goshi
B	Near the elbow joint	Pulling action	41	O soto gari, Uchi mata, Hari goshi, Ippon seoi nage, tai otoshi,
C	Area near the sleeve	Pulling action	29	Ippon seoi nage, Tai otoshi, O uchi gari, Ko uchi gari, Tomoe nage

Group B (hang) is most effective of all the hanging grips in breaking the opponent’s stance and can lead to every kind of subsequent technique. The grip in Group C (hang grip is considered more effective than any others in breaking the opponent’s stance by holding him by the front collar and actively using hanging actions to facilitate throwing down the opponent after creeping under him.
In Group A (pull) - gripping the collar or the area around the armpit in a pulling action will most facilitate a player to apply the subsequent Maki komi waza or Katsugi waza trick including the Ippon seoi technique achieved by gripping one-side of the collar.
In Group B (pull), grip position in the pulling action allows a player to most effectively use his power and also plays an important role in protecting himself from the opponent’s techniques. Further this grip position offers a stable basis to easily apply all subsequent techniques to the opponent.
In Group C (pull), this grip position allows more frequent use of Katsugi waza and Ashi waza techniques than others as gripping the opponent’s sleeve in the pulling action will restrict his free and active use of hanging actions and make his armpit area defenceless.

Method	Description
Basic sleeve grip	One handed grip to the end of the sleeve
Cross sleeve grip	Left hand on right shoulder, right on right sleeve end
Standard lapel grip (inside control)	Left hand on right lapel inside of opponent’s, right hand on top side of sleeve end
Standard lapel grip (outside control)	Left hand on right lapel outside of opponent’s, right hand on top side of sleeve end
Cross lapel grip	One hand grip i.e. Left hand on opponent’s left lapel
Power grip (high collar grip)	Left hand to form arm brace on opponent’s right side with right hand on left sleeve end
Back grip	Left hand to gripping opponent’s jacket at rear from under opponent’s right arm, with right hand on left sleeve end
Overhand grip	Left hand reaches over opponents back to take hold of opponents rear of jacket or belt
Double lapel grip	Left hand high lapel grip, right hand lower lapel grip
Double sleeve grip	Left hand on top opponent’s sleeve end grip, right hand on lower sleeve end grip
Punch grip	As indicated positioned with thumb down, to generate power.
Normal grip	As indicated positioned with thumb up, to maximum push or pull power.

Within Judo grips to the pants, lower jacket and belt have a time limit when standing, but are powerful grips within Jujitsu grappling both standing and the ground.

Grips without the Gi

Another area of gripping is used within bareback fighting and wrestling, where natural anchor points of the body are used to maintain grip, i.e. neck, elbow control, waist, knee, ankle, wrist, and armpit. It can be seen that these points are located at the joints of the body. They are used to off balance and lever the opponent to create movement or to inhibit mobility. These points are used especially within grappling where you are able to slide your hand into the natural voids of the body, for example if the opponent is laying on their back - under neck, knee or waist. These points the opponent has no power over you in stopping the grip being taken.

These natural anchor points are combined with a series of manual grips to strengthen your position. They are:
- Monkey – fingers hooked to each other
- Palming – both § Cup and Saucer – first of one hand sits in the other that is flattered
- C-grip – one hand griping the other to the wrist.
- Clasp – One hand grips to the other’s wrist without the use of the thumb.
- Hooking / Bracing – 1 or 2 arms hook the opponents without using their hands.

These techniques are used to overcome slippage during the transition between techniques and to stop sweat interfering with the ability for the opponent to counter your movement.
Gripping your opponent in various ways will create accelerated movement or to disable movement. This is also found within throwing techniques; the open hand (palming) is used to slow the rotation of the opponent when executing their technique. For example, “Major hip throw”, if you apply too much pressure to the back of the opponent they will feel this and be able to counter you much more swiftly. But if you slow the motion of the technique by offering an open handgrip to the same point the opponent will still think they are able to successfully execute the technique. This open handgrip creates friction or resistants to the opponent’s rotational motion, providing you a split second to attack with a counter technique.
This method is used in many other areas of training - grappling, self-defence and free sparring.

Combination Gripping
Using a combination of clothing and natural anchor points will maximise your gripping strategy. For example, within the pinning technique – “broken side four quarters hold”, (if pinning opponents right knee) grip the opponent’s pants from the outside and wrap across the opponent’s knee (above) to lock the knee stopping them from using the power of his or her leg.

Gripping Strategies

You will find when under pressure within a competition you and your opponent can be forced to take a grip involuntarily. If you are being punched you will punch back, this is the same case with gripping. If you do not practise grip fighting, when to pull, hang or take a natural grip your opponent will soon defeat you. This is due to being moved into his or her power grip for their favourite technique and then it will be too late to counter. Sometimes faking certain grips can create your opponent to rethink their attack or defence, by doing so will off balance him or her mentally.

Most practitioners are right handed?

Well this is a false statement, we train right handed and many left-handers do this because they are mimicking the movements of their instructor when learning. If you take a left handed grip when doing randori you will find most people will be put off and sometimes change grips forcing them to fail in their own defence.
From childhood we learn to do things with different hands better or stronger i.e. throw a ball right hand, but bat left-handed. This is another reason why sometimes people change grips during randori. They sometimes can execute an O goshi well left-handed and are stiff and jerky right handed. The power grip might be right handed and defence grips left-handed.

The question is really, why do so many players choose to use a specific fighting posture? The answer is obvious and very simple. The players aren’t just choosing which power hand to use; the players are employing personal gripping strategies.

A gripping strategy is much more than which power hand you prefer to use. Your gripping strategy, the way you manage your hands, shoulders, hips and footwork, is nothing less than your chosen method of controlling the attacking space.
The question now becomes; how does each gripping strategy control the attacking space and, by extension, the over-all match?

Home Technique Analysis
Nage Waza - Throwing Techniques Pinning Techniques Turn Overs
Grappling Drills Ground / Wrestling Drills

Aiki Ryu

SenseiSam — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 17:01:07 CST

The founder of Aiki Ryu is Sensei Mike Jeans (5th Dan), born 1941 (picture on left 2005). Sensei Jeans has a diverse background in his training.
Sensei Jeans, martial arts journey began when he discovered Jujitsu training at the wharfs.
Sensei Jeans would go to the wharfs and yell out to the Japanese Sailors, "Judo, Jujitsu". When he would find a couple of practitioners he would train for hours in one of the local parks (BCOF - “British Commonwealth Occupied Forces personnel 1956 (Tenjin Shinyo Ryu, Datio Ryu and Fusen Ryu Jujitsu).
Sensei Jeans also studied wrestling (1958 Picture right) and boxing during his colledge days (1959 - Picture below left).

Sensei Jeans trained under many of the Instructors that formed what Jujitsu is today within Australia and now continues doing the same. Jeans Sensei now is in his prime, a friendly gentleman with a great love of ground work and also has a passion in sharing his skills between others. Jeans Sensei called his school of Jujitsu Aiki Ryu, mainly due to the influences that had affected him in his journey within the martial arts.

On the left Sensei Mike Jeans receives his Shodan Black Belt 1966.

Panel L to R: Ray Hudson, Len Noyes (handshake) and Mike Henagan.

Pictured right - Sensei Jeans executing a tani otoshi (valley drop) during a competition during the 1960's.

Sensei Jeans executing a kote gaeshi (wrist twist), picture featured in a martial arts calenda 1984 (left).

The bulk of Jean Sensei Kyu grade training was over the course of the 1950’s and 1960’s, receiving instruction from -

Les Blancette from Kam Hock Hoe

Born in Malaya in 1903, Professor Kam Hock Hoe commenced his jujutsu training in 1928 under the Japanese teacher, Professor Jiichi Watanabe in Singapore.
In 1931 Kam Hock Hoe went to Kyoto in Japan to study what is likely Kano Ju Jitsu. Most probable the Kokusai Jujutsu Ryu - International Jujutsu Institute (IJJI) carries on the tradition and syllabus of the Kyoto Kokusai Jujutsu Daigakuin (1899-1945).
The original Kyoto Institute was opened during a time of Japanese nationalistic aggression and aimed to train imperial forces and intelligence personnel. Few women trained in the organization during this period. Professor Kam Hock Hoe, a graduate of the Kyoto Institute, who also instructed there, began teaching jujutsu to women and men. He opened his own school in Kuala Lumpur in 1935.
However, the original jujutsu, taught as a complete system to the Japanese Imperial Forces, has almost vanished. This system is a very spectacular and effective martial art and it is this system that was passed on by Professor Kam and is now taught by the Kokusai Jujutsu Ryu - International Jujutsu Institute (IJJI).
The International Jujutsu Institute (Kokusai Jujutsu Ryu) syllabus, techniques and teachings have been preserved and passed down from the original Japanese institute, in the form of the “Divisions of Jujutsu”. In brief, the ten divisions include etiquette, body exercises and movement, way of falling, throwing techniques, lethal striking, grappling, reviving and restoring life, strategy, awareness and secret oral transmissions only passed on to the most senior students.
The aim of the IJJI is to preserve, study and pass on the art. The most guarded teachings are associated with Katsu and include the combat application of the old techniques. Katsu involves the old arts of Sappo or killing and immobilising through strikes to vital points, strangulation, and bone-breaking and joint dislocation techniques. Once students have an understanding of Sappo, they then begin their study of kappo.
Kappo involves reflexogenic revival actions, bone setting, joint manipulation, Katsu massage and healing methods to reverse the effects of lethal blows, strangles, as well as general health problems.
'On the 23rd of June 1980, Professor Kam was awarded Judan (10th Dan) jointly by the Singapore Judo Federation and the Malaysian Judo Federation'

Les Blanchett while enlisted in the Australian Royal Air force stationed in Butterworth Air force Base in Malaysia learnt directly from Professor Kam and then brought this style of Jujitsu back to Australia and in 1962 Sensei Mike Jeans became a graded student.

Mike Jeans from Seiichi Sugano

However, true Aikido did not come to Australia until Sensei Sugano (8th Dan)arrived in 1965, complete with his Australian bride. Sensei Sugano was originally a uchideshi (live in student) of O-sensei Uyeshiba and the the first Hombu instructor to travel internationally at the direction of O-Sensei Uyeshiba. Sensei Sugano founded the Australia Aikido Association and then left Australia after raising some fine students to take over the teaching of Aikido and is now in the USA, but still returns to Australia periodically.

Left: Sensei Seiichi Sugano

Sensei jeans trained under Sensei Sugano from 1959 to 1965 and was the influence to call his Jujitsu school Aiki Ryu.

Len Noyes from Rugoro Fukushima

Cecil Elliot taught Australia’s first Ju-Jutsu classes in 1905. Mr. Elliot was graded to Shodan in Yokohama in 1904 and came to Australia shortly afterwards. He brought two Japanese instructors with him, Sensei Rugoro Fukishima 8th Dan and Sensei Jinkichi Iwanagu 7th Dan.

Sensei Fukishima later went on to become the Australian Lightweight Wrestling Champion.
Sensei Rugoro Fukushima originally taught 13 years at Hagiwara's school, 8 years at the Kotobuki Police Station in Yokohama, and then came to Sydney 1906 with Jinkichi Iwanagu, to introduce Ju-jutsu.
It was rumoured that Mr Fukushima may have been a member of either the Tenjin Shinyo Ryu or Datio Ryu and may have been members of the infamous Black Dragon Society and were on an intelligence gathering expedition for the Japanese military.
Sensei Rugoro Fukushima and other Jujitsu exponents travelled Australia with a group of circus performers and wrestlers, where he eventually befriended and taught Mr Len Noyes.
Mr Len Noyes was an Australian wrestling champion in 1936, fighting under "Sid Neal" and later graded to a black belt by Sensei Fukishima. Sensei Noyes established a class in the Bjelke-Petersen Academy of Physical Culture his own Jujitsu school calling it the “Mercury Jujitsu Club” in 1938.

Mr Fukishima married in Australia and travelled to New Zealand where he lived for sometime and eventually died (buried in Rotorua Cemetery).

On the 28th August 1956, the Australia Society of Jujitsuans (now called "Australian Jujitsu Federation") was founded at Mr Noyes home (49 Ada Street, Oatley, New South Wales), where Mr Noyes was elected president.
Individual members of the Society were affiliated to the Nippon Sosuishi Ryu Jujutsu Kai in Japan. This is where an influence of Sosuishi Ryu has affected the development of Jujitsu here in Australia.

Sensei Mike Jeans trained with Sensei Len Noyes as a brown belt where he finally was graded to Shodan in 1966.

Left: Sensei Len Noyes

Jim Robinson from Kodokan Judo (Jigoro Kano)

Jim Robinson travelled and trained at the Kodokan and finally received his Shodan in 1927 and returned to Australia where he became a successful Instructor.
Sensei Jeans trained under Sensei Robinson 1968.

Left: Sensei Jim (James) Robinson - corner judging at a competition.

A brief story about Sensei Robinson:

Jim Robinson was born in 12 January 1902 in the north of England and is now a resident of Sydney, Australia and his first exposure to the art of Judo was as early as 1912. One day while on his way to school he spotted a copy of S. K. Uyerzishi’s, “The Text-book of Ju-Jutsu as Practised in a sports store window. It cost 2/6d; expensive when considering his weekly pocket money was only 6d. To earn the extra money he soon found a job peeling potatoes in a local fish and chip shop from 5pm to 10pm. After buying the book, he earnestly applied himself to the practice of Seoi-nage (shoulder throw), Koshi-nage (hip throw), O soto-gari (outer reap throw) and O goshi. He concentrated on O goshi more because it matched the hip throw that was common to wrestling of the north and this proved beneficial to him as he recalls he was able to “bring off quite a few O goshi to the consternation of his opponents” in schoolyard fights.
In 1925 he successfully completed the British Civil Service examination and a month later he was posted to Shanghai. In 1927 Jim joined the Shanghai Municipal Police (See records).
After arriving and finding the presence of some 30,000 Japanese living there, he not about to pass up this golden opportunity of starting formal Judo practice, He began a search for a dojo and eventually was told of one in the Han Kew district of the city, behind the Japanese Club in Boone Road. Robinson describes his search, “That night I took a Rickshaw to Boone Road and entered a long, dark alley way, which led to the rear of the club, where the dojo was situated. Nearing the end of the alley I heard a noise of bump-bump-bump, of people being thrown. After 12,000 miles I knew I had arrived.”

The training at the Budo-kai, as the dojo was called in Japanese, was from 7pm to 9pm, six nights a week, and as can be expected training was hard. Six months after starting he remembers his Judo had improved, “...especially break falling, which I had plenty of.”
One night some students from the Tung Wen College Judo Club came to practice and seeing Robinson there invited him to their dojo to train. Robinson agreed making a date for the following Saturday. The college located about 10 miles to the north of Shanghai was affiliated with Kyoto University in Japan, and the students were very proud of their training in only Ne waza saying that standing techniques were “too sissy.
Robinson arrived at 2pm on the appointed day. Practice began with warm-up exercises, which lasted 15 minutes. He thought the Judo practice would then start. But this was not the case. Without pausing they did 40 “scoop— type” push-ups, of which Robinson could only manage 30, then, onto their backs with legs extended out and raised 6 inches off the mats, they vigorously kicked out some 400 times. Robinson remembers, “the stomach muscles seemed to be gripped by a giant hand, a most peculiar feeling, you are afraid to stop as then you get the spasms in reverse. By this time we were wet through with sweat and you feel you have had enough, but this was only the beginning for you, then commenced two hours hard Ne waza.”
The Ne waza that were most popular there included the Sankaku-jime and Juji jime. It must be remembered that in southern Japan at this time it was not uncommon for Judo tournaments to be held allowing only Ne waza. These contests began from a grounded position.
After a few years Robinson’s Judo had improved. His best throw was Soto kami Komi and his method of executing this technique by coming down on the opponent with the throw was not generally popular. However, as practice in the junior ranks was very rough, no one seemed to really care. The Ne waza was also practiced with great enthusiasm, “... you got your man on the ground and tried to pull his head off if he didn’t tap, “they usually tapped”, after all, you can’t prepare for war by playing noughts and crosses.”
It was not long after that he started thinking about going to Japan. He had heard so much of its natural beauty and about Judo. After three years training, the last six months of which was a self-imposed period of hard training never missing a session and with four weeks annual leave, he left for the island of Kyushu in southern Japan during the spring of 1927.
He arrived at Nagasaki, checking into a hotel and quickly began chasing up a dojo. He found one a few streets from his hotel called the Bushu—Kan located in an old temple that practiced from 6pm to 9pm. It was on this first day and undoubtedly the many that followed, that he was grateful for the time he had devoted to learning Japanese, as English was of little use in that part of Japan. He arrived at the Bushu—Kan at 6pm ready for practice. Almost immediately he was surprised to see a brown-belt called Kobayashi whom he had seen in a tournament in Shanghai. Kobayashi introduced Robinson, as being in the same tournament as himself and that he was very strong in Ne waza. This of course embarrassed the young Englishman who thought this was not the right way to start his Judo career in Japan. Not giving it another thought, he applied himself to training. His first bout was with Kobayashi who threw him with a couple of good foot sweeps. Robinson responded by taking him down in Ne waza and holding him. Afterwards everyone in the dojo wanted to challenge Robinson. He was thrown quite a few times but his Shanghai Judo experience had prepared him well. Of course when he did throw some of the players he would naturally follow through by landing on top of them much the same way he had done in Shanghai which seemed to take the enthusiasm out of a few. This was his very first workout in Japan and Robinson thoroughly enjoyed himself. After training finished everyone enjoyed a bath Japanese style, an experience that Robinson continuously records, followed by dinner of grilled eels, a Japanese delicacy. His next practice was in a dojo located at the side of a local police station. There were about ten young policemen, most of them white belts mixed with two brown belts and one black belt. He was invited to train, and the ease with which he handled dojo etiquette surprised the Japanese He trained with the white belts first and then with a brown belt, who kept throwing him. Robinson amusingly recalls, “During my practice with the white belts, I tried Uchi mata which I thought I could do because my opponent had adopted a defensive stance, and I thought it might come off but instead my leg slipped up a little high and I got him where I shouldn’t have done with my leg. He gave a howl and grabbed his private parts and all the others broke into a loud laugh, and there was much laughter in the place including the villagers who sat outside. But anyway, he took it in good part and sat down, but the black belt said to me this is how you uchi mata, and turned in with a devastating one and up in the air I went and down.’
Robinson left the next day, to the disappointment of his Judo friends and hiked the six miles to Katzusa located by the sea. Here a possible amorous adventure with the inn owner’s attractive teenage daughter presented itself. The owner, an old woman, thought it wrong for a young man to sleep alone, but her most kind offer was kindly rejected by her foreign boarder.
He spent a week at Shimoburra and was able to pursue Judo at the dojo of a 5-dan. Here he found he was able to give the black belts “quite a battle” especially when it came to Ne waza, but he did have a lot of respect for the Tomoe—nage and Seoi-nage that were specialities of the old teacher. He took a ferry along the inland sea to Kobe. Here he asked a policeman where he could find a hotel and a dojo, which was very surprised to meet a Japanese-speaking foreigner looking for of all places a Judo dojo. One was located a mile away in a temple that had once belonged to the Zen sect of Buddhism. Training was from 2pm to 5pm and the teacher Kato, was very strong in Ne waza. He spent a week here training and enjoying the town of Kobe. He found that his defence was getting stronger and reactions becoming quicker. Others must have noticed this improvement because on the Saturday he was asked to come along the next day at l0am for a special temple celebration. Little did Robinson know that he was being lined up to represent Kobe in a tournament against another prefecture. He arrived on Sunday morning at l0am and was very surprised to see hundreds of people milling about the temple. Just as he was wondering how in heaven he could see anyone he knew, a waiting member of the dojo took his arm and he was led in to the middle of the temple. Here he immediately noticed two twelve-man Judo teams lined up. Robinson was then urged to get changed, which he did off the mats and in front of the waiting crowd before he realised that he was representing Kobe as twelfth man on its team.
The scene was very noisy as the spectators crowded into the dojo. The Judo men too gave it their best kiai when each was called up to fight. Robinson remained calm. His opponent was very strong and as he found out later lived in the mountains. They were very evenly matched and nothing exciting was happening until Robinson went in for Harai goshi, and just as he thought he had the mountain man over, he collapsed under him. Immediately his opponent took a sidelong hold from which Robinson was able to turn out of it and managed to take Kesa gatame. The referee called Osae komi and the uproar from the crowd was deafening. As the seconds ticked away his opponent frantically threw a leg over Robinson’s rear leg and broke the hold. The matched ended in a draw but that was enough to give Kobe the tournament. His achievement was loudly acknowledged by most there and many came to pat him on the back and to congratulate him with “very good” in English.
From Kobe he took a leisurely passage on a ship back to Shanghai instilled with a fire for more Judo and a deep inner self—promise to make it to the Kodokan next year. He threw himself into hard practice and never missed the monthly Budo-kai tournaments. He wanted to improve and to improve quickly he knew what was needed. At this time he was still a white belt, and from the way he describes the ranking situation common at that time, with many white belts being equal in skill to the black belts, but refusing to take promotions, it would seem that being a white belt was considered more desirable. In 1928 he took his annual leave in Tokyo, at the Kodokan, the Mecca of Judo. He arrived by ship at Yokohama, went by train to Tokyo where he booked into the Kanda YMCA. Training at the Kodokan was from 2pm to 6cm and it was conveniently located within walking distance.
He arrived at the Kodokan to find a 5-dan guarding the entrance and checking who came in. Robinson explained it was his first time, and after paying 5 (a considerable sum when the monthly salary of a schoolteacher was 35) was allowed to enter. There were between 100 and 150 people all doing Randori, many of them were 2-dan and 3-dan from Meiji University.
He quickly changed and asked the man nearest to him to play. He explains, “I hardly had taken hold of him and I hit the mat. Robinson thinks the technique may have been Seoi-nage, a throw commonly used by Japanese on foreigners at that time. As he got up he took hold of his opponent’s collar high up and when he turned to throw again, Robinson’s right arm went across his opponent’s throat and he quickly inserted his left hand inside and under the armpit and grabbed his opponent’s lapel and wrapped his legs around him for Okuri Eri—jime, a rear strangle. The Japanese did not want to give up to a white belt and they rolled around the floor, but he soon tapped out. One of the instructors, who had been watching the fight, came along and gave Robinson’s opponent a loud lecture so that everyone could hear. This embarrassed the Japanese who eventually bowed out and walked off. Revenge was taken on Robinson by the following five or six opponents who threw him with everything except Seoi nage.
At the end of training while wiping himself of sweat he noticed an oldish man leaning against a wall watching him. Robinson decided to ask the man for a fight thinking that he would a bit easier than the young bulls he had just finished with. He went over and asked politely. Robinson recalls the rest, “He looked at me, smiled, stood up straight. He was nearly my height and slightly broader shouldered. I thought he must be a teacher. We went on the floor and I always seemed to be off balance. I was thrown with Uki-otoshi, Sumi—otoshi and various Kokuyu-nage in every direction. I always seemed to be off balance. I thought this fellow knows his stuff, so I asked him in my best Japanese what grade are you because I thought there was something queer about this bloke. He only smiled and said in perfect English ‘Never you mind but keep on trying’. After a while I got tired of floating around the air and as I said thank you very much I noticed his English was nearly perfect.”
Afterwards a Japanese came to Robinson to ask him if he knew who the oldish man was. When he said no it was revealed to him that he had just challenged Mr Mifune, champion of all Japan. On the faces of all those watching was a big smile for they knew that the joke was on him.

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Pinning Techniques

Osae Waza

2. Arm pull out to reverse cross arm lock 3. Left leg hook roll 4. Bridge and roll kesa gatame (pressure on lower ribs) 5. Collar / leg hook combination into ude gatame.6. Waki gatame

Tenjin Shinyo Ryu

Control and Restraint

Listed topics relating to control and retraint:

Use of Force

What Level of Force Do I Use?

Resistance Vs Control

Levels of Resistance

Levels of Control

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Kito Ryu

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Kumi Kata - Grip Fighting

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Aiki Ryu

Les Blancette from Kam Hock Hoe

Mike Jeans from Seiichi Sugano

Len Noyes from Rugoro Fukushima

Jim Robinson from Kodokan Judo (Jigoro Kano)

A brief story about Sensei Robinson:

2. Arm pull out to reverse cross arm lock
3. Left leg hook roll
4. Bridge and roll kesa gatame (pressure on lower ribs)
5. Collar / leg hook combination into ude gatame.
6. Waki gatame