Goshinryu Jujitsu

Goshinryu Jujitsu

Jujitsu is a system of self-defense that emphasizes victory through yielding to the physical power of the attacker. Its roots can be traced back to ancient times. A great Chinese general once wrote “ Softness controls hardness well” and this statement is the essence of jujutsu. When faced with a powerful attacker yield to his strength and redirect his energy then add your energy to his to overcome the attack.

Goshinryu jujutsu emphasizes techniques that work well in self-defense. Goshinryu translates as the way of self-defense. The science of jujutsu is broken down into five classifications of techniques, Atemi Waza (striking techniques), Nage Waza (throwing techniques) Gatame Waza (holding techniques), Kansetsu Waza (joint locking techniques) and Shime Waza (strangulation techniques). Although we will break these down individually in order to describe them, remember that a full technique will usually begin with a strike to a vulnerable area, then a throw to immobilize the attacker, then either a holding, joint locking or strangulation technique will be applied to overcome the attacker.

I can not over emphasize the importance of safety when it comes to the practice of these techniques, they are intended for self defense and should be practiced with extreme caution. The careless use of the techniques listed will lead to serious injury

In Goshin-ryu the combative theory is based on the triangle. The triangle is the strongest geometric structure because it takes the load at the smallest point and distributes the weight over a wide base. Your body in the natural and defensive stance is shaped like a triangle with the feet as the base and the point being your head. Your goal is to break the attackers'' balance thus taking his power from him while maintaining your balance so that you can neutralize his attack.

This book may read more like a hand-to-hand combat manual; this is intentional for the essence of all martial arts is self-defense. Self-defense is the “fruit” of all combative forms. The flamboyant or showy forms of martial arts are the “flower”. There is nothing wrong with practicing the way of the flower however you never want to forget the fruit. You must decide which is the most important to you. While the flower is attractive, the fruit is the key to survival and this is the ultimate goal we have in life is to survive until the next day. I relate today’s martial arts as true art or the flower. Many practitioners have forgotten the fruit or science of what they learn. The definition of science is “knowledge obtained through observation and arranged into a system based on observation and experimentation”. Goshin-ryu is the science or fruit. The techniques may not be as showy as other systems but there is a certain beauty in simplicity. The phrase “keep it simple, stupid” comes to mind when I practice the techniques. If something is too complicated it is less likely to be effective. Throughout the years I have observed and experimented in self-defense and hand-to-hand combat techniques and I pass on the fruit of what I have learned.

This book is intended for the defense of you and others. The goals are in order 1) do not allow the attacker to injure you. 2) Do not unnecessarily injure the attacker any more than necessary. 3) Attack only in response to an attack. These are your only rules of engagement. Physical violence is the lowest form of communication, when all else fails you must be able to protect yourself and others from the violence of the world.

It is important to remember to pull or turn when pushed and to push or enter when pulled. This is the basis of ju. Ju means gentleness or not to meet force with force but to yield in order to overcome the power of the attack. If a push meets no resistance there is no power. This can be a very deep or even Zen way of thought, however for the purpose of self-defense we only need to explore the physical term.

Before you practice jujitsu or exercise in general it is important to warm up properly by stretching and performing calisthenics. However, you should warm up to suit your abilities. Jujitsu and self-defense is for everyone young and old. Fifteen minutes is usually sufficient.

In this book I have not included a chapter on resuscitation techniques known as kappo in Japanese. I feel that modern methods of resuscitation are much more effective and you should learn first aid through a reputable organization.