Ron Breines Sensei
Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu:
History:
Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu is a holistic fighting art that combines self defense skills and traditional martial arts practices. Most styles of martial arts have areas of strengths and weaknesses; Karate is powerful in its deadly striking and kicking techniques, but karateka rarely train in ground grappling, throws and submission techniques. Judo is devastating in its throwing and submission techniques but judoka are open to good strikers as judoka rarely learn to strike. Brazilian jiu-jitsu/wrestling are excellent styles on the ground but if a striker knows how to avoid a takedown, he can usually strike the BJJ fighter into submission through agile footwork, kicking and punching techniques.
Kakuto-suru in Japanese means “to give a definite answer.” It also means “hand to hand combat.” Karate implies fighting with an open hand. Kakuto-ryu, the "system" or "style" of hand to hand combat, is a self defense system that states, “if attacked, give a definite answer...”
The difference between KJJ and other martial arts is its totality. In KJJ, all forms of fighting are considered equal, therefore, the practitioner is trained in all facets of martial art, including striking, throwing, submission, ground grappling, and weapons. No one style is considered superior to another. All are considered to be part of this one art, and what brings it all together is the study of kata and its bunkai, or applications.
Jujutsu (the soft - flexible - art) as a martial art form dates back thousands of years most likely to India, then to China, Okinawa and Japan and eventually worldwide. Jujutsu is a word that has many meanings in different ryu, or styles. In essence, jujutsu encompasses striking techniques or atemi waza, throwing techniques or nage waza, and grappling techniques or katame waza. However, depending on the ryu, or style, different emphasis is placed on each particular set of the three skills. Also, art forms that derived from jujutsu likewise emphasize different skills sets. Karate-do places more emphasis on striking. Judo and aikido place more emphasis on throwing or joint locking techniques and unbalancing an opponent, and Brazlian jiu-jitsu places more emphasis on ground grappling.
Karate (or Karate-jutsu as originally practiced) as an art form, dates back to the origins of both Okinawan Karate - Shuri-te, Tomari-te and Naha-te forms and Japanese samurai jujutsu. These styles of combative self defense evolved from the martial techniques of Chinese Shaolin boxing, or Kung Fu, but the delineation for Okinawan Karate came when Bushi Matsumura, the chief bodyguard for King Sho Tai, created linear karate creating more powerful and deadly techniques for the protection of the king, but still maintained many of the "softer" circular techniques of Chinese boxing. It is documented that Matsumura also studied samurai swordsmanship (kenjutsu) on mainland Japan and therefore would have studied jujutsu, which was the samurai art of defense that focused on throws and locking submissions against armored combatants. Many say he brought back a copy of The Bubishi from Fujian, China which describes White Crane and Monk Fist Kung Fu. The Bubishi is also considered "The Bible of Karate," which means karate is strongly linked to Kung Fu. Therefore the katas (forms) that Matsumura created or interpreted, followed by those of his student Anka Itosu then Gichin Funakoshi, would have been influenced by many sources of martial arts.
Kanryo Higashionna (Higaonna,) a student of Itosu, studied Kung Fu in Fujian Province and brought back many kata from his master. He then taught them to his student Chojun Miyagi, who developed his own style of Okinawan Te or Ti called, Goju-Ryu. In those kata are many chin-na or jujutsu techniques which are still practiced heavily in Goju-ryu on Okinawa today. Shotokan, consists mainly of Shuri-te with a few Tomari-te and Naha-te katas. Goju-ryu is a Naha-te style. Together these two styles comprise much of Okinawan karate, and it is these two styles that is reflected in KJJ.
Wing Chun Kung Fu: As The Bubishi is considered, "The Bible of Karate," Kung Fu is considered another primary art included in KJJ. When studied closely, most styles of Kung Fu are very similar to Okinawan Karate. Wing Chun as taught by Ip Mann has many of the techniques of karate and vice versa. Therefore the study of the three ground forms, the Muk Yan Jong dummy form, and the weapons forms are taught to all KJJ students gradually. Various forms of Chi Sau are practiced along with other sensitivity drills aimed at creating versatile and effective practitioners.
Qi Gong/Tai Chi: As understanding of internal energy is primary in both Okinawan karate and Wing Chun and many schools of traditional jujutsu also consider chi/ki of prime importance, the study of chi/ki is emphasized and taught throughout a student's journey through the art.
Competition: KJJ is not about competition, but internal growth and the ability to defend oneself, family or neighbors. Tournaments are not part of the study unless the competition is within oneself. Therefore, tournament style sparring, which has little to do with the origins of the traditional martial arts - nor are they very useful in self defense - is considered superficial since success depends upon winning trophies and medals, not developing the traditional skills used in combat/self defense. Also, in modern tournament karate, which has dominated the practice of karate since the 1960s, very little jujutsu (grappling) is studied or practiced even though grappling techniques are presented throughout the katas. In tournament karate the katas are performed primarily for show, without an understanding of how powerful, often deadly, the techniques truly are. As Kano intended, KJJ welcomes "Shiai," or "contest," but not against a partner but with a partner. That means that the goal is for both Tori and Uke to benefit from shared practice, not to compete against one another for superficial awards.
Kakuto-ryu simply sees all three aspects of martial art as equal and therefore treats them as such. In Kakuto-ryu we study striking, throwing and grappling (joint locks, submissions, etc.) as if one depends on the other. This is a return to the old way of studying and practicing karate and jujutsu, not a diversion from it!
Philosophy:
In accordance with most traditional schools of martial arts, non-violence is considered the primary objective in all altercations, whether physical or mental. The phrase, “The best way to win a fight is to avoid it” sums up the philosophy of Kakuto-ryu. This is especially true for younger practitioners and this philosophy should be instilled through practice. However, as stated, KJJ is also a very powerful form of self defense, and should one be called upon to use the skills developed in KJJ, the practitioner must be aware of the deadliness of them. Therefore, no skill is taught without an understanding of how and when they should be used, if at all. Safety is primary in all practice situations, and no dojo shall sacrifice safety for expedience. Also, within the study of Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu, an emphasis on positive ethics and morality is imperative. Meditation so practiced is a state of mind, and first and foremost is the development of ethical and moral behavior, which is secular in nature, but spiritual in result.
Goals:
Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu considers both karate, kung fu and jujutsu (the parent of judo, aikido, and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu) as equal parts within one art. Therefore, understanding the bunkai (practical applications) from karate/kung fu kata are essential and within the kata, jujutsu is as prevalent as striking. Likewise, grappling from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu/judo is considered the third element of required technical ability. This makes KJJ a well rounded art en total rather than being an art that only focuses on one or two facets of defensive capabilities.
As a continuously evolving art, Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu seeks to utilize those techniques that are most effective in self defense and combat situations. As an “open art form,” techniques from other arts are as viable as the original techniques from karate or ju-jitsu and are completely integrated with the traditional karate-jujutsu techniques studied. The original masters of both karate and jujutsu learned techniques from many forms and places and were open minded in their acquisition of knowledge. Likewise, for an art to be viable today, techniques from other arts should and must be brought into the fold. Therefore, what is typically called “cross training” is considered natural to Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu.
Kata:
The difference between KJJ and combat forms like Krav maga - Kapap (Israeli martial arts) is the intensive study of kata or forms, which is believed to be essential to the development of transitional movement and coordination between techniques as well as the building of muscle memory. In addition, kata provides the practitioner the ability to practice techniques solo, without a partner, although bunkai partner sparring is necessary to bring the skills to the level of instinctive movement. Though it is similar to “shadow boxing” in boxing, the techniques are concrete and specific to their application, so the practitioner eventually is able to learn many more techniques than if simply punching into the air. Once the physical skills are achieved and the “rules” of bunkai are understood, any kata from any style can be easily learned and interpreted for practical use. All kata becomes personal, both in performance style and in bunkai applications. KJJ is a creative art.
In Kakuto Ryu, all the kata from both the Shotokan (Shuri-Te) and Goju-ryu (Naha-Te) repertoires are studied to fluency. By the time a KJJ practitioner reaches advanced black belt, he/she should be fluent in all 26 Shotokan kata and all 12 Goju-ryu kata, including a thorough grasp of the bunkai for all. Of course, various kata preferences will exist depending on the practitioner's size as all kata are made personal. Ibuki breathing is introduced through Goju-ryu's Sanchin dai ichi, Sanchin dai ni and Tensho katas and is considered of prime importance in most Goju-ryu katas as well as many Shotokan katas, which is not normally the case in most Shotokan training. Since Shotokan is derived from Okinawan Shuri-Te, Ibuki breathing is essential to achieve the full benefits of kata practice. Kata such as Tekki and Hangetsu are known for their emphasis on breathing technique, but all kata must be studied with breathing in mind. The bunkai, or applications of these kata are the backbone of KJJ without which kata practice is merely practicing dance. All bunkai involve strikes, locks, throws and even grappling techniques and make up the foundation of KJJ. Wing Chun forms are also studied and analyzed as are the techniques of Wing Chun, some of which, like Bong Sau, do not exist in karate/jujutsu, but can enhance the art.
**** Kata is also an excellent form of physical exercise and it is noted that most of the traditional karate masters in Japan lived well into their eighties and nineties while the average age of mortality was below forty. Also, other forms (tai chi, wing chun, etc.) may be studied in addition to or in lieu of karate kata so long as the "art" is a striking one and the forms are interpreted as bunkai and are fit into the curriculum under kata bunkai.
Traditional Hojo Undo - Hojo Undo literally means - "warm-up" exercises but also strength and flexibility conditioning using traditional equipment used in Okinawa and China. Hojo Undo is not meant to build bodies in the western fashion, but to build speed and power in strikes and gripping strength for "hikite" or grabbing techniques. Some equipment used are Chi-ishi, Ishi Sashi, Nigiri game (gripping or Sanchin jars), Tan and Tou or Muk Yan Jong Wing Chun dummy. Makiwara is considered a primary tool in creating proper technique and is also used to strengthen the hands and wrists.
Traditional Kote Kitae (body hardening drills) and Kakie (sensitivity drills) are also practiced for body conditioning as well as sensitivity training as well as creating "Iron Shirt," through proper breathing and "energy packing."
Sparring - In KJJ, very little distance sparring is done. Most of the sparring comes from Kata bunkai, Kaki-e, Chi Sau or sensitivity drills as the understanding in self defense is that most fights end up close-in, not at a distance as is practiced in sport. There are no rules in a real fight, and so most of the early masters prohibited "free sparring" because the only to practice real fighting is either through these sensitivity exercises, or full out. Therefore, bunkai sparring is the most prevalent kind of sparring in KJJ - taking the Oyo Bunkai and actually working with them to fluency. This takes the techniques out of game playing and instills them into the muscle memory, building a shield around the practitioner. With any given, unpredictable, attack, the practitioner will be able to instantly recall the bunkai and use it effectively to quickly and efficiently end the fight in his/her favor. This is the goal of KJJ.
In KJJ, all 116 techniques of Ip Mann's Wing Chun dummy form is also studied as well as his standing forms.These forms are considered to be the connection between Okinawan and Chinese arts as much as kata is, and again, build technical movement into muscle memory.
Techniques in KJJ:
Striking is the quickest way to stop an attacker, yet without proper body movement and footwork, striking can become a detriment. Therefore, in KJJ, principles of hard/soft, circular/linear karate are implemented but other styles are incorporated since different body types may find different styles more effective. In this manner, combative techniques from other arts are not at all in conflict with the practices of traditional karate and are completely complimentary. Jujutsu throws, locks, chokes, submissions and grappling skills also are part of the student's study and arsenal.
Last, knowledge of weapons is necessary for all Law Enforcement/military personnel, and for civilians, having knowledge of weapons can greatly benefit the martial artists if attacked with one, so all techniques have been designed to work with and against weapons. Jujutsu/Krav maga techniques of weapons retention are studied so that any practitioner of KJJ can disarm an assailant into submission or if the force is overwhelming, can incapacitate an assailant so that the weapon can be retained with limited damage done. If the level of attack is beyond a simple solution, weapon’s use, though a last resort, is imperative. Of course, force should be countered with equal force, yet principles of de-escalation are crucial in all situations. It is better to disarm through de-escalation than through force, so techniques for de-escalation will be studied, designed to bring the violence levels down. The old martial arts adage, “The surest way to victory in a fight is through avoidance of violence,” is for sure, the ultimate achievement in martial arts, yet, "The best defense is a solid offense," also sums up the philosophy of KJJ.
Conclusion - Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu is a holistic art of self defense. Although the skills developed can certainly lead to achievement in combat sports, it is not the intent of the art to cater to such ambitions. KJJ is only intended to be used as a last resort, therefore levels of de-escalation/escalation are taught so that a practitioner can alter the danger levels from none at all to severe within fractions of a second. Like other combat forms, KKJ is an amalgam of effective techniques tried in combat or self defense, with the difference being the extensive and advanced study of kata, which is believed to be essential to the development of speed, accuracy, fluidity, and transitional muscle awareness. Kata is also a form of physical exercise that can be practiced anywhere and anytime. For law enforcement or military students, the study of full kata may not be expedient enough, and in these cases, bunkai from specific kata will be extrapolated and studied as sequential techniques to be learned until mastered.
**** Last, because it is believed that no practitioner of KJJ can be effective if he/she is not in top physical/mental condition, consistent KJJ classes includes hojo undo, circuit, strength, flexibility, aerobics training and meditation, designed to increase the proficiency of KJJ techniques and to build a practitioner’s body and mind to a very high level of physical and mental conditioning, with a main philosophy of non-violence whenever possible.
For more information on Kakuto-ryu contact: 575-834-0112 or rabreines@yahoo.com
History:
Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu is a holistic fighting art that combines self defense skills and traditional martial arts practices. Most styles of martial arts have areas of strengths and weaknesses; Karate is powerful in its deadly striking and kicking techniques, but karateka rarely train in ground grappling, throws and submission techniques. Judo is devastating in its throwing and submission techniques but judoka are open to good strikers as judoka rarely learn to strike. Brazilian jiu-jitsu/wrestling are excellent styles on the ground but if a striker knows how to avoid a takedown, he can usually strike the BJJ fighter into submission through agile footwork, kicking and punching techniques.
Kakuto-suru in Japanese means “to give a definite answer.” It also means “hand to hand combat.” Karate implies fighting with an open hand. Kakuto-ryu, the "system" or "style" of hand to hand combat, is a self defense system that states, “if attacked, give a definite answer...”
The difference between KJJ and other martial arts is its totality. In KJJ, all forms of fighting are considered equal, therefore, the practitioner is trained in all facets of martial art, including striking, throwing, submission, ground grappling, and weapons. No one style is considered superior to another. All are considered to be part of this one art, and what brings it all together is the study of kata and its bunkai, or applications.
Jujutsu (the soft - flexible - art) as a martial art form dates back thousands of years most likely to India, then to China, Okinawa and Japan and eventually worldwide. Jujutsu is a word that has many meanings in different ryu, or styles. In essence, jujutsu encompasses striking techniques or atemi waza, throwing techniques or nage waza, and grappling techniques or katame waza. However, depending on the ryu, or style, different emphasis is placed on each particular set of the three skills. Also, art forms that derived from jujutsu likewise emphasize different skills sets. Karate-do places more emphasis on striking. Judo and aikido place more emphasis on throwing or joint locking techniques and unbalancing an opponent, and Brazlian jiu-jitsu places more emphasis on ground grappling.
Karate (or Karate-jutsu as originally practiced) as an art form, dates back to the origins of both Okinawan Karate - Shuri-te, Tomari-te and Naha-te forms and Japanese samurai jujutsu. These styles of combative self defense evolved from the martial techniques of Chinese Shaolin boxing, or Kung Fu, but the delineation for Okinawan Karate came when Bushi Matsumura, the chief bodyguard for King Sho Tai, created linear karate creating more powerful and deadly techniques for the protection of the king, but still maintained many of the "softer" circular techniques of Chinese boxing. It is documented that Matsumura also studied samurai swordsmanship (kenjutsu) on mainland Japan and therefore would have studied jujutsu, which was the samurai art of defense that focused on throws and locking submissions against armored combatants. Many say he brought back a copy of The Bubishi from Fujian, China which describes White Crane and Monk Fist Kung Fu. The Bubishi is also considered "The Bible of Karate," which means karate is strongly linked to Kung Fu. Therefore the katas (forms) that Matsumura created or interpreted, followed by those of his student Anka Itosu then Gichin Funakoshi, would have been influenced by many sources of martial arts.
Kanryo Higashionna (Higaonna,) a student of Itosu, studied Kung Fu in Fujian Province and brought back many kata from his master. He then taught them to his student Chojun Miyagi, who developed his own style of Okinawan Te or Ti called, Goju-Ryu. In those kata are many chin-na or jujutsu techniques which are still practiced heavily in Goju-ryu on Okinawa today. Shotokan, consists mainly of Shuri-te with a few Tomari-te and Naha-te katas. Goju-ryu is a Naha-te style. Together these two styles comprise much of Okinawan karate, and it is these two styles that is reflected in KJJ.
Wing Chun Kung Fu: As The Bubishi is considered, "The Bible of Karate," Kung Fu is considered another primary art included in KJJ. When studied closely, most styles of Kung Fu are very similar to Okinawan Karate. Wing Chun as taught by Ip Mann has many of the techniques of karate and vice versa. Therefore the study of the three ground forms, the Muk Yan Jong dummy form, and the weapons forms are taught to all KJJ students gradually. Various forms of Chi Sau are practiced along with other sensitivity drills aimed at creating versatile and effective practitioners.
Qi Gong/Tai Chi: As understanding of internal energy is primary in both Okinawan karate and Wing Chun and many schools of traditional jujutsu also consider chi/ki of prime importance, the study of chi/ki is emphasized and taught throughout a student's journey through the art.
Competition: KJJ is not about competition, but internal growth and the ability to defend oneself, family or neighbors. Tournaments are not part of the study unless the competition is within oneself. Therefore, tournament style sparring, which has little to do with the origins of the traditional martial arts - nor are they very useful in self defense - is considered superficial since success depends upon winning trophies and medals, not developing the traditional skills used in combat/self defense. Also, in modern tournament karate, which has dominated the practice of karate since the 1960s, very little jujutsu (grappling) is studied or practiced even though grappling techniques are presented throughout the katas. In tournament karate the katas are performed primarily for show, without an understanding of how powerful, often deadly, the techniques truly are. As Kano intended, KJJ welcomes "Shiai," or "contest," but not against a partner but with a partner. That means that the goal is for both Tori and Uke to benefit from shared practice, not to compete against one another for superficial awards.
Kakuto-ryu simply sees all three aspects of martial art as equal and therefore treats them as such. In Kakuto-ryu we study striking, throwing and grappling (joint locks, submissions, etc.) as if one depends on the other. This is a return to the old way of studying and practicing karate and jujutsu, not a diversion from it!
Philosophy:
In accordance with most traditional schools of martial arts, non-violence is considered the primary objective in all altercations, whether physical or mental. The phrase, “The best way to win a fight is to avoid it” sums up the philosophy of Kakuto-ryu. This is especially true for younger practitioners and this philosophy should be instilled through practice. However, as stated, KJJ is also a very powerful form of self defense, and should one be called upon to use the skills developed in KJJ, the practitioner must be aware of the deadliness of them. Therefore, no skill is taught without an understanding of how and when they should be used, if at all. Safety is primary in all practice situations, and no dojo shall sacrifice safety for expedience. Also, within the study of Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu, an emphasis on positive ethics and morality is imperative. Meditation so practiced is a state of mind, and first and foremost is the development of ethical and moral behavior, which is secular in nature, but spiritual in result.
Goals:
Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu considers both karate, kung fu and jujutsu (the parent of judo, aikido, and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu) as equal parts within one art. Therefore, understanding the bunkai (practical applications) from karate/kung fu kata are essential and within the kata, jujutsu is as prevalent as striking. Likewise, grappling from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu/judo is considered the third element of required technical ability. This makes KJJ a well rounded art en total rather than being an art that only focuses on one or two facets of defensive capabilities.
As a continuously evolving art, Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu seeks to utilize those techniques that are most effective in self defense and combat situations. As an “open art form,” techniques from other arts are as viable as the original techniques from karate or ju-jitsu and are completely integrated with the traditional karate-jujutsu techniques studied. The original masters of both karate and jujutsu learned techniques from many forms and places and were open minded in their acquisition of knowledge. Likewise, for an art to be viable today, techniques from other arts should and must be brought into the fold. Therefore, what is typically called “cross training” is considered natural to Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu.
Kata:
The difference between KJJ and combat forms like Krav maga - Kapap (Israeli martial arts) is the intensive study of kata or forms, which is believed to be essential to the development of transitional movement and coordination between techniques as well as the building of muscle memory. In addition, kata provides the practitioner the ability to practice techniques solo, without a partner, although bunkai partner sparring is necessary to bring the skills to the level of instinctive movement. Though it is similar to “shadow boxing” in boxing, the techniques are concrete and specific to their application, so the practitioner eventually is able to learn many more techniques than if simply punching into the air. Once the physical skills are achieved and the “rules” of bunkai are understood, any kata from any style can be easily learned and interpreted for practical use. All kata becomes personal, both in performance style and in bunkai applications. KJJ is a creative art.
In Kakuto Ryu, all the kata from both the Shotokan (Shuri-Te) and Goju-ryu (Naha-Te) repertoires are studied to fluency. By the time a KJJ practitioner reaches advanced black belt, he/she should be fluent in all 26 Shotokan kata and all 12 Goju-ryu kata, including a thorough grasp of the bunkai for all. Of course, various kata preferences will exist depending on the practitioner's size as all kata are made personal. Ibuki breathing is introduced through Goju-ryu's Sanchin dai ichi, Sanchin dai ni and Tensho katas and is considered of prime importance in most Goju-ryu katas as well as many Shotokan katas, which is not normally the case in most Shotokan training. Since Shotokan is derived from Okinawan Shuri-Te, Ibuki breathing is essential to achieve the full benefits of kata practice. Kata such as Tekki and Hangetsu are known for their emphasis on breathing technique, but all kata must be studied with breathing in mind. The bunkai, or applications of these kata are the backbone of KJJ without which kata practice is merely practicing dance. All bunkai involve strikes, locks, throws and even grappling techniques and make up the foundation of KJJ. Wing Chun forms are also studied and analyzed as are the techniques of Wing Chun, some of which, like Bong Sau, do not exist in karate/jujutsu, but can enhance the art.
**** Kata is also an excellent form of physical exercise and it is noted that most of the traditional karate masters in Japan lived well into their eighties and nineties while the average age of mortality was below forty. Also, other forms (tai chi, wing chun, etc.) may be studied in addition to or in lieu of karate kata so long as the "art" is a striking one and the forms are interpreted as bunkai and are fit into the curriculum under kata bunkai.
Traditional Hojo Undo - Hojo Undo literally means - "warm-up" exercises but also strength and flexibility conditioning using traditional equipment used in Okinawa and China. Hojo Undo is not meant to build bodies in the western fashion, but to build speed and power in strikes and gripping strength for "hikite" or grabbing techniques. Some equipment used are Chi-ishi, Ishi Sashi, Nigiri game (gripping or Sanchin jars), Tan and Tou or Muk Yan Jong Wing Chun dummy. Makiwara is considered a primary tool in creating proper technique and is also used to strengthen the hands and wrists.
Traditional Kote Kitae (body hardening drills) and Kakie (sensitivity drills) are also practiced for body conditioning as well as sensitivity training as well as creating "Iron Shirt," through proper breathing and "energy packing."
Sparring - In KJJ, very little distance sparring is done. Most of the sparring comes from Kata bunkai, Kaki-e, Chi Sau or sensitivity drills as the understanding in self defense is that most fights end up close-in, not at a distance as is practiced in sport. There are no rules in a real fight, and so most of the early masters prohibited "free sparring" because the only to practice real fighting is either through these sensitivity exercises, or full out. Therefore, bunkai sparring is the most prevalent kind of sparring in KJJ - taking the Oyo Bunkai and actually working with them to fluency. This takes the techniques out of game playing and instills them into the muscle memory, building a shield around the practitioner. With any given, unpredictable, attack, the practitioner will be able to instantly recall the bunkai and use it effectively to quickly and efficiently end the fight in his/her favor. This is the goal of KJJ.
In KJJ, all 116 techniques of Ip Mann's Wing Chun dummy form is also studied as well as his standing forms.These forms are considered to be the connection between Okinawan and Chinese arts as much as kata is, and again, build technical movement into muscle memory.
Techniques in KJJ:
Striking is the quickest way to stop an attacker, yet without proper body movement and footwork, striking can become a detriment. Therefore, in KJJ, principles of hard/soft, circular/linear karate are implemented but other styles are incorporated since different body types may find different styles more effective. In this manner, combative techniques from other arts are not at all in conflict with the practices of traditional karate and are completely complimentary. Jujutsu throws, locks, chokes, submissions and grappling skills also are part of the student's study and arsenal.
Last, knowledge of weapons is necessary for all Law Enforcement/military personnel, and for civilians, having knowledge of weapons can greatly benefit the martial artists if attacked with one, so all techniques have been designed to work with and against weapons. Jujutsu/Krav maga techniques of weapons retention are studied so that any practitioner of KJJ can disarm an assailant into submission or if the force is overwhelming, can incapacitate an assailant so that the weapon can be retained with limited damage done. If the level of attack is beyond a simple solution, weapon’s use, though a last resort, is imperative. Of course, force should be countered with equal force, yet principles of de-escalation are crucial in all situations. It is better to disarm through de-escalation than through force, so techniques for de-escalation will be studied, designed to bring the violence levels down. The old martial arts adage, “The surest way to victory in a fight is through avoidance of violence,” is for sure, the ultimate achievement in martial arts, yet, "The best defense is a solid offense," also sums up the philosophy of KJJ.
Conclusion - Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu is a holistic art of self defense. Although the skills developed can certainly lead to achievement in combat sports, it is not the intent of the art to cater to such ambitions. KJJ is only intended to be used as a last resort, therefore levels of de-escalation/escalation are taught so that a practitioner can alter the danger levels from none at all to severe within fractions of a second. Like other combat forms, KKJ is an amalgam of effective techniques tried in combat or self defense, with the difference being the extensive and advanced study of kata, which is believed to be essential to the development of speed, accuracy, fluidity, and transitional muscle awareness. Kata is also a form of physical exercise that can be practiced anywhere and anytime. For law enforcement or military students, the study of full kata may not be expedient enough, and in these cases, bunkai from specific kata will be extrapolated and studied as sequential techniques to be learned until mastered.
**** Last, because it is believed that no practitioner of KJJ can be effective if he/she is not in top physical/mental condition, consistent KJJ classes includes hojo undo, circuit, strength, flexibility, aerobics training and meditation, designed to increase the proficiency of KJJ techniques and to build a practitioner’s body and mind to a very high level of physical and mental conditioning, with a main philosophy of non-violence whenever possible.
For more information on Kakuto-ryu contact: 575-834-0112 or rabreines@yahoo.com