KJJ Curriculum
The KJJ curriculum is based on a high level of development of the essential three legs of the martial arts' tree - atemi waza, nage waza, katame waza - striking, throwing and grappling techniques. These three legs seek to fulfill all possibilities of attack and defense skills. Striking is used to either end the fight quickly or to off-balance the opponent through kuzushi. Throws are used to either disorient or injure an opponent or to prepare for submission. Grappling skills are necessary for submissions, but also for the defendant to be able to either end the fight if it goes to the ground, or to be able to get back to his/her feet should again the fight go to the ground - a place that is not desired in self defense or combat situations. KJJ philosophy states, "A fight should never go to the ground unless the defendant wants it to, and if it does unwillingly, the defendant must either end it quickly, or get up off the ground." This is because too much can go wrong on the ground, and once the fight is there, it is difficult to do the next best thing to winning - escape attack.
So, with that in mind, the KJJ curriculum is designed to be complete, and besides techniques from the various arts listed below, skills from practically any martial art can be incorporated provided it does one thing - it works.
Karate/Kung Fu – Traditional karate techniques and katas from Shotokan and Goju-ryu styles are studied and performed to develop transitional ability through combative movement. Bunkai from the katas are studied as sequential techniques to develop superb fighting impulses. Jujutsu techniques - throws and submissions - are related to the kata bunkai. Other striking/kicking techniques/katas from Chinese arts such as Wing Chun, various styles of gung fu, etc. shall be incorporated or substituted as it is recognized that historically most styles of Karate and Jujutsu were greatly influenced from the Chinese arts and all styles of karate are viable in KJJ. The main requirement is that true kata or forms are utilized with the main emphasis being the bunkai or applications of those kata/forms.
Kakie - sensitivity training, along with kata bunkai drills are much more relevant to developing true combat capabilities than Ippon Kumite or tournament sparring. These drills contain many of the techniques derived from the actual kata bunkai.
Kote Kitae, or body hardening drills, are practiced in order to allow a practitioner the ability to withstand blows that would normally put a defender out of commission. Training equipment such as the Makiwara are used to help develop excellent technique, which also often results in hardened knuckles and hands that can also withstand the impact of strikes or punches.
Japanese Jujutsu/Judo - From the initial off-balancing (kuzushi) strike to the judo throw then submission, techniques, or waza, are learned to fluency. The student should be competent in techniques against either one or multiple attackers. Various techniques will be studied and practiced so the practitioner can utilize those techniques that work best for him/her without hesitation.
To accomplish fluency in the judo techniques, judo founder and jujutsu master Jigoro Kano's philosophy of "Seiryoku Zenyo," or "Maximum Efficiency" through least amount of energy, is employed. This means that practitioners of KJJ must understand how to off-balance an attacker through proper kuzushi - by using the attacker's energy against him without trying to overpower the attacker through force or muscle. This is the true essence of martial arts, but Kano took it to ultimate levels. Although the entire Gokyo no waza - or curriculum of 40 Kodokan judo throws designed by Kano based on Seiryoku Zenyo - are studied, primary combative throws are emphasized. Since Kano developed his judo skills by taking the throw from traditional jujutsu, therefore, KJJ sees traditional judo (not sport judo) as one of the three branches of the complete martial arts' tree - striking, throwing, grappling.
Academic lessons in axis, levers, kuzushi (off-balancing,) pronation, supination, circular versus linear motion and transitional body movement will be extensive so that basic principles can lead to more advanced ones and variations can occur. Many of these studies come from Master George Kirby’s Budoshin Ju-jitsu system, one of the most defined of all Japanese Jujutsu systems out there today. Separate belt study in Budoshin Ju-jitsu can be accomplished with very little modification since Sensei Kirby and Sensei Breines are working together to make this a possibility for students who would like a separate belt in Budoshin Ju-jitsu. Likewise with Soke Andrew Yiannakis' Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu - a classical ryu of Jujutsu with a classical approach to Jujutsu techniques.
***Soke Yiannakis is also the director of the Institute for Traditional Martial Arts at the University of New Mexico, of which Ron is a member of the Board of Directors and Sensei Kirby is a state representative from California.
Western boxing and kick boxing develop lateral agility, reflexive movements as well as additional striking techniques and capabilities. Kick boxing has the advantage over western boxing of understanding how to defend and attack with kicks. Yet boxing footwork offers the martial artist exceptional development of what is called - tai sabaki - off-line or circular movement designed to defend off an attack unpredictably. Boxing also develops speed in hands while kick boxing includes arms and elbow striking skills. Bag work, including speed and heavy bags as well as punch mitt and kick pad work for aerobic and strength conditioning also helps to develop rhythm, quickness and fluidity.
However, KJJ is not about boxing or kick boxing as far as contests are designed. There are no rules in combat, so these skills are only practiced to complement the traditional arts which make up KJJ.
Grappling - In self defense training, knowledge of ground grappling has become essential. A practitioner being able to deflect, strike, throw and submit is the intent of KJJ; to stay on his/her feet and not go to the ground is the goal as being stuck on the ground can be disastrous, especially if there is more than one attacker. Although statistics demonstrate that most violent fights do not go to the ground as many grapplers claim and instead end in 5 - 15 seconds, usually from a strike, going to the ground does happen, especially in law enforcement while officers are trying to submit and control an assailant. If a fighter knows little about grappling and gets taken to the ground, all can be lost. Therefore, knowledge of ground techniques that will reverse an attack and either end in submitting the attacker, or allow the practitioner the ability to get back to his feet, is imperative. With this in mind, grappling techniques from Jujutsu, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu are studied to a high level of proficiency so that a practitioner can equally defend him or herself in a street attack on the ground if necessary.
For more information on the curriculum of Kakuto-ryu contact: rabreines@yahoo.com
Belt Test Requirements:
Belt Levels - Today, in the martial arts, much is made of the color of ones belt. However, in truth, there is little correlation between effective fighting abilities and belt colors. Belts are merely an indicator of a level of proficiency in a specific ryu or style. Nothing more.
In Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu, the kyu belt system has been adopted, but with fewer belt colors than most. Like most Brazilian jiu-jitsu styles, only five belts are employed: white, blue, purple, brown and black. A blue belt in KJJ is an intermediate level student whereas a purple and brown belt student also must demonstrate an ability to teach. This is because teaching helps to solidify knowledge. By the time a student receives a black belt, that student should be recognized as a sensei with a knowledge of the art that surpasses a mid-dan level in most arts. The dan level in KJJ is intended for further intensive study in the art, including the study of all 26 Shotokan and all 12 Goju-ryu kata forms, as well as the ability to creatively achieve variations of techniques in an instant. The ability to defend oneself against one attacker or even two attackers is a given to achieve black belt, but the ability to defend against multiple attackers is now imperative once nidan (2nd degree) is achieved. Knowledge of weapons is also required as one moves up the dan ladder and in KJJ, a 5th dan black belt is considered a master level in both empty hand fighting and weapons. Dan levels after 5th dan are considered achievements based on contributions to the art. In actuality, there are no dan ranks in KJJ beyond Godan as the Japanese Sho-go system (used by the Nippon Dai Budokukai) is employed at these levels. These titles include: Renshi (5th and 6th dan) Kyoshi (6th and 7th dan) and then Hanshi (8th and ninth dan.) There is no Judan equivalent in KJJ.)
However, since most ranking organizations that KJJ has been recognized by use dan ranks, equivalent dan ranks may be used as well as TIGR (Time In Grade) requirements, which may be different from that of KJJ.
Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu Testing Requirements:
Testing format will be up to the testing sensei as formal belt tests are not a condition for belt promotion. In other words, should a certified sensei in KKJ believe that belt promotions should occur on an individual basis (traditional) rather than in a formal group setting (modern) he/she is allowed to do so at his/her own discretion. The promotion thereafter will be recorded as such with KKJ. This is because traditional testing was between a student and his/her sensei and until modern times were not done in “formal” group settings, therefore we believe that certified sensei have the right to choose between traditional methods of promotion or more modern forms. Also, at each belt level after blue belt, students may be tested on previously learned and tested techniques (nage and waza, etc.) and katas for improvement and proficiency at the discretion of the testing sensei. Therefore, if a purple belt is tested on Heian Sandan and Heian Yondan, the sensei may choose one or both of the two previously learned katas as well. This is to insure constant improvement of fundamental techniques and movements. Improvement in randori is likewise expected. The kata in the curriculum through Godan consist of 24 out of 26 Shotokan kata and all 12 Goju-ryu kata.
All kata below are from the Shotokan lexicon except the Goju-ryu kata which are indicated in brackets.
Blue Belt:
Karate Kata:
Heian Shodan
Heian Nidan
Sanchin dai ichi(Goju-ryu)
Karate Bunkai:
Heian Shodan – complete
Heian Nidan – opening waza up to first knifehand
Atemi waza:
All strikes and kicks listed in curriculum
Judo nage waza:
From Gokyo no waza #1
Demonstrate 4 out of 6 throws in curriculum
Jujutsu waza:
Demonstrate 6 out of the 11 waza in curriculum
Suteme waza: All three techniques listed in curriculum
Kateme waza: Competency in techniques listed in curriculum
Randori: One minute loose sparring with flow. Little resistance.
Purple Belt:
Karate Kata:
Heian Sandan
Heian Yondan
Sanchin dai ni(Goju-ryu)
Kata Bunkai:
Heian Nidan complete
Heian Sandan complete
Atemi waza:
All strikes and kicks in curriculum minus makiwara
Judo nage waza:
Ouchi-gari, Seoi-nage, Ippon-seoinage
Plus from Gokyo no waza #2 - Demonstrate 4 out of 8 throws
Jujutsu waza:
Demonstrate 8 out of 14 waza
Suteme waza: Senaka hiki waza
Kateme waza: Competency in all waza
Randori: One minute combination of techniques with flow at
practice speed. Uke should help, not resist.
Brown Belt with one stripe:
Karate Kata:
Heian Godan
Tekki Shodan
Gekisai dai ichi/dai ni(Goju-ryu)
Kata bunkai:
Heian Yondan
Heian Godan
Atemi waza:
All strikes and kicks in curriculum minus makiwara. Strikes must be clean, smooth and correct.
Judo Throws:
From Gokyo no waza #3 - Demonstrate 4 out of 8 throws
Jujutsu waza:
Demonstrate 6 waza from brown belt curriculum
Suteme waza: Uki-otoshi suteme nage
Submissions: Demonstrate three figure four locks
Katame waza: Demonstrate at least five brown belt level techniques in a two minute flowing randori. Practice speed only with light resistance.
Teaching Requirements:
Teach two skills from each category of the purple belt curriculum to a student of choice.
Brown Belt with two stripes:
Karate Kata:
Bassai Dai
Saifa(Goju-ryu)
Kata Bunkai:
Heian Godan
Tekki Shodan
Gekisai dai ni(Goju-ryu)
Atemi waza: Demonstrate five vital point strikes.
Judo Throws:
From Gokyo no waza #4 - Choose 2 throws
Jujutsu waza:
Choose four from curriculum
Submissions:
Demonstrate four figure four locks.
Suteme waza:
Sode otoshi.
Katame waza:
Demonstrate all techniques learned in a 2 minute flowing randori.
Practice speed only with little resistance.
Teaching requirement:
Teach two skills from each category from brown belt with two stripes curriculum to a student of choice.
Brown belt with three stripes:
Karate Kata:
Kanku Dai
Hangetsu - with Ibuki Breathing
Sieyunchin(Goju-ryu)
Kata Bunkai:
Bassai Dai
Saifa
Atemi waza:
Kihon listed in curriculum
Judo nage:
From Gokyo no waza #5 - Choose 2 throws
Ju-Jitsu waza:
Choose 4 waza from curriculum
Katame waza:
All techniques in curriculum
Teaching Requirement:
Teach two skills from each category of the brown belt with two stripes curriculum to a student of choice.
Randori: Two minute flow randori at practice speed with light resistance.
Black Belt – Shodan:
Karate kata:
Choose one kata from Tekki Shodan, Bassai Dai, Kanku Dai or Hangetsu, plus examiner chooses two Heian katas and Saifa (Goju-ryu).
Kata Bunkai:
Kanku Dai complete
Randori:
One minute randori with two attackers. Techniques must flow from mushin without hesitation at practice speed.
Teaching requirement:
Teach at least two skills from each category in the brown belt with three stripes curriculum to a student of choice.
Dan levels: Nidan - Godan
Nidan:
Kata:
Tekki Nidan, Tekki Sandan, Jion and Empi, Wankan, Shisochin (Goju-ryu).
Kata Bunkai:
Hangetsu complete
Judo nage/Jujutsu waza:
Demonstrate five throws in a complete jujutsu waza.
Katame waza/randori:
Demonstrate multiple grappling techniques in a three minute randori at practice speed.
Sandan:
Kata:
Jitte, Nijushiho, Ji'in and Gankaku, Sanseru (Goju-ryu), Sesan (Goju-ryu.)
Kata Bunkai:
Jion and Empi complete
Judo nage/Jujutsu waza/Katame waza/randori:
Same as for Nidan but with added techniques and variations
Yondan:
Kata:
Sochin, Bassai-sho, Kanku-sho, Chinte, Sepai (Goju-ryu), Tensho (Goju-ryu.)
Kata Bunkai:
Nijushiho and Jitte (Jujutsu bunkai) complete
Judo nage/Jujutsu waza/Katame waza/randori:
Same as for Sandan but with added techniques and variations
Godan:
Kata:
Meikyo, Unsu, Gojushiho-sho, Gojushiho-dai, Kururunfa (Goju-ryu), Suparenpei (Goju-ryu.)
Kata Bunkai:
Choose any advanced black belt kata complete
Godan and above:
These dan ranks are based mainly on contribution of the art of Kakuto-ryu Jujutsu/Karate-jutsu.
However, proficiency in kata and bunkai are necessary: Choose any three kata and bunkai.
Other karate/kung fu ryu or styles should be part of the continuum. Katas/forms from Wado-ryu, Shorin-ryu, Shito ryu, or forms of Tai-chi, Wing Chun, etc. are recommended.
Time in Grade Requirements:
Once a dan rank has been achieved, the title of Sensei will be given.
From Godan through Kyu-dan, honorary titles such as Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi will be given. However, no promotion shall be given prior to that same level of years. So from Shodan to Nidan, a minimum of two years shall be completed at the Shodan level. From Nidan to Sandan, three years shall be completed before being promoted to Nidan, and so on. Exceptions must be made in writing to the KJJ Board of Directors.
For more information on rank requirements, please contact: rabreines@yahoo.com