|
In The
Beginning
There are no records by which the origins of
Jujitsu can definitely be established. It is safe to assume that
ever since the beginning of history, the instinct of
self-preservation was strong and man had to fight for existence. The
basic inspiration to develop a skill that allowed a person to
use the body for offense and defense was the basis for all
martial arts.
Muromachi Period (1333 -
1573)
Early Japanese warriors were highly skilled with
the use of swords. They also required the ability to defend
themselves when they were unable to use their sword. They studied
and developed methods of striking, kicking, throwing, joint taking
and choking. This was the formal beginning of Jujitsu although
historical references of unarmed defense techniques date back to the
11th century. The early years of Jujitsu were secretive, each family
or province had their own style, passing down these techniques only
to other family or province members. As a result, specialization and
compartmentalization developed. This process continued until the
late 16th century when Jujitsu formalized and many significant ryu’s
(schools) formed. A few of these styles greatly helped to form what
we consider modern day Jujitsu.
The Formation - Edo Period (1600 -
1868)
The
Kyushin-ryu school brought forward systems of Atemi-waza
(striking techniques) and Kappo (systems of resuscitation).
Kito-ryu brought forward an order of training methods from
basic to advanced. Throwing techniques were also emphasized by this
style and today’s modern day Judo is based upon this styles basic
techniques. Takenouchi-ryu emphasized Hojo (rope tying
techniques) which is currently used by many police and military
groups. Daito-ryu specialized in Kansetsu-waza (joint
techniques) and Atemi-waza. Today’s Aikido is based upon this style
of joint techniques.
The Turning Point - Meiji Period
(1868-1911)
In the late 1800’s the Japanese feudal
system collapsed and imperial rule was re-established. Weapons were
no longer allowed to be carried and many of the Jujitsu styles and
Samurai began to die out. During this time period a few modern day
styles emerged. Jigoro Kano developed Judo. Many tournaments
between Judo and Jujitsu practitioners took place during this time
period. Without the ability to strike and kick (Judo rules) the
Jujitsu practitioner was limited in techniques and as a result, Judo
often won. Jujitsu was even more reduced in practice and Judo became
Japans principal martial art form. It was the Japanese police that
lent revitalization to Jujitsu. They realized that striking
and kicking techniques were still needed and took techniques that
most satisfied their needs. They added them to Judo and developed
the Jujitsu style Taiho-Jitsu. The name became synonymous
with police and if a student studied this style, then it was assumed
that they were a police officer.
Modern Day Jujitsu
(1912 - Present)
In today’s
society Jujitsu has seen a reemergence due to it’s adaptability to
any defense situation. The basic concept of Jujitsu, simple
techniques combined together, make it the perfect art form for
toady’s society. Jujitsu’s strength comes not from it’s specialties
but rather from it’s broad range of techniques. No other style of
martial art focuses upon every aspect of self defense as does
Jujitsu. Many other martial art styles have adapted in recent years
to include Jujitsu techniques (especially grappling techniques).
This holds testament to the depth of Jujitsu and how it continues to
influence other martial arts.
History of JuJitsu, Part I
by Dennis Helm, Godan.
The rise and fall of Jujitsu before the Imperial
ordinance of 1871
Under the Feudal System of Japan,
several military arts flourished among the samurai class. Examples
of these arts are archery, fencing, horsemanship, the use of spears,
the Katana – sword of the Samurai – and other weapons. All of these
forms were more or less familiar to the people of most European
nations. Virtually all of the martial arts have been practiced in
the Western World with an excellence equal to the Japanese, although
their forms and methods were not quite the same as those practiced
in Japan. The skill of gaining victory by yielding to the opponent’s
strength appears to be an art peculiar to Japan: no similar art form
has ever been known or practiced in any European
country.
Although the origin of Jujitsu is
not clear, and no fixed date of its first appearance can be
ascertained, there is no doubt that it is a purely Japanese art.
Further, it has not been derived from ancient Chinese Martial Arts
as some scholars of the martial arts have proposed. It has been a
common belief of various researchers that a Chinese priest named
Chin Genpin brought the art of Kempo, "kicking and striking", to
Japan around 1659. In 1659, Chin Genpin became a naturalized
Japanese subject and died in 1671.
While engaged in the practice of
Jujitsu at the Kokushij Temple in Tokyo, he taught three ronin (out
of work samurai) named Fukuno, Isogai, and Miura. After extensive
development of their skills, they founded three different Jujitsu
Ryu independently of one another. It is not possible that Chin
Genpin first introduced Jujitsu into Japan, because Chinese Kempo –
which may have been brought over by him – is quite different from
Japanese Jujitsu, and because some arts resembling Jujitsu can be
traced back to before the time of Chin Genpin in
Japan.
Evidence that Jujitsu prevailed in
Japan in ancient times is indicated by an incident, which occurred
in 24 B. C., when the Emperor Suinin ordered two strong men named
Sukune and Kuehaya to wrestle in his presence. This struggle to test
the strength and courage of the two ancient giants consisted mainly
of kicking, hitting, and gouging with Sukune gaining advantage of
his opponent by breaking his ribs, after which he "trampled" upon
his loins and back until Kuehaya was fatally injured. Although this
incident is generally cited as being the origin of wrestling in
Japan, it would seem that it was actually more in the nature of
Jujitsu in view of the fact that Kuehaya was kicked and gouged to
death.
Sumo wrestling is the national
sport of Japan, but it is not the only nationalistic sport derived
from the ancient court wrestling of the Nara emperors. When
wrestling was banned by edict in 1175 A. D., an atmosphere fostering
creative development of all types of hand –to-hand fighting arts was
started under the influence of the military. This developmental
period lasted several centuries and continued even after the
Portuguese explorers arrived in 1543. Ultimately, no less than 725
official documented systems of Jujitsu were developed all of which
concentrated on situations in which no "major" weapons were
involved. All together, these systems were called
Jujitsu.
As it is not possible to discuss
all of the different branches (Ryu) of Jujitsu, this writing will
mention a few of those, which are generally considered to the most
significant developments in the art. The oldest Jujitsu movement is
the Takenouchi-Ryu, purported to have been originated by Takenouchi
Hisamori, a native of Sakushu, in the year of 1532. This branch
taught Kogusoku, or the art of seizing, which is somewhat different
from the pure art of Jujitsu. The Takenouchi-Ryu may be regarded as
the primal system for the teaching of arts similar to Jujitsu.
Fukuno Schichiroemon of Temba originated a second system called the
Kito-Ryu. This Ryu `appeared in the middle of the seventeenth
century. Prominence of the "Art of Throwing" (Nage-waza) and "Form
Practice (Kata) gave the Kito-Ryu great prestige and popularity. In
close connection with this branch was a third branch called the
Jikishin-Ryu, whose founder was Terada Kanemon, a native of Unsho,
and the contemporary of Fukono. Both Fukuno and Terada lived about
the middle of the seventeenth century in somewhat close relationship
to each other. They established two separate systems of Jujitsu some
years before the time of Chin Genpin. These two systems appear to be
the oldest of all the varied systems of Jujitsu.
Inugami Nagakatsu of Omi founded
the Kiushin-Ryu. The date of its founding is uncertain, and there
are some reasons to believe that this branch was derived from the
Kito-Ryu. Inugami Genpin, the grandson of the founder, attained such
eminence through his skill at the Kiushin-Ryu that he came to be
regarded as the founder of the school. The Sakiguchi-Ryu, Founded by
Shinbukawa Bangoro, are two other well-known Ryu of Jujitsu. The
Yoshin-Ryu, or the Miura-Ryu, and the Tenjin-Ryu were also prominent
systems.
The Yoshin system, founded by
Yoshin Miura, taught that many illnesses were the result of a
disproportionate use of mind and body. Miura devised several Jujitsu
methods involving "arresting devices". After a lengthy study with
two of his disciples, he developed fifty-one arresting methods, His
students, following his death, established systems of their own,
further expanding his teachings.
The Tenjin-Shinyo-Ryu was founded
by Matayemon Iso, a student of the Yoshin-Ryu. After several years
of studying, Iso set out to tour the country and, at the same time,
test his ability. Every where he traveled he competed with renowned
masters in Jujitsu tournaments. His proficiency was such that he
never lost a contest.
The branches of Jujitsu
grew during the feudal period, particularly during the time of
Iyemitsu, the third and ablest of the Tokugawa Shogun, under whose
government feudalism was completely established in Japan. The art of
Jujitsu continued in various provinces in Japan until the later part
of the eighteenth century, when it began to decline with the
impending fall of feudalism. Later, Jujitsu fell into disuse with
the abolition of the feudal system (1860-1865) and became almost
extinct
.
|
Dennis Helm is
the author of 2000
YEARS: Jujitsu and Kodokan
Judo
2000 YEARS is the product of more than
a 22 year effort involving library research, hundreds of
interviews, and world wide travel. This is the history of
early Jujitsu and later Kodokan Judo starting with its founder
"Jigoro Kano" as he studied various Jujitsu systems. This led
up to the Meiji period Police Bututsu Competitions between
Kodokan Judo and the best Jujitsu men of the period. These
competitions are covered in as a great depth as historically
possible. The information is not available anyplace
else.
Early American Judo
development is written from the prospective of those who lived
through the times. This is the official and authorized history
of American Judo. There is no other! The book is text with
photographs.
$25.00 plus
$5.50 S&H
Credit card orders via Email or postal
address. Checks can be used for postal
orders.
For further
information of to order:
Email: panda30256@usa.net
2000
YEARS
9907 Debbie Lane
Machesney Park, IL
61115-1530 |
|
|
|
A Japanese martial art that does not
honour its traditions can hardly be called Japanese. Tradition
in Japan is not merely a matter of reverence, but the very
basis of Japanese culture and understanding. This is true even
in modern Japanese society. Training in Aikido is no
different.
While Aikido may be relatively
new to North America and generally unknown by most of the
population, its roots and traditions are very old; much older
than many martial arts forms. Yoshinkan style Aikido, in
particular, is considered one of the more traditional forms
practiced. As such, it is part of the student's training to
learn the customs and understandings of Aikido's samurai
heritage. This heritage reveals both the growth and the
development of Aikido and the root understanding behind many
of our habits and actions.
|
|
|
| The Rise and Fall of the
Imperial System (4th - 12th Century A.D.)
Japanese history is the
embodiment of imperial history. Its story begins with the
Yamato race which established itself in a small
province in central Japan during the 4th century. In the
course of about the next three hundred years, the Yamato
family gradually gained control over the numerous warring
tribes and clans in the surrounding provinces.
It was by the way of trade
connections with Korea and China (under the Han Dynasty) that
Japan gained the political and cultural foundation upon which
Japanese culture was built. However, as cultural contact with
China was interrupted toward the end of the 9th century,
Japanese civilization began to take on its own characteristics
and form. Life in the capital was marked by great elegance and
refinement. While the court gave itself up to the pursuit of
the arts and social pleasures, its authority over the martial
clans in the provinces became increasingly uncertain.
Effective control passed into the hands of two rival military
families, the Minamoto and the Taira, who
both traced their descent from previous emperors. The Minamoto
family prevailed, annihilating the Taira clan in 1185. This
Minamoto victory marked the end of the Imperial throne as the
effective political power in Japan, and the beginning of seven
centuries of feudal rule.
|
|
|
| The Feudal Age and the
Samurai
At the onset of the feudal age,
the samurai were peasant-farmers who fought for their
lords as well as they could when the occasion arose. As
conflict between landlords became more frequent, it became
necessary to train armed groups to protect the respective
boundaries. At this time, these armed groups were called
samurai or bushi, but their status in
society was not established until a military government was
formed by the Minamoto family in 1192. This military
government (the Shogunate) encouraged austerity and the
pursuit of martial arts and related disciplines for the
Samurai. These studies were eventually codified and called
Bushido - the Way of the Samurai.
|
|
|
| Early Development of the
Martial Arts (Bugei)
As the feudal era advanced, the
Samurai came to occupy the uppermost strata of Japanese
society. Their principal duty was to learn and practice
many martial arts, the skills necessary to fulfill their
allegiance to the feudal lord for whom they were expected to
fight and die. There were numerous martial arts which the
bushi were required to learn: kenjutsu
(sword techniques), bajutsu (horsemanship),
kyujutsu (archery), and sojutsu (spear
techniques) constituted the principal combat arts. A favorite
saying among the bushi at that time was "Master
eighteen martial arts." Additionally, it was necessary that
the bushi learn a secondary system of combat
techniques to support their armed fighting methods. These
unarmed techniques were referred to as Kumiuchi and
involved forms of grappling techniques which evolved from
Sumo (combat wrestling). Throughout the feudal era
the distinction between armed and unarmed techniques became
greater.
|
|
|
| Development of Unarmed
Techniques and Aikijujutsu
By degrees, unarmed combat
techniques developed into different systems and styles.
Varying battlefield situations and the technical requirements
of feudal warfare led to establishment of the various
ryu (schools) which were controlled by, and passed
down through the large powerful families. One of these systems
was Aikijujutsu. It is not completely clear where
Aiki techniques originated, but the Aiki system is said to
have originated with Prince Teijun, the sixth son of the
Emperor Seiwa (850-880), and was passed on to succeeding
generations of the Minamoto family. By the time the art
reached Yoshimitsu Shinra Saburo, the younger brother of
Minamoto Yoshike, it seems that the foundations of modern
Aikido had already been laid.
Yoshimitsu was a man of
exceptional learning and skill, and it is said that he devised
many of his techniques by watching a spider skillfully trap a
large insect in its fragile web. His house, Daito Mansion, has
given its name to his system of Aikijujutsu which came to be
called Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu.
Yoshimitsu's second son lived in
Takeda, in the province of Kai, and his family became known by
the name Takeda. Subsequently, the techniques of
Daito Ryu were passed on to successive generations as secret
techniques of the Takeda house, and were made known only to
family members and retainers. When Takeda Kunitsugu moved
to Aizu in 1574, the techniques came to be known as
Aizu-todome (secret techniques).
During the 16th century, Japan
was embroiled in civil wars. Each feudal lord
(Daimyo) struggled to maintain a powerful independent
position within the country. In order to do so, each Daimyo
had to create a stable, unified force of his own, which
required a very strong bond between the lord and his bushi.
Bushido, the code of the Samurai, encouraged the
development of combat techniques, cultivated the qualities of
justice, benevolence, politeness and honour; above all
inculcated the idea of supreme loyalty to lord and
cause.
It was during this period of
independence and feudal isolation that combat forms developed
into numerous ryu.
|
|
|
| Aikijujutsu and Its Social
Background
The next two and a half
centuries (Tokugawa period) were relatively peaceful for
Japan. The Samurai, as a class, saw little combat, though they
continued to practice and refine the various martial arts of
kenjutsu, iajutsu, bajutsu, and
forms of jujutsu. Ju is a Chinese word
meaning pliable, harmonious, adaptable, or yielding;
jutsu means technique. As a collective term applied
to all fighting forms, jujutsu came into existence
long after the forms it describes originated. Jujutsu's golden
age extended from the late 17th century to the mid-19th
century.
As the martial arts (and all
Japanese culture) became strongly influenced by Buddhist
concepts, the fighting arts were transformed from combat
techniques (Bugei) into "ways" (Budo),
stressing self-discipline, self-perfection, and a certain
philosophy of life. The dimensions of the martial arts
expanded beyond the simple objective of killing an enemy to
include many aspects of everyday living. Particularly after
the decline of the samurai class, the martial "techniques"
became martial "ways", and a great emphasis was placed upon
the study of Budo as a means of generating the moral strength
necessary to build a strong and vital society.
At that time, Aikido was known
by many names, and remained an exclusively samurai practice
handed down within the Takeda family until Japan emerged from
isolation in the Meiji period. The Meiji restoration
(1868) brought not only the return of Imperial supremacy, but
also a westernized culture, political, and economic way of
life to Japan. The samurai, as a class, virtually
disappeared under a new constitution that proclaimed all
classes equal, but the essence of Bushido, cultivated for many
centuries, continued to play an important part in the daily
lives of the Japanese. Budo, being less combative and more
concerned with the spiritual discipline by which one elevates
oneself mentally and physically, were more attractive to the
common people and were readily taken up by all classes, and
people of every social strata. Accordingly, kenjutsu
became kendo, iajutsu became iaido,
jojutsu became jodo, and jujutsu
became judo.
|
|
|
|
Aikido Founder Morihei
Ueshiba
Aikido, a
traditional Japanese martial art, was developed in the early part of
this century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), now known as O-Sensei
(venerable teacher).
Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, the Aikido Kaiso (founder), was born in
1883 in Tanabe, a coastal town in southern Japan. From the
time of his youth, he studied various martial arts, eventually
including sumo, swordsmanship, spear technique, staff technique, and
various styles of jujutsu, particularly the Yagyu and Daito styles.
From
youth, Ueshiba also appears to have been a deeply sensitive and
spiritual person. Eventually influenced by the charismatic
spiritual leader and artist Onisaburo Deguchi, he came to view his
martial training as a means of personal purification and spiritual
training.
The time of O-Sensei’s life saw Japan involved in some of the
most violent conflicts of the 20th century, culminating in the
Pacific war. However, it was during this time that he founded
Aikido and declared it to be a way of joining the peoples of the
world together in peace. In this way, Aikido is truly Budo - a
martial Way - rather than simply a bujutsu (martial technique) or
bugei (martial art). When martial training is undertaken not
simply as a means to conquer others, but as a means to refine and
perfect the self, this can be said to be Budo. The famous
motto of O-Sensei, “Masakatsu Agatsu”, contains the essence of the
spirit of Aikido: “True victory is victory over the self.”
The Kaiso’s incredible technical expertise and charisma brought
him tremendous support from high-ranking military officers,
government personnel, and the Imperial family during his life.
Following his death in 1969, he was posthumously awarded an Imperial
medal for his unique contributions. However, recognitions and
honors aside, it was the universality of his insights, and his
vision of the martial Way being open to all sincere persons
internationally, which have led to the phenomenal growth of
Aikido. The noblest philosophies and intentions of the samurai
have become a part of world culture, and give spiritual sustenance
to millions of persons of all cultures; this is largely due to the
groundbreaking influence of Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei.
Late Aikido Doshu Kisshomaru
Ueshiba
 Kisshomaru
Ueshiba, Nidai Doshu (the second “master of the Way” of Aikido), son
of Morihei Ueshiba, was born in 1922. From early youth, he
trained under the guidance of his father. During the confusion
of the wartime period, when allied fire-bombings reduced much of
Tokyo to ruins, it was he who remained in the city and preserved the
original dojo building. Following the war, as Aikido entered
its golden age and began to attract public attention, he was
instrumental in leading and organizing what would become the Zaidan
Hojin Aikikai – the government-recognized, not-for-profit
organization which exists today as the center of world Aikido.
Upon the death of O-Sensei in 1969, Kisshomaru Ueshiba was named the
second Doshu of Aikido.
From that time on,
Doshu quietly went about the business of spreading Aikido
internationally. The tremendous expansion of the art, and the
now millions of practitioners, can largely be called his
creation. It was he who coordinated the sending of Japanese
Shihan overseas, thereby founding and developing the seeds of large
organizations in other nations. He also maintained the strong
support of government officials and businessmen in Japan, and built
new support of this kind internationally. His many
publications of Aikido technique and philosophy have further spread
Aikido’s influence. The high educational and professional
standards of Aikido, and the respect it has gained, are a result of
these efforts.
In 1999 Kisshomaru Ueshiba died in Tokyo, having successfully
transformed the vision of his father into an international movement.
| Aikido Doshu Moriteru
Ueshiba
Moriteru Ueshiba, son of Kisshomaru Ueshiba, was named the
Sandai (third) Doshu shortly after his father’s death; before
that time, he had served as the Aikikai Hombu Dojo-cho
(headquarters dojo director). Now taking over the
leadership of the Aikikai organization, Doshu brings to his
position an already full life of training and
instruction. The Aikido world has high expectations
that, under his leadership, Aikido will continue to grow and
expand in fulfillment of O-Sensei’s dream. |
 | Aikido Shihan
Fumio Toyoda
Fumio Toyoda Shihan was uchideshi under the late Doshu Kisshomaru
Ueshiba, and trained also under Koichi Tohei Sensei, the former
Chief Instructor at Hombu Dojo. As a professional instructor
at Aikido World Headquarters, Toyoda Shihan had the opportunity to
train and travel across Japan, eventually establishing himself in
the United States. Committed to spreading the direct lineage
of Ueshiba Aikido, Toyoda Shihan is actively engaged in developing
the next generation of shihan-level instructors through his
uchideshi training program, national instructor seminars, and other
events. Quality, professional Aikido instruction is the key to
the future survival and growth of Aikido; this effort has become the
hallmark of Toyoda Shihan's organizational activities. In this
way, the lineage of Aikido will continue strongly into the coming
generations.
|
