aiki_jujitsu

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Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu was created and refined by the Minamoto clan of eastern Japan.

The history of Aiki Jujutsu can be traced through this family as far back as the 10th century. Aiki Jujutsu was officially brought to public attention by Sokaku Takeda Minamoto Masa Yoshi and is still taught today by the Takeda family in Japan. Aiki Jujutsu is mentioned in a book called the Kojiki ( book of ancient things ) which was written in 712 AD. Members of the Takeda family were famed for their incredible fighting ability and their scientific approach to the study of martial arts. In 1087 AD, Yoshimitsu Takeda dissected and examined the bodies of enemy soldiers in order to determine the range of motion that each joint possesses. This study was the basis for Kansetsu Waza or joint techniques. For over 30 generations, Aiki Jujutsu has been passed through the Takeda family.

WHAT IS AIKI? Aiki is a martial art discipline that is ancient and steeped in tradition. It could be called the art of the Takeda Samurai, but it is also an intrinsic part of all Japanese martial arts. The term Aiki has many meanings. One meaning is subduing an opponent with the absolute minimum amount of physical force. When technique is properly executed it is felt in the bones, joints, muscles and all connective tissues of the body. Aiki Jujutsu is often call an 'elegantly violent' martial art.

Aiki Jujutsu weapons include the sword(Katana), the Jo staff, tanto, kasa, tessen, and the nawa.

Basic Knowledge There are many techniques and principles that an Aiki-Jujutsu student must understand fully before any training can begin. Without a thorough working knowledge of these principles it is impossible to be a successful student.

Kamae Kamae is simply proper posture and stances. All of the natural movements of Aiki Ju jutsu originate from correct posture. These postures are, SHIZENTAI, HIDARI GAMAE, MIGI GAMAE, and SEIZA. SHIZENTAI- This is simply a normal standing position with feet about shoulder width apart and the weight evenly distributed. From this stance we move to either right or left gamae.

HIDARI/MIGI GAMAE These are oblique postures with either the left or right foot placed one half . step ahead of the other. The entire body should be light and flexible, without tension, and ready to counter any changes. The body shape should be that of an equilateral tetrahedron since this triangular shape is

the most stable and becomes a sphere when turned or spun.

MA-AI

Ma-ai is simply distance. When you face an opponent you should be able to engage that opponent within a distance that allows for necessary movement. The actual space between two people is important to establish the flow of KI as well as manouverability. Ma-ai varies according to situation and requires practice to understand.

KI NO NAGARE Ki no nagare is the flow of Ki. This may seem mystical to those who have never experienced the flow of ki. Ki is essentially life force or even the spirit. It is possible to freely activate this Ki which produces a tremendous rise in a persons level of power. KI is originated in the Hara and radiated throughout the body and out through the extremities to produce tremendous power.

TAI-SABAKI Tai sabaki is simply body-movement. Our objective is to become like a spinning top. At all times you must try to draw your opponent into your axis. This movement must be positive and smooth, no matter what tries to interfere with it.

Ukemi Ukemi waza means 'breakfalling techniques'. Breakfalling is simply the practice of falling correctly and without injury. Obviously these techniques require much practice and repetition, especially since the techniques of Aiki Jujutsu do not always allow for easy falls. Students of Aiki must learn proper front, side, back, and various rolling breakfalls in order to avoid injury.

Nage Waza Nage waza means 'throwing techniques'. Aiki Jujutsu contains many throws that are based on classic martial tradition.

Koshi Nage.................................................................Hip throw Shiho Nage.................................................................Four corner throw Irimi Nage...................................................................Entering throw Kaiten Nage................................................................Rotary throw Kote Gaeshi................................................................Wrist out-turn Tenchi Nage...............................................................Heaven and Earth throw Guruma Nage.............................................................Wheel throw Aiki Otoshi..................................................................Aiki Drop Sumi Otoshi................................................................Corner drop Atama Nage................................................................Head Throw Ude Osae Nage..........................................................Arm Pinning Throw

Juji Garami Nage........................................................Cross/Entanglement Throw Ashi Nage...................................................................Foot Throw Ashi Osae Nage..........................................................Leg Pinning Throw

Katame Waza Katame Waza means locking or pinning techniques. Aiki Jujutsu has an infinite number of these techniques once the basic dynamics of the art are understood. These techniques are meant to be very painful and must be performed with proper aiki to be effective.

Ude-Osae..................................................................Arm Pin Kote-Mawashi............................................................Wrist In-Turn Kote Hineri.................................................................Wrist Twist Tekubi-Osae..............................................................Wrist-Pin Munae-Osae..............................................................Chest Pin Sebono-Osae.............................................................Spine Lock Yubi-Osae..................................................................Finger Pin Kata-Osae..................................................................Shoulder Pin

Shime Waza Shime waza means choking techniques. These techniques are not for beginners or for children and must only be taught by qualified instructors. All practice involving chokes must be done with the utmost care to ensure that there are no injuries in the Dojo.

Ne Waza Ne Waza means ground techniques. Every student of Aiki must become comfortable on the ground and be proficient at escaping from pins as well as applying controlling locks on the ground. Many joint techniques must be mastered in order to control an opponent on the ground.