Practical Martial Arts Association

I managed to win the Tozando 2019 Essay writing contest with my article Olympics & Budo - A Questionable Mix .  I believe I was lucky in selecting a good topic on which to write.  I do feel that I should have put a little more time into it given the wide audience it will reach, however, it is a reasonably good example of the sort of opinion piece one would find on this blog.

When I started Jujutsu in 1992, there wasn’t an easy way to find out what other people actually did in terms of martial arts, especially from the comfort of one’s favourite chair.  Books on the subject, much like today, were either quite general, too specific or a loose collection of drivel that relied on the cover and title to get you in (clickbait for books – readbait?) and best left on the shelf altogether. This is one of the reasons for this blog – I try to give Jujutsu people a small insight into what other people do – and it is for this reason there are not all that many articles purely on Jujutsu on a blog called Jujutsukan. Strangely enough, Jujutsu people are at an advantage over many others when it comes to understanding what other people do – because what other people do is a lot more uniform than what comes under the umbrella term of Jujutsu (especially in terms of Japanese arts). If someone tells you that they do Judo, BJJ, Kendo or the like you can immediately have a ...

Asymmetry is a crucial factor in considering the strategic precepts of Jujutsu.  Continuing with the theme of concepts illustrated by Jukendo kata, I will attempt to articulate why this concept is so important and as an aside, how many 'modern' martial arts (or more specifically combat sports) can often be subject to the pitfall of symmetry. I'd start by reminding the reader that I do not know anything about Jukendo other than what I observe, and therefore would not rely on my thoughts if constructing an essay on the essence of Jukendo.  We do however find in the Jukendo kata something that is often missing - comprehensive asymmetry. The kata do not simply include fixed bayonet vs fixed bayonet for Jukendo and bayonet vs bayonet for Tankendo.  There is fixed bayonet vs bayonet, fixed bayonet vs sword and bayonet vs sword - all of which contain successful outcomes for both sides.  This comprehensive asymmetry is a rare treasure. The essence of my own school's strategi...

So far we have had a brief look at the scope and scale of Japanese Intelligence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.  We have also had a brief look at the facts that: As early as 1896 Ryohei Uchida had begun using the Kodokan as cover for the right wing activities of Toyama’s Genyosha and his own Black Dragons. Other Jujutsu dojo were already being used as intelligence posts in Southeast Asia. The practice of martial arts, especially Jujutsu & Judo was an excellent cover, facilitating travel, access to police, military and political officers and premises. The dojo itself as an excellent choice of a cover premises allowing fraternisation of local and itinerant personal, including military personal, without raising suspicion. Determining the exact make-up of martial artists, dojo and intelligence networks is nigh on impossible from the top down, but we can consider the implications to Jujutsu and shed new light on Judo in the process. Let us consider the common fable of Jud...

In 1896, Ryohei Uchida (a skilled martial artist from Fukuoka who had been training at the Kodokan in Tokyo whilst studying Russian) established the first overseas Judo dojo, in Vladivostok. In the photo, Ryohei is on the extreme left, Jigoro Kano is seated in the middle.  Ryohei was a key member of Mitsuru Toyama's Genyosha (Dark Ocean Society) and founded the Kokuryukai (Black Dragon Society) in 1901. He founded the dojo on the grounds of the Higashi Hongan-ji Mission, across the road from the naval academy.  The dojo in Vladivostok was run by six hand-picked men to specifically cater to young Russian military officers.  Japan would be at war with Russia by 1904. With their substantial funding, the Genyōsha and Kokuryūkai were able to establish an extensive infrastructure to aid in their intelligence activities. Along with a training establishment in Sapporo for the training of agents, the Genyōsha would also found a Chinese headquarters (HQ) at Hankou, with a bran...

At the end of the 19th and into the early 20th century, the access abroad obtainable to ‘Jiu-jitsu’ (as it was commonly referred to at the time) men (often wrestlers) was quite extraordinary.  These men spread out across the globe - Asia, North and South America, Europe - the interest in Japanese martial arts, especially unarmed methods, was riding high.   Jiu-jitsu, including Judo, was demonstrated at the Whitehouse, and demonstration and teaching was commonly carried out at western military academies and law enforcement institutions. Early pioneers found what was to be a most excellent occupation in terms of accessing people and places and enabling movement from place to place. The SOE gave the following advice to its agents in training with regards to their selected occupation, as part of their cover: a. Cover occupation …a real one is best.  An occupation is necessary:- i To account for presence in locality. ii To explain the source of livelihood… The Job which you...

Katame-waza ura-no-kata  (固め技裏の形 Katame-waza ura-no-kata, "forms of reversing controlling techniques") is a judo kata that can be considered as a complement to Mifune Kyūzō's Nage-waza ura-no-kata, but that instead focuses on counter-attacks to controlling techniques rather than throwing techniques. It was compiled by Itō Kazuo from techniques developed by other Japanese newaza experts, and is not an officially recognized Kodokan kata.

Nage-waza ura-no-kata  (投業裏の形 Nage-waza ura-no-kata, "forms of reversing throwing techniques") is a judo kata that, like the Gonosen-no-kata, focuses on counter-attacks to throwing techniques. It was developed by Mifune Kyūzō, and is not an officially recognized Kodokan kata. Techniques Uki otoshi countered by Tai otoshi Seoinage countered by Yoko guruma Kata guruma countered by Sumi gaeshi Tai otoshi countered by Kotsuri goshi Obi otoshi countered by O guruma Okuriashi harai countered by Tsubame gaeshi Kouchi gari countered by Hiza Guruma Ouchi gari countered by Ouchi gaeshi Sasae tsurikomi ashi countered by Sumi otoshi Uchi mata countered by Tai otoshi Hane goshi countered by Kari gaeshi Harai goshi countered by Ushiro goshi Han goshi countered by Utsuri goshi Uki goshi countered by Yoko...

Gonosen-no-kata  (後の先の形, Forms of counter-attack) is a judo kata that focuses on counter-attacks to throwing techniques. It is not an officially recognized kata of judo, but its importance is attested to by its inclusion in Kawaishi's The complete seven katas of judo. Writing in the early post-war period, Kawaishi described the kata as being practiced less in Japan than in Europe. However, according to recent scholarly research, gonosen-no-kata likely never even existed in Japan. After Japanese judoka from Waseda University in Tokyo visited England in the 1920s and publicly demonstrated several counter-techniques developed at their home University, the exercises were henceforth in Britain (and later in France and other parts of Europe) represented as a formalized kata and practiced and taught that way by Kawaishi Mikinosuke, Koizumi Gunji, Ōtani Masutarō, and Tani Yukio. Techniques Osoto Gari countered by Osoto Gari Hiza Guruma countered by Hiza Guruma Ouchi Gari countered by Tsuba...

Joshi-goshinhō  (女性護身法, Methods of self-defence for women). An exercise completed in 1943, and of which the development was ordered by Jiro Nango, the second Kodokan president.

Seiryoku Zen'yo Kokumin Taiiku no Kata  (精力善用国民体育の形 Maximum-Efficiency National Physical Education Kata) is a set of physical exercises that are part of judo. Its stated purpose is to promote the development of strong, healthy minds and bodies in an interesting and useful way. It consists of two groups of exercises, one to be practiced alone, the other with a partner.

Koshiki no Kata  (古式の形 Koshiki-no-kata, Form of the antique things) Again this is compiled from online sources as there is little need to reinvent the wheel. The a kata (a set of prearranged techniques) in Judo. It is also known as Kito-ryu no Kata. It consists of 21 techniques originally belonging to the Takenaka-ha Kito School of jujutsu. The set of forms is antique and were intended for "Kumiuchi", the grappling of armored warriors in the feudal ages. As such, the kata is to be performed with both partners imagining that they are clad in armor.  The Koshiki-no-kata, together with Nage-no-kata, Katame-no-kata, Ju-no-kata, Kime-no-kata and Goshin-Jitsu, is recognised by the International Judo Federation (IJF.) Techniques Omote (Front) 1 Tai (Ready Posture) 2 Yume-no-uchi (Dreaming) 3 Ryokuhi (Strength Dodging) 4 Mizu-guruma (Water Wheel) 5 Mizu-nagare (Water Flow) 6 Hikiotoshi (Draw Drop) 7 Ko-daore (Log Fall) 8 Uchikudaki (Smashing) 9 Tani-otoshi (Valley D...

Itsutsu-no-kata  (五の形, "forms of five") This summary is mostly from online sources. is a kata (a set of prearranged techniques) in Judo. It consists of five techniques, known only by their number. Although popular media generally claim that it was developed by Jigoro Kano, recent scientific research has conclusively shown that the kata predates the foundation of Kodokan judo and that Jigoro Kano took it from Tenjin Shinyō-ryū jujutsu and merely imported it into judo after he made minor amendments to it.  The kata is considered unfinished. However, a completed performance version of the kata, expanded to ten techniques, was recently presented under the name Tō-no-kata (十の形, "forms of ten"). The techniques of Itsutsu-no-kata are composed of gentle movements evocative of natural forces. Techniques • Ichi - direct concentrated energy - direct push • Ni - deflection - avoid and use Uki otoshi • San - circular energy or whirlpool - using form of Yoko wakare...

Gō-no-kata  (剛の形, Forms of force). One of the oldest kata, created but either unfinished by Kano or completely out of favour, comprising ten forms that supposedly illustrate the efficient use of force and resistance. Now rarely practiced. A detailed article on JudoInfo.com can be found here . Below is the closest demonstration to what seems to be the original kata descriptions I can find.

Ju no Kata  (柔の形 Jū-no-kata, "forms of gentleness") Ju no Kata consists of three sets of techniques and is performed by a pair of people one acting as an Uke and the other a Tori. The kata can be performed without wearing a judogi and, as it doesn't involve the completion of any throws, does not need to be performed in a dojo. Ju-no-Kata was created by Jigoro Kano around 1887 (I would point out it is worth looking into what was created by Kano and what was imported if this is of interest to you, I intend to address this in the future). First Set • Tsuki-dashi (Hand Thrust) • Kata-oshi (Shoulder Push) • Ryo-te-dori (Two-Hand Hold) • Kata-mawashi (Shoulder Turn) • Ago-oshi (Jaw Push) Second Set • Kiri-oroshi (Downward Cut) • Ryo-kata-oshi (Two-Shoulder Push) • Naname-uchi (Slanting Strike) • Kata-te-dori (One-Hand Hold) • Kata-te-age (One-Hand Lift) Third Set • Obi-tori (Belt Grab) • Mune-oshi...

Kōdōkan goshinjutsu (講道館護身術, Kodokan skills of self-defence) This a set of prearranged self-defence forms in Judo. It is the most recent kata of Judo, having been created in 1956. It incorporates techniques from aikido through the influence of Kenji Tomiki ( note there is no attribution of this fact in the source material) . It consists of several techniques to defend oneself from; unarmed attack, attack with a dagger, with a stick, and with a gun. Against unarmed attack When held • Ryote-dori (Two-Hand Hold) • Hidari-eri-dori (Left-lapel Hold) • Migi-eri-dori (Right-lapel Hold) • Kataude-dori (Single-Arm Hold) • Ushiro-eri-dori (Collar Hold from Behind) • Ushiro-jime (Choke from Behind) • Kakae-dori (Seize and Hold from Behind) At a distance • Naname-uchi (Slanting Strike) • Ago-tsuki (Uppercut) • Gammen-tsuki (Thrust-Punch to Face) • Mae-geri (Front Kick) • Yoko-geri...

Kime No Kata The following is compiled from online sources - note that the translations are from those sources.  There is a difference in understanding what the Kime No Kata is now, and how it came about - this post is only to do with what it is now. Kata of Kodokan Judo Revised, 1968 - “Applying techniques of throwing and grappling to which body attack techniques are added, Kime no Kata is formulated to aim to acquire the most basic and effective way of defending ourselves from the unexpected attack of others. Kime no Kata is composed of 8 techniques applicable by kneeling posture, and 12 techniques by standing posture. The practice of Kime no Kata aims to study not only the principle of defence and counterattack but also the principle of manipulative body movement. In the practice of Kime no Kata, tori and uke should breathe in good harmony with each other, and further, tori has to work his body manipulatively without laying himself open to to an attack of uke." Idori (kneeling ...

Katame No Kata Initially the kata consisted of ten techniques. These were subsequently appended, bringing the number to fifteen. The katame-no-kata consists of fifteen techniques, grouped in three categories: Osaekomi-waza (押込技, holding or pinning techniques) Shime-waza (絞技, strangulation techniques) Kansetsu-waza (関節技, Joint techniques (locks)) Osae-komi-waza Kesa-gatame (in the Kuzure-kesa-gatame variant) Kata-gatame Kami-shiho-gatame Yoko-shiho-gatame Kuzure-kami-shiho-gatame Shime-waza Kata-juji-jime Hadaka-jime Okuri-eri-jime Kata ha jime Gyaku-juji-jime Kansetsu-waza Ude-garami Ude-hishigi-juji-gatame Ude-hishigi-ude-gatame Ude-hishigi-hiza-gatame Ashi-garami There are 29ish official Kodokan grappling techniques - the leg entanglement is one of four Kinishi-waza or techniques forbidden in Randori.  The Kodokan have released a detailed instructional guide to this kata which is included below.

Nage No Kata The following is compiled from online source. Initially the kata consisted of ten techniques. These were subsequently appended with the addition of a further five throws, including kata guruma and sumi otoshi. The kata is composed of 3 techniques each from the five classifications of throw in judo: Te-waza (手技, hand techniques) Koshi-waza (腰技, hip techniques) Ashi-waza (足技, foot techniques) Ma-sutemi-waza (真捨身技, rear sacrifice techniques) Yoko-sutemi-waza (橫捨身技, side sacrifice techniques) Each of these 15 techniques is performed twice in the specified order, both right and left handed. The kata is generally performed in a strictly formalised manner with clearly defined Reigi sahō (礼儀作法, rules of etiquette). Te-waza Uki otoshi  Seoi nage  Kata guruma  Koshi-waza Uki goshi  Harai goshi  Tsurikomi goshi  Ashi-waza Okuriashi harai  Sasae tsurikomi ashi  Uchi mata  Ma-sutemi-waza Tomoe nage  Ura nage  Sumi gaeshi  Yoko-...

It should be noted that most Judoka concentrate on Nagewaza, Katamewaza and Shimewaza for Randori for most of their early training.  Also, note that not all of the techniques are contained within the kata - for example the Nage No Kata only has 15 throws however there are around 62 official throwing techniques. The following outline is compiled from internet sources, mostly edited from wikipedia. Randori  (free practice) Judo pedagogy emphasizes randori (乱取り, literally "taking chaos", but meaning "free practice"). This term covers a variety of forms of practice, and the intensity at which it is carried out varies depending on intent and the level of expertise of the participants. At one extreme, is a compliant style of randori, known as Yakusoku geiko (約束稽古, prearranged practice), in which neither participant offers resistance to their partner's attempts to throw. A related concept is that of Sute geiko (捨稽古, throw-away practice), in which an experienced judoka ...