Jujutsu is the traditional empty-handed art of the Japanese warrior: strikes, parries, joint locks, throws and controls, designed to deal with one or more opponents, armed or unarmed. Nihon Jujutsu — literally “Japanese jujutsu” — is the name we use for this classical approach: a martial art built on principles of distance, timing and body use, with no sport rules and no competition. It is not Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Our roots

Our jujutsu comes from the Nihon Tai Jutsu tradition, a method of self-defense based on the teaching of Minoru Mochizuki, founder of Yoseikan Aikido, himself a student of Jigoro Kano, Morihei Ueshiba and many other masters of judo, aikido, karate, kendo, iaido and jojutsu. It is organized into a clear, progressive programme and recognized in Japan by the Seibukan Academy of Kyoto.

Principles used within Nihon Jujutsu are: – Parries made in the move – Actions applied on joints and tender points – Techniques starting from a distance from the opponent, always preceded and followed by strikes

The techniques are classified to be easier to learn. Nihon Jujutsu can be practiced by all and does not include violent falls or competition. It is a set of techniques of self-defense, not a means of attack.

Broadened by other studies

Over the years, this core has been enriched by two other fields of research:

– Kishinkai Aikido: a style of Aikido centered on developing inner and outer consciousness, through the practice of martially effective movements. Its attention to principles of movement, relaxation, timing and structure brings depth and refinement to the techniques of jujutsu. Kishinkai is neither a federation nor a traditional school (koryu), but a current of practice founded by Leo Tamaki, Issei Tamaki, Julien Coup and Tanguy Le Vourc’h, inspired by masters such as Tamura Nobuyoshi, Kuroda Tetsuzan, Hino Akira, Kono Yoshinori and Akuzawa Minoru. The name Kishinkai (喜振会) can be understood as “the association, the group that practices in joy”.

– Bujutsu Tanren: the body conditioning work developed through years of study within Aunkai, which gives techniques a stronger baseline — see Bujutsu Tanren.

In practice

Classes work strikes, distance management, parries, locks, throws and controls, from fixed forms to freer practice, always in a martial framework. Practitioners coming from karate, judo, aikido or other arts are welcome: the training is progressive and each person works at their own level.

Weapons work is trained under the same principles — see Kenjutsu.