Modern Versus Traditional Jujutsu
Goshinjutsu – moving with the times
This long-ish page is based on an article by Kevin O’Hagan that I pulled out of a jujutsu magazine about 12 years ago. I thought at the time ‘…that’s absolutely right‘ and stuck it in my folder.
I was trying to move away from the ‘…but that’s the way it’s always been done – just do it…‘ fraternity.
The pages are yellowing now, but I feel it’s worth putting here in a truncated form to show the discussions I still have with potential students who want to train in a classical or traditional or sports way. I don’t have a problem with that – it’s just not a long path I personally want to go down anymore. There are couple of other martial art articles elsewhere on this site on the same theme.
Out of ALL the martial arts jujutsu is probably one of the most complex there is!
Different people will view the art in different ways. For instance, at present with the explosion of Gracie/Brazilian Ju Jitsu on the martial arts scene some will view it as grappling and ground fighting. Older people may remember Jujutsu as the first Asian martial art to hit Europe and the UK. Others may remember training in Jujutsu close quarter combat in the forces as far back as World War 2 and just after.
Other people, when they think of the art, may think of feudal Japan and Samurai Warriors, codes of Bushido, etc. No-one is wrong with any of these observations because all are correct in their own way.
Jujutsu is all the above things and more. It has transcended time, even though it is probably one of the oldest forms of combat known to man. Jujutsu is a blanket term for many early forms of unarmed and armed close quarter fighting with many styles within it. It cannot really be pigeon-holed into one category. Some styles are purely grappling, others mainly throws, others just locks and others strikes, although most are a blend of all these things.
There are as stated many systems, Jujutsu, Kempo, Kempo Jujutsu, Hakku Tyu, Aiki Jujutsu, Goshin Jutsu, Juku Ryu, Yawara and many more, just as Karate is a blanket term for lots of systems (Shotokan, Wado, etc, etc).
But how does the modern Jujutsu systems differ from the older traditional ones?
I would like to give some observations based on the modern and progressive jujutsu I teach (Kempo Goshin Jutsu). The name isn’t important it is the concepts and technique. First let me state I have had extensive training in the traditional side of jujutsu and Aiki Jutsu and those arts formed the basis of my knowledge – but you have to move on if you believe it’s right.
The traditional arts taught me discipline, respect and humility.
Most of these things are lacking in the arts today.
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| Classical block against an unrealistic punching attack | More adaptable block to a ’street’ type punching scenario |
Modern approach
The first major thing in the modern approach is accepting the modes of violence and the perpetrators of violence have changed. Most traditional arts are fighting against the attackers of ‘old’. Today’s enemy is a different `animal’, the types of attack, rituals, street speak, weapons used are totally different from centuries ago, we must realise this and base your system on it, if it is claiming to be street orientated.
With this in mind we practise a lot of pre-emptive and attacking Jujutsu techniques.
Working on set ups, then using pre-emptive strikes backed up by sweeps, takedowns, strangles, etc. This is quite unique as most Jujutsu Arts are defensive in nature dealing with what to do after you are grabbed, punched, kicked, etc. Although you should address these scenarios your art will be seriously lacking if that is all you address and you are in danger of being seriously hurt on the streets without pre-emptive technique.
Next difference is stance, the traditional arts will 9 times out of 10 have large, deep stances. These inhibit quick movement and footwork when needed, plus they will expose you to attacks from front, side and back more easily. The stance may be strong from the front but will probably expose the groin. From the side you can be easily pushed off balance. From the rear that back leg is open to stomps against the knees.
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1. Impact training essential for the modern martial artist.
2. Pinning with one knee gives you more mobility and vision.
We work out of a small compact and mobile 45% stance the way you would normally stand if you were stood at a bus stop, taxi rank, bar, etc, etc
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