The term Goshin Jutsu is used to describe modern martial arts (Gendai) which are based on Traditional Japanese (Nihon) Ju Jutsu but the purpose of which is self defence (Goshin) for the modern day. We could perhaps refer to such arts of Gendai Goshin Jutsu (Modern self defence art). There are many different forms of Gendai Goshin Jutsu some of these have been established in the West combining the techniques of Karate, Judo and Aikido and perhaps some wrestling methods indigenous to the areas in which they have developed. There are also those forms of Ju Jutsu that have evolved from purely Japanse martial arts an which are known as Nihon Gendai Goshin Jutsu (Modern self defence arts with a strong Japanese origin.or influence) or more simply as Nihon Goshin Jutsu (Japanese style self defence art). Clearly then there are many different styles of Ju Jutsu in the modern age.

Our Kai was at one time called Goshin Kempo Ju Jutsu Kai but the name was changed briefly to Nihon Go Shin Kempo Ju Jutsu Kai. This name change was in order to help emphasise the Japanese style Goshin Jutsu techniques in the style practised, at the same time it also allowed for us to be distinguished from another Ju Jitsu group that used a similar name, but to which we are unrelated.

In the mid 1990's the Kai became known by its divisions Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu and Hakuda Ryu Kempo which emphasised different facets of our art. Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu is the Kobu Jutsu & Ju Jutsu and Hakuda Ryu is the Kempo Jutsu & Kobudo of what was once Nihon Goshin Kempo Ju Jutsu Kai.

Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu is often classified as a Ju Jutsu style though its actual origins are in Kempo Jutsu. This perspective accepts the view that at least some Ju Jutsu techniques and the grappling aspects seen in Okinawan arts, that may be classified as Ju Jutsu, stem from the Chinese grappling arts such as Chin Na and San Shou.

The Goshin Ju Jutsu that one learns about when they first come to our Dojo is based on the principles of Tai Sabaki (Body Movement) and Tai No Shintai  (Locomotion or foot movement) Two of the first principles to be learnt are:

Tenkan

Moving out of the way of an armed or unarmed attack.

Irimi

Entering from a position outside of the opponents armed or unarmed attack.

Tenkan (Evasion) enables a beginner to understand the principle of Ju (Yielding) which can lead to the unbalancing (Kuzushi) of the opponent enabling for the application of strikes (Atemi) and Kansetsu Waza (Locking Techniques) and teaches the principle of Go No Sen.

Ju is a term that is used to describe an art (Jutsu) in which there is yielding, pliability and suppleness. The first principle of our Goshin Jutsu (Self Defence Art) is where the force of an opponents attack can be guided in such a way as to lead to that attack becoming the undoing of its initiator.

Irimi (Entering) enables the beginner to gain some insight into the principle of:

Sen No Sen (Attacking before the opponent)

and

Tai No Sen (Attacking at same time as opponent),

Go No Sen (Where one has already yielded to an attack)

Whilst at the same time learning the basic techniques of:

1. Kamae: Posture

2. Tai No Shintai:  Footwork

3. Tai Sabaki: Body Movement

4. Kokyu:  Breathing methods

5. Atemi Waza:  Striking Methods,

6. Kansetsu Waza:  Locking Methods

7. Taiho Jutsu:  Restraint Methods

8. Nage Waza: Throwing Methods

9. Kime Waza: Projection Methods.

When People come to train with us they will not only learn martial arts techniques which are beneficial for health, fitness and improved co-ordination but will hopefully gain some insight into the complex cultural, philosophical and historical aspects of the martial arts. For further information about classes and seminars in the arts of Nihon Go Shin Kage Ryu and its Goshin Ju Jutsu or Hakuda Ryu Kempo and its Tuite.

Telephone (01245) 382117

e mail Sensei983@yahoo.com