JUJUTSU

Jujutsu is a very old art. Its roots can be traced back to the age of the gods, although most schools practiced today come from the fifteenth - sixteenth centuries.

Jujutsu is usually described as "the gentle art" or the "art of softness" or sometimes called "unarmed combat" these are really not a true description of Jujutsu. Jujutsu is best described as a method of combat, either armed or using minor weapons. When you break down the word 'Jujutsu', the first part 'JU' means soft, but flexible like a steel whip and the second part 'JUTSU' means technique, but 'JUTSU' is not just technique but a complete science including strategies, physical, mental and spiritual techniques.

The Jujutsu in the Tenshin Shobukyoku System is a Gendai (modern) style. The techniques are taken from various traditional ryuha (schools) and includes: Kaiten & Ukemi (rolling & breakfalls), Gyakute (joint locks), Daken (striking), Nage waza (throwing), Atemi (weak points), Kappo (traditional ressucitation). Along with minor weapons such as: Te no Uchi (short stick & rope), Shuriken (throwing spikes & blades), Suntetsu (iron rods for striking atemi), Hojojutsu (tying up with rope), Kusari Fundo (weighted chain), Jutte (iron truncheon)

KOBUDO

In Tenshin Shobukyoku we also study traditional Samurai weapons, but also as a part of Goshinjutsu (self defence) we also use modern day tools like walking sticks, umbrella`s etc..

The traditional weapons that are taught in the Tenshin Shobukyoku system are: Kenjutsu (sword techniques), Iaijutsu (fast sword draw), Tanjo / Hanbojutsu (3ft staff), Jojutsu (4ft staff), Rokushakubo (6ft  staff) etc.

The top two kanji read 'Tenshin' this means the 'true way of heaven' the next three Kanj read 'Shobukyoku' this means an organisation board that shows respect to and desires to learn Martial arts.

TEN = Heaven

SHIN = True

SHO = To respect

BU = Martial

KYOKU = Board, department 

The Tenshin Shobukyoku crest is the crest of the Japanese Emperor. The crest  is a 16 petalled chrysanthemum flower. The chrysanthemum is a medicinal plant and also a talisman against evil.

9^TH KYU = RED BELT

8^TH KYU = YELLOW BELT

7^TH KYU = ORANGE BELT

6^TH KYU = GREEN BELT

5^TH KYU = BLUE BELT

4^TH KYU = PURPLE BELT

3^RD KYU = BROWN BELT

2^ND KYU = BROWN, WHITE STRIPE

1^ST KYU = BROWN, BLACK STRIPE

SHODAN = BLACK BELT