SAMURAI HISTORICAL SPIRIT AND MODERN TRANSITION – Part 2
THE EFFICACY OF TRADITIONAL JUJITSU TO THE MODERN WARRIOR CLASS
By Cmdr Ty “Yoda” Cunningham, M.S., 10th Dan, U.S. Marshals Service (Ret.) #0481-R
https://alaskankempo.wixsite.com/stonedragonhouse
In history there has never been a more thoroughly systematized martial combat style that addresses all the needs in close combat then does jujitsu.
Craig describes jujitsu’s efficiency:
...Ju-Jitsu...is among the most effective and potentially destructive martial arts. It is one of the most ancient martial arts, dating back over 2500 years. Ju-Jitsu is also the basis for many of the more modern arts, including Judo, Aikido and some Karate styles. A student proficient in the art of Ju-Jitsu has studied techniques that can be described to the layman as a combination of Judo (throws and leverage), Aikido (nerve points and attackers’ momentum), Karate (striking and kicking), and other unique martial art techniques. A student proficient in the art has the choice of causing his opponent to sense severe pain and/or dysfunction without any lasting injury taking place.18
It is logical to project the thought that in the purification of jujitsu through battle that it would refine itself to a complete useable system for all cultures. I have often wondered why this particular system of martial prowess has been the backbone for the majority of the military combatives and police defensive tactics systems developed throughout the world. In my own experience of being in the fire of preservation necessity. The needed skills to survive are apparent when the moment of battle is joined. Being in the mix of the fire makes you “do what it will take.” The result of not fulfilling the necessity of truth in conflict has been the result of many fallen officers in the line of duty.
This is unacceptable.
The law enforcement officer and the military soldier are the samurai, elite warriors of today. To accept this mantle or stewardship one should be sober in the realities of the call to duty. You, the officer must face the real probability that you will face your death. Will you trust this moment to skills that you have not purified? If your system of defense does not meet your real duties, then you must fill the gaps. Jujitsu has persevered according to Craig, 2500 years of battlefield experience. It has been able to blend with all cultures, in all nations. It has drifted to the fields of the warriors of today. It is up to you but to grasp these truths.
So why jujitsu? I have found through my studies that the warrior of all ages gets to the point of truth rather quickly when faced with death choices. “Whatever it takes!” I have heard from police and military warriors I respect. My own experiences agree with this statement. It is true that the greatest teacher is one’s own experiences. So now let’s answer, why jujitsu? It comes down to history, efficiency, comprehensiveness, and cultural usability. I just don’t see Scottish Wrestling or Viking Glima (I come from this lineages) permeating the world cultures. Jujitsu has done this! To the victor goes the spoils, I believe the saying goes. Let’s break jujitsu into pieces so that we can look at the anatomy of its essence.
CLOSE COMBAT MORE ACCURATE THAN UNARMED COMBAT
There are some who narrowly define jujitsu as unarmed, only able to be used against someone else who is unarmed. Never in the history of warfare has it been okay to meet even or equal against one’s adversary. The use of force policies on police departments and the rules of engagement in standing armies have set up scales of measurement for engaging in conflict with criminal suspects or the enemy. If I am attacked with someone using their hands I can go to one level above the threat. So, in this case, I can use an intermediate tool such as a Taser, etc. Of course, there are many factors of review, but the bottom line is you don’t have to fight fair. Use justice and be efficient! Jujitsu was developed in the age of weapons like the katana and warriors wearing armor. It meets the needs of time and place in our day as we wear armor and carry a multitude of tools of our profession.
Jujitsu’s basic methods of attack include striking, kicking, throwing, immobilizing, strangling, joint-locking, hand-held tools, etc. The samurai were practical warriors and they took every effort to develop effective methods of defense. I have looked at the ancient systems of jujitsu and it would look to me that the jujitsu arts of the samurai could more accurately be defined as close methods of dealing with an enemy who is armed. In my research, it is clear to me that jujitsu as a term or name could be classified as the samurai’s way of closing the gap with the enemy or what we would call close protection or combat. When the range was not sufficient to use the katana conventionally, then jujitsu was practical to get the job done at close range.
The name of jujitsu has been written and given many meanings throughout history. All of them are logical explanations for this science of battle. Pliancy, yielding, gentle, or military preparedness. The one constant in all jujitsu is the closeness to the center of the one-on-one conflict being the key. When the threat gets inside your tools: enter jujitsu.!
HISTORY
No one has been able to establish the origins of jujitsu formally. There are no records verifying the start point archeologically. Having jujitsu with us today is truth to the existence of jujitsu historically. As long as there has been man on the earth it is sufficient in my estimation to say that man has had to protect himself from his enemies. The intellect of man began at the earliest of time to use the body as the tool scientifically to develop a proper strategic defense system.
Muromachi Period (1333-1573)19
As with all warriors on the battlefield, the primary weapon is a manmade tool of some kind. In the case of the samurai the sword was the primary weapon. Their skill with the sword is legendary. Even having exceptional skill with their primary weapon, the samurai also had contingency plans if their primary weapon became inoperable in any way. They would then have to transition to other means without interrupting the follow of battle. It was in this period that they began developing their close combat methods in battle as a supplement to their primary weapon.
The samurai studied striking, kicking, throwing, joint-capturing, and choking as well as improvised weapons to fulfill the transition. It is in this period that jujitsu finds its formal beginnings. I have found some evidence to suggest that unarmed and armed practice goes back further than this period; however, this is more drawing inferences from sketchy and unverifiable sources.
Even in this period jujitsu was secret. This is natural given operational security. All warrior classes keep in-house methods that they feel will overcome the enemy. This information (intelligence) must be safeguarded at all costs. This cannot fall into enemy hands. As a result, families or daimyo provinces began specializing their combative skills. This process continued until approximately the sixteenth century when jujitsu was more canonized formally. There are still systems today from these jujitsu beginnings. All jujitsu systems throughout the world must give homage to this era.
Edo Period (1600-1868)20
This is the samurai age of the legends like Musashi Miyamoto, who wrote his famous treatise that we still have today (Book of Five Rings). Jujitsu begins its legend during this period with koryu jujitsu systems. Daito-ryu (specializing in joint techniques and attacking the vital areas, Aikido finds roots in this system), Takenouchi-ryu (specializing in rope tying) Kito-ryu (develop an order for formal training in jujitsu, modern judo finds roots in this system), Kyushin-ryu (specializing in attacking the vital areas and methods of resuscitation), and other systems of jujitsu like Sosuishitsu-ryu, Tenshin Shinyo-ryu, Youshin-ryu.
It is this feudal period of which I wrote earlier that has given jujitsu its spirit today.
Meiji Period (1868-1911)21
Moving from feudalism to Imperial rule brought about this period. The samurai class fades and the Imperial soldier replaces them on the battlefield. Weapons are no longer allowed to be carried. The old jujitsu systems, many of which begin to fade away. Split off systems of jujitsu begin to develop to meet the needs of the times. Judo is developed and begins to replace jujitsu because of the restrictions on appropriate applications the jujitsu used on the battlefield were not accepted in an age of relative peace. Judo became Japan’s principal martial art.
Jujitsu styles known as Nihon jujitsu develop like Danzan-ryu and Hakko-ryu. It was the Tokyo Police Department that stepped forward to revitalize the need of jujitsu skills for the new warrior class. The Police and Military. This is the first Police jujitsu (Keisatsujutsu) system in the world. They developed their system and named it the jujitsu style of Taihojitsu, to differentiate it from other systems of jujitsu. Taihojitsu became the name that if you practiced this art, you were a member of the modern warrior class of police officer.
Modern Period (1912-Present)
This is the period that jujitsu leaves Japan and encompasses the world cultures. The first mention of jujitsu outside of Japan, I found to be in the 191422 with a British Officer, Capt. McLaglen who began promoting jujitsu skill. He called his jiu-jitsu, police jiu-jitsu, and began teaching and demonstrating jujitsu to those he could. Some of Capt. McLaglen’s explanations of jujitsu:23
1. It teaches us that the small and apparently weak must not be despised. A slight knowledge of the science puts a man in the position of being able to defend himself against any ruffian who may attack him.
2. Jiujitsu is a system which is built upon the applications of anatomy: a series of interlocking bones which, when once applied, makes it impossible for an opponent to escape.
3. I believe...that I am right in saying that the European population of the world will realize in the future of the great value of this science...
4. To attain such proficiency in jiujitsu as to be able to protect himself, the pupil does not require to wrestle on the floor or to fatigue himself. There is no great strain or labor; nerve control overcomes brute strength.
It is at this early time in this modern period that police and military find that jujitsu is quite adapt at bridging all cultures to assist the warriors in all nations. It is the very meaning of jujitsu’s name that explains jujitsu’s essence, jujitsu’s pliability or adaptability to any practical defense or protection situation, whether defensive or offensive in application. The simplicity of jujitsu, with simple applications, make it the greatest close combat science in all the world.
I believe we owe jujitsu not for how easy it is to specialize from the essence, but from the broad range of its applications. There is no other style of martial art in the world from any culture that focuses on every needed aspect of self-defense as does the science of jujitsu. Every martial science in any culture that is practical has had influence from jujitsu.
Many of the martial sciences of today have adapted to include many of jujitsu’s techniques to fill the gaps of practical inadequacy. This is a testament to jujitsu’s value in our modern technologically advanced society.
Some of the modern styles of jujitsu that have been developed in modern times are US Jujitsu, Small Circle Jujitsu, Modern Police Jujitsu, and many others. These modern systems are considered Goshin Jujitsu systems.
EFFICIENCY, COMPREHENSIVENESS, & CULTURAL USABILITY
Jujitsu efficiency is the practice of which,” ...an application of anatomical knowledge to the purpose of offence or defence”24, can be articulated in battle. The only thing of real importance in the study of jujitsu is to know the correct application to a given stimulus (attack). In other words, when you must defend your life in an attack, “what should I do to neutralize this attack with as little injury to myself and without wasting a great deal of my own energy to do it?”
In the above quote, Dr. Nitobe went further to say: It differs from wrestling; in that it does not depend upon muscular strength.25
If not muscular strength, how is jujitsu articulated for protection? Dr. Nitobe answers the jujitsu question in this manner.
Its feat consists in clutching or striking such part of the enemy’s body as will make him numb and incapable of resistance....to incapacitate one from action for the time being.26
The articulation of any confrontation is balance, entry, and execution. The goal is to neutralize, stop, discontinue, or incapacitate the physical communication directed at you by the adversary. In order to properly articulate, it is critical that an understanding of intent is registered. Regardless of intent the only way to stop aggression is under the premise to achieve personal protection as soon as possible. This is defense. Then, apply offense, when you are assured of security.
Enter anatomical knowledge. If you do not know what to defend or where to attack your efforts become forced.
Enter muscular strength. Battle cannot depend on muscular strength. If so the largest, strongest will always outlast and survive. My knowledge of real survival situations, through practical application and case studies has shown me the fallacy with this kind of thinking.
Enter jujitsu’s feat. If I know where to go (destination - vital areas), how to get there (path way - articulation), and what to do when I get there (Neutralization - clutch or strike), then, the attacker will be incapable of resistance and incapacitation (goal) will occur.
My father27 always re-enforced through his teachings that the protection arts are for personal self-preservation and the protection of another (principal) only. Dr. Nitobe so eloquently categorizes jujitsu’s properties in the same manner. This is the reason why we have jujitsu and other arts of its nature. Only, for the purpose of self-preservation! Darrell Craig28 in quoting Sensei G. Koizumi describes this instinct for self-preservation as the inspiration for the development of “art or skill” for this achievement.
Craig further explains jujitsu’s efficiency and usefulness for true protection:
The deadliest part of true jujitsu is never seen by the naked eye. Jujitsu is thus very analogous to an iceberg, whose size you cannot readily determine because its greater part lies below the water line. The same principle of appearance masking inner strength applies to jujitsu techniques. The old masters of Japan intentionally designed the techniques so that their deadly aspects would not be easily discernable and thus fall into their enemies’ hands...Jujitsu is...deceptive in that it contains rather harmless looking techniques, which carry enormous hidden potential. In the hands of an experienced martial artist, these techniques can easily cripple or kill.29
It is truly unfortunate today that many instructors and technicians of jujitsu do not practice their science for the development of this strategic base instinct and the maintenance of efficiency. In my research, I generalize to the reasons for this. However, that is not the purpose of this article. I am compelled to add my studies and applications to the many wonderful written works on the subject of executive protection, close protection, and close combat (jujitsu).
The records of jujitsu from the ancient past are few (as described earlier). It is a living tradition past from father to son and from master to disciple. Their day like ours is time constricting. Theirs for being technologically deficient, primitively structured, and battle dependent. Ours for being technically saturated, primitively absent, and battle interdependent. The ancients (Koryu-old style) were occupied with battle, the use of the skill. The moderns (gendai - new ways) is occupied with peace, the non-use of the skill. Therefore, the science of martial skill has been replaced with the art of martial beauty. In my case, however, I have spent the majority of my life using what I call Modern Battlefield Jujitsu or Modern Police Jujitsu; thus, Taihojutsu as well as the teaching of my families Alaskan Kempo Jujitsu System for the purpose of self-preservation, only. So, for my students (police and military) and I, our Alaskan Taihojutsu is for the use of the skill like the days of old. For, “The old ways still work. ™”
18 Craig, Darrell. Houston Budokan Jujitsu: Goshin Jujitsu-The way of Self-Defense. (http://houstonbudo.com/JUJITSU.HTM, 2003), 1-2.
19 The dates represented for were taken from a college course I took from the University of Alaska Anchorage called, “History of Japan”, 1997.
20 “History of Japan” University of Alaska Anchorage, 1997.
21 “History of Japan” University of Alaska Anchorage, 1997.
22 Journal of Non-lethal Combatives, December 2002. Article from the Japan Times, March 24, 1914.
23 Journal of Non-lethal Combatives, December 2002. Article from Police Jiu-jitsu, London, 1922.
24 Nitobe
25 Ibid.
26 Ibid.
27 SFC Dennis R. Cunningham is my primary teacher in the martial arts. His system is a style of jujitsu called kempo goshinjutsu. My early rank advancements are in this science of military close combat applications.
28 Craig, Darrell. Japan’s Ultimate Martial Art: Jujitsu before 1882.
29 Ibid.