The Martial Art of Aiki Jujutsu originates in the Country of Japan. Regarded as a traditional Japanese Martial Art, with a history spanning several centuries.

HISTORY

Aiki Jujutsu has been for many centuries a closely guarded system of martial combat technique. The original system of Aiki Jujutsu, which still exists today, is called Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu. The Daitoryu system is believed to have originated in the year’s 858 to 867, by the family of the Emperor of Japan at that time. A descendant of the Emperor, Shira Saburo Minamoto-no-Yoshimitsu is credited with developing the Daitoryu system in the eleventh Century. The Takeda Clan, direct descendants of Yoshimitsu handed down the Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu tradition for many centuries. During this time the art was shrouded in secrecy, and not until the nineteenth century did the art become to be taught to the public outside the Takeda Clan.  The Daitoryu Master credited with this is Sokaku Takeda (1860-1943), who taught amongst others military and police officials. Sokaku Takeda is credited with having many students, but the one, which could be regarded as his most famous was Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) the founder of modern day Aikido. Through the teachings of Sokaku Takeda’s students Aiki Jujutsu is becoming more widely known throughout Japan and the rest of the world. Many martial systems in the west now lay claim to practicing Aiki Jujutsu, however only a handful at best can genuinely trace their origins back to the techniques of Sokaku Takeda. Most base their systems on combinations of Jujutsu and modern day Aikido, and my system of York Aiki jujutsu is no exception to that rule.

CONCEPTS AND PHILOSOPHY

The concept of “Aiki” is fundamental to the principles of Aiki Jujutsu and Aikido. Emil Farkas and John Corcoran’s Dictionary of  Martial Arts describes the concept of Aiki thus: “Harmony Meeting or Spirit Meeting” the (Aikido) principle of integrating one’s attitude with that of an opponent and thus becoming one with the opponents movements in order to control him or her.  Spiritual and esoteric principles are certainly a part of traditional Aiki Jujutsu and Aikido teaching, Taoist, Shinto, and Zen principles can be found in ancient and modern Aiki Jujutsu and Aikido systems.

CONCEPTS OF TRAINING

Ancient martial systems of Japan would rely predominantly on weapon training in Dojo practice with unarmed combat skills relegated to a secondary roll. An example of a traditional Ryu still practicing to day would be the Tenshin Shoden  Katori Shinto Ryu. Modern methods of martial art training have effectively reversed the roll, with unarmed combat being the primary source of practice and weapon training (if any) being secondary. Ancient systems of Aiki Jujutsu as well as modern require the study of both weapon and unarmed combat technique. As many of the unarmed (Taijutsu) technique is directly related to hand and foot movements made in weapon practice. In addition weapon training skills greatly enhance hand/eye coordination as well as improving reactions. Taijutsu technique will comprise, typically of combinations of joint locking, restraint technique, pressure points, striking technique (Atemi), throws, and possibly strangle or choking techniques.

Practice is usually performed between two people, one who is designated as the attacker (uke) and one who is designated the defender (tori) the attacker (uke)  may use a variety of attack increasing in complexity depending on the skill level of the individual. The defender ( tori) will use the appropriate technique against (uke’s) attack, again depending on the skill level of the individuals concerned. Practice may well include weapons and or multiple (more than one person) attack. As a general rule, contest (shiai) is not considered a part of Aiki Jujutsu practice, however some forms of Aikido introduce an element of contest. Traditional dojo may well include sword, naginata, spear, and other related weapons as part of their training syllabus. Modern Aikido for example will still teach staff (jo) and bokken (wooden training sword) as part of their syllabus.

Modern ranking systems are in place in most dojo, but systems may vary between associations or even individual dojo. But as a general rule the coloured belt system or Kyu grade and Black belt or Dan grade will be followed in most dojo. Uniform will more often than not comprise of a white training “Gi” and if appropriate “Hakama”.

Comparisons have been made in this text between Aiki Jujutsu and Aikido, and the question often asked is “what is the difference between Aikido and Aiki jujutsu.”  It is difficult to say where Aiki Jujutsu ends and Aikido begins and visa versa. Suffice to say that there are many variations of both styles in existence today, and there are many areas that make it nearly impossible to tell the two Arts apart.