About Goshu Ryu Aiki Jujutsu

The concept of Aiki (harmonized energy), central to both the Daito Ryu and Yoshinkan Aikido, is an ancient one. Clear reference to the techniques of Aiki can be found in the eight century Kojiki, Japan’s earliest chronical.

Goshu Ryu Aiki Jujutsu represents a current form, of Aiki Jujutsu with its origins in both Daito Ryu and Yoshinkan Aikido, as currently taught in Australia.

Goshu Ryu features martial techniques of self-defence intended to be applied in both empty handed and weapons based situations for the preservation of life and the protection of others. These martial techniques rely on avoidance , redirection, blocking, joint manipulation, neutralisation, and restraint  of one or more attackers.

Basic training methods of Goshu Ryu include both standing and seated forms, with techniques revolving around an Uke ( the person who initiates an attack) and Shitei ( the person who takes action against an attack and neutralises it).

The example technique (see images ) – Shomen Uchi -  Irimi Nage , is an example a technique that demonstrates avoidance, redirection, and neutralisation of an attack.

 Uke (the attacker) attempts a shomen blow to Shitei’s (the receiver) head. (image 1)

 Shitei steps in with his left leg, receives the blow with his right sword hand  and then sweeps around to Uke’s right as shown. (images 2,3, &4)

 Shitei raises his right hand and cradles Uke’s head in both arms while pressing on the pressure point on Uke’s neck. (Images 5 & 6)

 Shitei then steps forward on his right leg while brining his right arm downward toward the ground to effect a throw. (images 7 & 8)

A Goshu Ryu Aiki Jujutsu technique can be practiced in any of three different forms:

1.      Both partners standing

2.      One partner seated and one partner standing

3.      Both partners seated

The same technique is executed differently in each of the three forms and it is good to practice all three forms of each technique.

All the techniques of the Goshu Ryu can be practiced in any of three forms, thus tripling the number of possible techniques available.

Goshu Ryu maintains that good posture is key to proper execution of techniques.

Just as the same technique can be practiced in three forms as described above, there are three distinct methods of applying a Goshu Ryu technique and controlling an opponent.

Goshu Ryu features three methods of applying a technique :

·         Goshu Ryu -  Jujutsu  method – relies primarily on atemi (blows or kicks to any of the body’s pressure points) 

·        Goshu Ryu – Aiki Jujutsu method – relies on combining atemi with Aiki timing

·        Goshu Ryu – Aiki No Jujutsu method – relies mainly on Aiki timing

Goshu Ryu Jujutsu is geared towards younger practitioners. Atemi is applied full force,  and joints are attacked with simple, straightforward vigor. These techniques are good for basic training.

Goshu Ryu Aiki Jujutsu combining atemi and aiki timing is suitable for older practitioners. The emphasis is less on devastating control of an opponent, and more on complicated pins that stretch an opponent’s joints and limbs – a kind of martial yoga.

Goshu Ryu – Aiki No Jujutsu – in contrast with the first two methods, Goshu Ryu Aiki No Jujutsu techniques reduce movement to a minimum and control an opponent with Aiki waza (Aiki connecting techniques) rather than atemi and aiki timing.

Goshu Ryu Aiki No Jujutsu techniques are based  on a knowledge of how the body responds to certain movements and degrees of pressure.