bdenison
31st January 2002, 00:39
I would like to start a discussion on the topic of the differences and or characteristics that differentiate a modern Goshin-jutsu system from the Traditional Nihon Jujutsu systems.
Goshin-jutsu, which means self-defense in Japanese, is defined as a modern martial art system based on Japanese jujutsu and or Kempo. Frequently these are gendai sogo bujutsu systems or modern composite martial art. These systems have a primary focus on modern day defensive tactics, and less focus on traditional or classical techniques.
I feel there is a very distinct difference between a true Goshin-jutsu system and the modern self-defense or rape defense program offered at many YMCA's or community centers (i.e. Model Muggings, etc). These types of crash courses are very limited in their ability to address wide breadth of situations, and because of their limited time frame (most of these courses are approximately 4 to 8 weeks in length) they are usually only able to present the most basic and fundamental techniques, and even then are not long enough to allow the student to internalize the movements.
A Goshin-jutsu system tends to be more well rounded, and provides a complete system. By complete system I mean that the student is taught a continuous and on-going system that building on itself. It presents situations that address different distances (close, short- range, medium-range, long-range), different levels of aggression (nuisance, violent assault), and different levels of response (control, immobilize, incapacitate, etc). Kihon or basics are taught, such a tai-sabaki (body movement), ukemi (proper method of falling safely), kuzushi (off-balancing), maai (combative distance), etc.
Continued training presents progressively more advanced principles and techniques, throws, joint-locks, immobilizations, pressure points, atemi, etc. The primary surface difference between a Nihon Jujutsu Ryu and a Goshin-jutsu system is the focus on modern attack situations. Examples would be defensive techniques will seated in a chair, hand gun defenses, defenses against mugs, etc. Situational awareness is an element that is addressed in both Nihon Jujutsu and Goshin-jutsu, but it is addressed differently.
In a Nihon Jujutsu Ryu training utilizes Japanese terminology, the primary method of instruction through the use of kata. Students are instructed in the history, culture, and traditions of the ryu. The environment is one of respect and discipline (self-discipline, and not militaristic). Training frequently presents situations with historical significance (i.e. wrist grabs, sword attacks, defenses from seiza to name just a few). "All Nihon Jujutsu Ryu will also have a verifiable history and ryu lineage" (Fabien, 1995). [See Fabien Sensei's article for more detailed information on the distinguishing characteristics of traditional Nihon Jujutsu.]
Goshin-jutsu, which means self-defense in Japanese, is defined as a modern martial art system based on Japanese jujutsu and or Kempo. Frequently these are gendai sogo bujutsu systems or modern composite martial art. These systems have a primary focus on modern day defensive tactics, and less focus on traditional or classical techniques.
I feel there is a very distinct difference between a true Goshin-jutsu system and the modern self-defense or rape defense program offered at many YMCA's or community centers (i.e. Model Muggings, etc). These types of crash courses are very limited in their ability to address wide breadth of situations, and because of their limited time frame (most of these courses are approximately 4 to 8 weeks in length) they are usually only able to present the most basic and fundamental techniques, and even then are not long enough to allow the student to internalize the movements.
A Goshin-jutsu system tends to be more well rounded, and provides a complete system. By complete system I mean that the student is taught a continuous and on-going system that building on itself. It presents situations that address different distances (close, short- range, medium-range, long-range), different levels of aggression (nuisance, violent assault), and different levels of response (control, immobilize, incapacitate, etc). Kihon or basics are taught, such a tai-sabaki (body movement), ukemi (proper method of falling safely), kuzushi (off-balancing), maai (combative distance), etc.
Continued training presents progressively more advanced principles and techniques, throws, joint-locks, immobilizations, pressure points, atemi, etc. The primary surface difference between a Nihon Jujutsu Ryu and a Goshin-jutsu system is the focus on modern attack situations. Examples would be defensive techniques will seated in a chair, hand gun defenses, defenses against mugs, etc. Situational awareness is an element that is addressed in both Nihon Jujutsu and Goshin-jutsu, but it is addressed differently.
In a Nihon Jujutsu Ryu training utilizes Japanese terminology, the primary method of instruction through the use of kata. Students are instructed in the history, culture, and traditions of the ryu. The environment is one of respect and discipline (self-discipline, and not militaristic). Training frequently presents situations with historical significance (i.e. wrist grabs, sword attacks, defenses from seiza to name just a few). "All Nihon Jujutsu Ryu will also have a verifiable history and ryu lineage" (Fabien, 1995). [See Fabien Sensei's article for more detailed information on the distinguishing characteristics of traditional Nihon Jujutsu.]