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Takenouchi Ryu

Takenouchi Ryu

Hinoshita Toride Kaizan Takenouchi Ryū (Japanese: 日下捕手開山竹内流) is one of the oldest, if not the first, jujutsu koryu in Japan. It was founded in 1532, the first year of Tenbun on the twenty-fourth of the sixth lunar month by Takenouchi Chūnagon Daijō Nakatsukasadaiyū Hisamori, the lord of Ichinose Castle in Sakushū. Although it is famous for its jujutsu, Takenouchi Ryū is actually a complete system of martial arts including armed grappling (yoroi kumiuchi), staff (bojutsu), sword (kenjutsu), sword drawing (iaijutsu), glaive (naginatajutsu), iron fan (tessenjutsu), restraining rope (hojojutsu), and resuscitation techniques (sakkatsuhō). Its jujutsu techniques have been influential in the founding of many other schools in Japan. Takenouchi Ryū is still actively transmitted today by members of the Takenouchi family, as well as by other groups both within and outside of Japan.

History

According to the Takenouchi Keisho Kogo Den, the document recording the establishment and development of the school, Takenouchi Hisamori retired to the mountains near the Sannomiya shrine to train his martial skills. He practiced there for six days and six nights, wielding a bokken (wooden sword) two shaku and four sun in length (about 2 ft. 4 in. or 72 cm), a relatively long weapon for his purportedly short stature. On the sixth night he fell asleep from exhaustion using his bokken as a pillow. He was woken by a mountain priest with white hair and a long beard who seemed so fearsome to Hisamori that he thought it must be an incarnation of the god Atago. Hisamori attacked the stranger, but was defeated. The priest said to him "When you meet the enemy, in that instant, life and death are decided. That is what is called hyōhō (military strategy)." He then took Hisamori's bokken, told him that long weapons were not useful in combat, and broke it into two daggers one shaku and two sun long. The priest told Hisamori to put these in his belt and call them kogusoku, and taught him how to use them in grappling and close combat. These techniques became called koshi no mawari, literally "around the hips". The priest then taught Hisamori how to bind and restrain enemies with rope, using a vine from a tree. Then the priest disappeared mysteriously amidst wind and lightning. Takenouchi Hisamori's second son Hitachinosuke Hisakatsu became the second head of Takenouchi Ryū after his father formally passed him the tradition at the age of 64. He and his successor and son Kaganosuke Hisayoshi added their own techniques to the curriculum, extending it into a complete sōgō bujutsu system.

Curriculum

Takenouchi Ryū is best known for its jūjutsu, over which it covers an extensive ground. Its unarmed jūjutsu techniques include tehodoki (grip breaking), ukemi (tumbling), nagewaza (throwing), kansetsuwaza (joint dislocation), atemi (striking weak points), shimewaza (choking), and kappo (resuscitation). These are combined to form kata for the various sections of jūjutsu taught, including toride (capturing and restraining), hade (attacking vital points unarmed), and kumiuchi (grappling). These unarmed kata are the best known of the Takenouchi Ryū jūjutsu, but they are not truly its foundation. As related in the establishment myth of the school, the central forms of jūjutsu in Takenouchi Ryū are the kogusoku koshi no mawari, techniques of armed grappling using the short sword kogusoku against armed opponents. It is upon this foundation that the rest of the jūjutsu techniques were developed by Hisakatsu and Hisayoshi, the second and third heads of the school. Beyond the core of jūjutsu, many different weapons are taught. These include the sword, the staff, rope tying, the naginata, and more. The sword curriculum is divided into major sections, with kenjutsu covering basic swordsmanship against a similarly armed opponent, saide covering grappling with the sword, and iai covering the techniques of rapid sword drawing and striking. The staff is central to Takenouchi Ryū's study of movement, and as such forms an important part of the curriculum. Staff work addresses various lengths of staff, in particular bojutsu for the six shaku staff and shinbo for a slightly shorter staff. Other sizes taught include jojutsu for the common four shaku two sun staff, and hanbo for shorter sticks around three shaku in length. Rope restraints are an important adjunct to the arresting arts of toride, and the techniques of tying up opponents called hōjojutsu or hōbaku are taught using the haya nawa which is a two shaku five sun rope, traditionally of a purple color. Takenouchi Ryū is perhaps lesser known for its other weapons techniques, but as a true sōgō bujutsu it retains a number of weapons for use both on and off the battlefield. The naginata and kusarigama are covered, as well as the jutte truncheon, shuriken throwing darts, and the tessen iron fan. Some kata feature rather peculiar weapons intended to show the use of everyday objects for defense against sword attacks. These include the kasa, a Japanese style umbrella, and the nabebuta, a wooden lid for a cooking pot.

Influence

Takenouchi Ryū has exerted a strong influence in the development of jujutsu. A number of important jujutsu koryu were founded by students of the school, such as the Rikishin Ryū, Fusen Ryū, and Sōsuishitsu Ryū. Others such as the Hontai Yōshin Ryū, Araki Ryū, and Takagi Ryū incorporated many techniques from Takenouchi Ryū either directly from the school or by analyzing the techniques of its exponents. Both groups of schools have subsequently passed original Takenouchi Ryū techniques on to even more schools, and thus many techniques found in modern judo and aikido can be traced back to their roots in Takenouchi Ryū.

Lineage

As with any koryu, the lineage of Takenouchi Ryū is a matter of importance and pride to its members. Since the tradition was maintained in the family a careful account of the successive leaders of the school has been kept over the centuries. :1. Takenouchi Nakatsudaiyū Hisamori. :2. Takenouchi Hitachinosuke Hisakatsu. :3. Takenouchi Kaganosuke Hisayoshi. :4. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisatsugu. :5. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisamasa. Opened the Edo Hirakane dojo. :6. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisazane. :7. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisataka. :8. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisataka. At this point the lineage was split into two branches called the sōke and sōdenke lines. This was done to ensure that the blood line and tradition would be preserved. Sōke lineage: :9. Ikeuchi Kamonta (adopted as Takenouchi Kamonta Hisayori). :10. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisao. :11. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisanori. :12. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisatsugu. :13. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisanori. :14. Takenouchi Tōichirō Hisamune. Current sōke of Takenouchi Ryū. Sōdenke lineage: :9. Takenouchi Tōjūrō Hisatane. :10. Takenouchi Tōjūrō Hisamori. :11. Takenouchi Tōjūrō Hisamitsu. :12. Takenouchi Tōjūrō Hisahiro. :13. Takenouchi Tōjūrō Hisatake. Current sōdenke of Takenouchi Ryū.

Bitchū Den

As well as the two divisions of the school given above, another lineage exists branching from the third head of the school. This lineage, called the Bitchū Den Takeuchi Ryū, developed through Takeuchi Seidaiyū Masatsugu who moved to Okayama, the capital of Bitchū Province (now western Okayama Prefecture). Note that the Bitchū Den pronounces the name as Takeuchi rather than Takenouchi. The Bitchū Den lineage maintains the same curriculum with the addition of a few more techniques in certain areas. Although being cut off from the mainline for some time, practitioners of both the mainline and Bitchū Den have in recent times compared their techniques and found them to be essentially the same despite many generations of separation. This strongly attests to the successful transmission of this koryu over the years. Bitchū Den lineage: :4. Takeuchi Seidaiyū Masatsugu. :5. Yamamoto Kazuemon Hisayoshi. :6. Shimizu Kichiuemon Kiyonobu. :... :14. Takeuchi Tsunaichi Masatori. Head of Nisshinkan dojo. :15. Nakayama Kazuo Torimasa. Current head of Nisshinkan dojo, second head of Okayama Daigaku College Kobudō Section. :16. Ono Yotaro Masahito. Head of Chōfūkan dojo and Dōshisha Daigaku College Kobudō Section.

References

- Mol, Serge. 2001. Classical fighting arts of Japan: A complete guide to koryū jūjutsu. Tokyo: Kodansha International. ISBN 4-7700-2619-6.
- Skoss, Diane (ed.). 1999. Sword and spirit. Volume 2 in Classical warrior traditions of Japan. Berkeley Heights, New Jersey: Koryu Books. ISBN 1-890536-05-9.

Jujutsu

Jujutsu (also jujitsu, ju jitsu, ju jutsu, or jiu jitsu; from the 柔術 jūjutsu "gentle/yielding/compliant Art") is a Japanese martial art. Some define jujutsu and similar arts rather narrowly as "unarmed" close combat systems used to defeat or control an enemy who is similarly unarmed. Basic methods of attack include hitting or striking, thrusting or punching, kicking, throwing, pinning or immobilizing, strangling, and joint-locking. Great pains were also taken by the bushi (classic warriors) to develop effective methods of defense, including strikes, thrusts and kicks, receiving throws or joint-locking techniques (i.e., falling safely and knowing how to "blend" to neutralize a technique's effect), releasing oneself from an enemy's grasp, and changing or shifting one's position to evade or neutralize an attack. From a broader point of view, based on the curricula of many of the classical Japanese arts themselves, however, these arts may perhaps be more accurately defined as unarmed methods of dealing with an enemy who was armed, together with methods of using minor weapons such as the jitte (truncheon; also called jutte), tanto (knife), or kakushi buki (hidden weapons), such as the ryofundo kusari (weighted chain) or the bankokuchoki (a type of knuckle-duster), to defeat both armed or unarmed opponents. Furthermore, the term jujutsu was also sometimes used to refer to tactics for infighting used with the warrior's major weapons: katana or tachi (sword), yari (spear), naginata (glaive), and jo (short staff), bo (quarterstaff). These close combat methods were an important part of the different martial systems that were developed for use on the battlefield. They can be generally characterized as either Sengoku Jidai (Sengoku Period, 1467-1603) katchu bujutsu or yoroi kumiuchi (fighting with weapons or grappling while clad in armor), or Edo Jidai (Edo Period, 1603-1867) suhada bujutsu (fighting while dressed in the normal street clothing of the period, kimono and hakama).

The beginning

Fighting forms have existed in Japan for centuries. The first references to such unarmed combat arts or systems can be found in the earliest purported historical records of Japan, the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan), which relate the mythological creation of the country and the establishment of the Imperial family. Other glimpses can be found in the older records and pictures depicting sumai (or sumo) no sechie, a rite of the Imperial Court in Nara and Kyoto performed for purposes of divination and to help ensure a bountiful harvest. There is a famous story of a warrior Nomi no Sekuni of Izumo who defeated and killed Tajima no Kehaya in Shimane prefecture while in the presence of Emperor Suinin. Descriptions of the techniques used during this encounter included striking, throwing, restraining and weaponry. These systems of unarmed combat began to be known as Nihon koryu jujutsu (japanese old-style jujutsu), among other related terms, during the Muromachi period (1333-1573), according to densho (transmission scrolls) of the various ryuha (martial traditions) and historical records. Most of these were battlefield-based systems to be practiced as companion arts to the more common and vital weapon systems. These fighting arts actually used many different names. Kogusoku, yawara, kumiuchi, and hakuda are just a few, but all of these systems fall under the general description of Sengoku jujutsu. In reality, these grappling systems were not really unarmed systems of combat, but are more accurately described as means whereby an unarmed or lightly armed warrior could defeat a heavily armed and armored enemy on the battlefield. Methods of combat (as just mentioned above) included striking (kicking, punching), throwing (body throws, joint-lock throws, unbalance throws), restraining (pinning, strangulating, grappling, wrestling) and weaponry. Defensive tactics included blocking, evading, off balancing, blending and escaping. Minor weapons such as the tanto (dagger), ryufundo kusari (weighted chain), jitte (helmet smasher), and kakushi buki (secret or disguised weapons) were almost always included in Sengoku jujutsu. In later times, other koryu developed into systems more familiar to the practitioners of Nihon jujutsu commonly seen today. These are correctly classified as Edo jujutsu (founded during the edo period): systems generally designed to deal with opponents neither wearing armor nor in a battlefield environment. For this reason, most systems of Edo jujutsu include extensive use of atemi waza (vital-striking technique). These tactics would obviously be of little use against an armored opponent on a battlefield. They would, however, be quite valuable to anyone confronting an enemy or opponent during peacetime dressed in normal street attire. Occasionally, inconspicuous weapons such as tanto (daggers) or tessen (iron fans) were included in the curriculum of Edo jujutsu. Another seldom seen but interesting historical aside is a series of techniques originally included in both Sengoku and Edo jujutsu systems. Referred to as hojo waza (捕縄術 hojojutsu, nawa jutsu and others), it involves the use of a hojo cord, (sometimes the sageo or tasuke) to restrain or strangle an attacker. These techniques have for the most part faded from use in modern times, but Tokyo police units still train in their use today and continue to carry a hojo cord in addition to handcuffs. The very old Takenouchi Ryu is one of the better-recognized systems that continue extensive training in hojo waza. Many other legitimate Nihon jujutsu ryu exist but are not considered koryu (ancient traditions). These are called either Gendai jujutsu or modern jujutsu. Modern jujutsu traditions are founded after or towards the end of the Tokugawa period (1603-1868). Various traditional ryu and ryuha that are commonly thought of as koryu jujutsu are actually gendai jujutsu. These include Hakko Ryu, Kaze Arashi Ryu, Daito Ryu, and many others. Although modern in formation, gendai jujutsu systems have direct historical links to ancient traditions and are correctly referred to as traditional martial systems or ryu. Their curriculum reflects an obvious bias towards Edo jujutsu systems as opposed to the Sengoku jujutsu systems. The improbability of confronting an armor-clad attacker is the obvious reason for this bias. Daito Ryu Over time, Gendai jujutsu has been embraced by law enforcement officials worldwide and continues to be the foundation for many specialized systems used by police. Perhaps the most famous of these specialized police systems is the Keisatsujutsu (police art) Taiho jutsu (arresting art) system formulated and employed by the Tokyo Police Department. If a Japanese based martial system is formulated in modern times (post Tokugawa) but is only partially influenced by traditional Nihon jujutsu, it may be correctly referred to as goshin (self defense) jujutsu. Goshin jujutsu is usually formulated outside Japan and may include influences from other martial traditions. The popular Gracie jujutsu system, and all Brazilian jujutsu in general, although derived originally from Judo have evolved independently for many years, and could be considered examples of Goshin Jujutsu.

The development of close combat systems

Regardless of where they live, people spend a great deal of time developing and perfecting methods of using weapons for hunting and fighting. If successful, personal experiences and insights (often gained on the battlefield) help individuals to establish particular "styles," "schools," or "traditions" — in Japanese, the bujutsu ryu-ha. Compared with the empty-handed fighting arts of neighboring China and Korea, Japanese jujutsu systems place more emphasis on throwing, immobilizing and pinning, jointlocking, and strangling techniques. Atemiwaza (striking techniques) are of secondary importance in most Japanese systems, whereas the Chinese Quanfa/Ch'uan-fa (Kenpo , Kempo) emphasize punching, striking, and kicking. It is generally felt that the Japanese systems of hakuda, kenpo, and shubaku display some degree of Chinese influence in their particular emphasis on atemiwaza, while systems that are derived from a more purely Japanese source do not show any special preference for such techniques, but will use them as and when appropriate. The way an opponent is dealt with is also dependent on the philosophy of the teacher with regard to combat. This translates also in different styles or schools of jujutsu. Because in jujutsu every conceivable technique, including biting, hairpulling, eyegouging etc. is allowed (unlike for instance judo, which does not place emphasis on punching or kicking tactics, or karate, which does not emphasize grappling and throwing) practitioners have an unlimited choice of techniques. Some teachers will favor taking an opponent out as fast and hard as possible, while others will favor taking an opponent down in a controlled way and then keeping them under control with jointlocks. Some schools, notably the Gracie jujutsu system, emphasize ground work, arguing that most fights will end up on the ground; others advise avoiding this type of combat, arguing that it can be very dangerous when faced with multiple opponents. Jujitsu techniques are now used as the basis for many military unarmed combat techniques including British special forces and SO1 police units. Although there were and are many ryuha or systems of Japanese jujutsu, there are features that are characteristic of most (if not all) of them. Since there are a number of relatively new martial systems identifying themselves as jujutsu, it is appropriate to look at those characteristics which distinguish a style as traditional Japanese jujutsu.

Heritage

All Japanese jujutsu have cultural indicators which help give a sense of the traditional character of a school, and include:
- An atmosphere of courtesy and respect, a context intended to help cultivate the appropriate kokoro, or "heart".
- The type of keikogi or training suit worn, which is usually plain white, often with a dark hakama (the most colorful uniform might be plain black or the traditional blue of quilted keikogi; you are not likely to see stars and stripes or camouflage uniforms).
- Lack of ostentatious display, with an attempt to achieve or express the sense of rustic simplicity (expressed in such concepts as wabi-sabi in Japanese) common in many of Japan's traditional arts.
- The use of the traditional (e.g., Shoden, Chuden, Okuden, and menkyo kaiden levels) ranking system, perhaps as a parallel track to the more contemporary and increasingly common dani (kyu/dan) ranking.
- There is the lack of tournament trophies, long-term contracts, tags and emblems, rows of badges or any other superficial distractions.

Technical characteristics

Although there is some diversity in the actual look and techniques of the various traditional jujutsu systems, there are significant technical similarities:
- Students learn traditional jujutsu primarily by observation and imitation as patterned by the ryu's kata (prearranged forms).
- Most kata emphasize joint-locking techniques, that is threatening a joint's integrity by placing pressure on it in a direction contrary to its normal function, or take-down or throwing techniques, or a combination of take-downs and joint-locks.
- Very occasionally an atemi (strike) targeted to some particularly vulnerable area will be used to help create kuzushi (break in balance) or otherwise set-up the opponent for a lock, take-down or throw.
- Force essentially never meets force directly, nor should techniques need to be strong-armed to be effective: rather, there is great emphasis placed on flow (which follows from the art's name, in which ju connotes pliability and suppleness) and technical mastery.
- Movements tend to emphasize circularity, and capitalize on an attacker's momentum and openings in order to place a joint in a compromised position or to break balance as preparatory for a take-down or throw.
- The defender's own body is positioned so as to take optimal advantage of the attacker's weaknesses while simultaneously presenting as few openings or weaknesses of its own.
- The common inclusion in the ryu of cognate weapons training (also using kata as a primary instructional method), stemming from the historical development of jujutsu and other koryu when active battles were waged. Weapons might include, for example, the roku shaku bo (long staff), han bo (short staff), katana (long sword), Wakizashi or kodachi (short sword), and tanto (knife), some of the main repertoire of traditional weaponry.

Philosophical dimensions

Although jujutsu and the ancient arts in general often do not have the suffix -do or "way" to designate them as paths toward spiritual liberation and inner development, there are some philosophical and mental components, which have significance and application in these systems, at least because of their value in developing the actual combat effectiveness of the practitioner. These include: an all-encompassing awareness, zanshin (literally "remaining spirit"), in which the practitioner is ready for anything, at any time; the spontaneity of mushin (literally "no mind") which allows immediate action without conscious thought; and a state of equanimity or imperturbability known as fudoshin (literally "immovable mind"). Together, these states of mind tremendously strengthen the jujutsu practitioner, allowing him the utmost potential for effective action. Such effectiveness and the technical competence and mental mastery on which it stands, however, is possible only after a considerable period of serious and devoted training. These various characteristics or components, taken together, largely describe the principal elements of traditional Japanese jujutsu. If most or all of these characteristics are not noticeable in a so-called jujutsu system, then the legitimacy of the system as bona fide Nihon jujutsu would be highly suspect. This is not to say that the system or school in question does not offer a good training program or effective techniques. It simply suggests that such a system may be more accurately labeled with some other term.

Jujutsu as sport

Jujutsu as a competitive sport is somewhat controversial. According to some practitioners, what makes jujutsu jujutsu, is the fact that every conceivable technique to win in combat is allowed - there are no rules or limitations, surviving the fight is what counts. This includes some very dangerous techniques, such as throwing a person from a standing position while having an arm in a jointlock, which can result in serious injuries. In order to safely compete in jujutsu, rules have to be made and techniques limited. According to many, this takes away the very heart of what jujutsu is. They claim this would turn jujutsu into a combination of judo and karate, while it is so much more. Karate and Judo actually developed from Jiu Jitsu, being adaptations of the striking and throwing techniques of the samurai's jitsu respectively. The most popular competition method is called fighting system. This system consists of one round of combat with different phases. In the first phase, only atemi (striking) are allowed. In the next phase, grappling and throwing are added, but continuing on the ground (newaza) is not allowed. In the last phase, groundfighting is allowed, including chokeholds. Only half-contact is used, meaning that striking is allowed but serious attempts to knock out the opponent (as in boxing) are prohibited. Judges award points for techniques used and the fighter with the most points wins. Another, less known system, is called practical. In this system, 2 defenders will take their places in the center of the mat (tatami), surrounded by 4 attackers, 1 on each corner of the mat. The attackers will choose who and how to attack. A defender can therefore be faced with 0 to 4 opponents at a time. Attacks must be straightforward, without feints. This is also 'half-contact'. Combat is one round of 2 minutes. There are 3 judges who will indicate at the end of the round which defender did the best job of defending himself. The judges watch not only for effectiveness of individual techniques, but also how the defender keeps oversight and control of the situation when faced with multiple attackers. Taking down one opponent with a difficult technique but leaving yourself open for the other attackers will not score very well, while using a simple one throwing your attacker in the way of the other(s) will. A third competition method is called duo system. During such a competition, a couple of fighters (same sex or mixed) has to present defences for different predetermined attacks. These defences can be freely chosen and are awarded with points from judges. The attacks are divided into 4 groups of 5 attacks each. The 4 attack groups are gripping, embracing/neck locks, punches/kicks and weapons. A fourth method, known as Combat Jujitsu was developed in America and is the most recent system to become widespread. In Combat Jujitsu, two opponents spar for a maximum of two minutes and victory is determined primarily by submission. Minimal padding on the feet, hands and head is allowed, strikes and throws are 'full contact' while both opponents are upright but strikes to the head are not allowed when on the floor. Nerve strikes and joint locks are 'half contact'. Combat Jujitsu has recently become very popular in the USA and Russia, where it has begun to displace the older 'Mixed Martial Arts' system and while it is largely unknown in the UK at present, some schools have begun teaching this system to compliment more traditional Goshin lessons. The British method of Jitsu instruction (as taught by the official British Jitsu Foundation) varies from these 4 North American versions in that it emphasises practical applications right from the start. This involves simulating multiple attacks as the core of every session, moving from basic techniques with single attackers to the "2 man attack" within the first year of training. Regardless of whether or not these attackers are armed, punches are not pulled after around the 4th Kyu (student grade) i.e. after about the first 12 months of training. This method of Jitsu instruction cannot be considered a sport.

What's in a name?

Jujutsu, Jujitsu, Jiu Jitsu — there are a wide range of spellings used in English for this Japanese martial art. In the native Japanese, jūjutsu is written in kanji (Chinese ideograms) as 柔術, but the romanization of the Japanese word into the English language has been performed several times using several different systems since Japan was forced out of isolation in 1854 by the United States. Jujutsu, the current standard, is derived using the Hepburn romanization system. Before the first half of the 20th century, however, jiu-jitsu and then jujitsu were preferred. Since this corresponded to a period of time when Japanese martial arts first became widely known of in the West, these earlier spellings are still common in many places, though the romanization of the second kanji as jitsu is unfaithful to the Japanese pronunciation, especially since jujitsu means "military preparedness" or, literally, "soft art". The Chinese character 柔 (Mandarin: róu; Japanese: jū) is the same as the first one in 柔道 (Mandarin: róudào; Japanese: judo). The Chinese character 術 (Mandarin: shù; Japanese: jutsu) is the same as the second one in 武術 (Mandarin: wǔshù)

Father of a large family

Because jujutsu is both so encompassing and has its origin hundreds of years ago, it has become the foundation for a variety of styles and derivations today. As each instructor incorporated new techniques and tactics to what was taught to him originally, he could codify and create his own ryu or school. Some of these schools modified the source material so much that they no longer considered themselves a breed of jujutsu. Modern judo is the classic example of an 'art' which was derived from jujutsu but is today distinct. Another layer removed, some popular arts had instructors who studied one of these jujutsu-derivatives and made their own derivative on top. This creates an extensive family of martial arts and sports which can trace their lineage to jujutsu in some part. In conjunction with its variations, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has achieved a high level of success in modern mixed martial arts competition[http://www.sherdog.com/stats/stylewinrecords_ratio.htm] and has arguably become one of the necessary areas of training for professional MMA fighters. The following are a few different schools of jujitsu:
- Goshin Ryu Jujitsu Kai
- Araki Ryu Kogusoku
- Danzan Ryu
- Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu
- Hontai Yoshin Ryu
- Fudoshin Ryu
- Hakko Ryu
- Hakko Denshin Ryu
- Koppo Ryu
- Takenouchi Ryu
- Saigo Ryu Aiki Jujutsu
- Sekiguchi Shinshin Ryu
- Shin No Shindo Ryu
- Shingitai Jujitsu
- Sosuishitsu Ryu
- Takeuchi Ryu
- Tasumi Ryu Heiho
- Tenji Shinyo Ryu
- Yagyu Shingan Ryu
- Yoshin Ryu After the transplantation of traditional Japanese jujitsu to the US, many of these more traditional styles underwent a process of adaptation at the hands of their American practitioners, molding the arts of jujitsu to better mesh with American culture in its myriad varieties. There are today many distinctly American styles of jujitsu, a defining characteristic of which is their constant, continued refinement and adaptation at the hands of their advanced practitioners. The following are a few examples.
- The Jitsu Foundation
- Scottish Ju Jitsu Association
- American Jui Jitsu Federation
- Dano Shen Ryu
- New York Jiu Jitsu
- Sanuces Ryu
- Small Circle Jujitsu
- Vee-Arnis-Jitsu
- Yoshitsune Jujitsu
- Zen Budokai Jujitsu The following martial arts and sports either do not always classify themselves as jujutsu or have founding instructors that studied a derivative of jujutsu.
- Aikido
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Judo
- Hapkido
- Krav Maga
- Kapap
- Shootfighting
- Kajukenbo

External links

- http://www.goshinryuint.co.uk/ - Website of Goshin Ryu International and its founder, Shihan Steve Barnett
- http://www.scottish-jujitsu.com - Website of the renowned Ju Jitsu writer and instructor "Robert Ross."
- http://www.planetjitsu.com - website containing list of dojos world wide as well as a forum with high dans (within certain organisations) contributing to training tips etc.
- http://www.senshiryu.com - website containing information and links to sites relating to the art of ju jitsu.
- http://www.usjujitsu.net - United States Ju-Jitsu Federation is the National Governing Body for Ju-Jitsu in the United States of America under the Ju-Jitsu International Federation.
- http://www.jiujitsu.org.au - website relevant to Jiu-jitsu in Australia, including history down-under.
- http://www.jjifweb.com - International Ju-Jitsu Governing body and member of the World Games Association.
- [http://www.self-defender.net/ju-jitsu.htm Ju-Jitsu (Jiu Jitsu): Overview and Concept]
- [http://www.anymartialart.org/09_Martial_Arts_Info/index.php?MArtID=30 AnyMartialArt.org] Jiu Jitsu Overview Category:Japanese terms Category:Jujutsu Category:Japanese martial arts ja:柔術

Mimasaka Province

Mimasaka (美作国 -no kuni) or Sakushu (作州 sakushū) was a province of Japan in the part of Honshu that is today northeastern Okayama Prefecture. Mimasaka bordered Bitchu, Bizen, Harima, Hoki, and Inaba Provinces. Mimasaka was landlocked, and was often ruled by the daimyo in Bizen. The ancient capital and castle town was Tsuyama. Category:Old provinces of Japan ja:美作国

Aikido

Aikido (合気道 Aikidō, also 合氣道 using an older style of kanji), literally meaning 'harmony energy way', or with some poetic licence, 'way of the harmonious spirit', is a gendai budo — a modern Japanese martial art. Practitioners of Aikido are known as aikidoka. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (植芝盛平) (also known by Aikidoka as o-sensei (翁先生) over the period of the 1930s to the 1960s. Technically, the major parts of Aikido are derived from Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu (大東流合気柔術), a form of Jujutsu with many joint techniques, and kenjutsu (剣術), or Japanese sword technique (some believe the tactics in Aikido are especially influenced by Yagyū Shinkage-ryū). Aikido is also considered to contain a significant spiritual component.

History

The name aikido is formed of three Japanese characters, 合気道, usually Romanised as ai, ki and do. These are often translated as meaning union, universal energy and way, so Aikido can be translated as 'the way to union with universal energy'. Another common interpretation of the characters is harmony, spirit and way, so Aikido can also mean 'the way of spiritual harmony'. Both interpretations draw attention to the fact that Aikido's techniques are designed to control an attacker by controlling and redirecting their energy instead of blocking it. An analogy is often made of the way a flexible willow bends with the storm, whereas the stout oak will break if the wind blows too hard. (The Korean martial art commonly known as hapkido uses the same three characters: some suggest a historical link through Daito-ryu, the main origin of Aikido). Morihei Ueshiba developed Aikido mainly from Daito-ryu aikijutsu, incorporating training movements such as those for the yari (spear), jo (a short quarterstaff), and perhaps also juken (bayonet). But arguably the strongest influence is that of the katana (sword). In many ways, an Aikido practitioner moves as an empty handed swordsman. The Aikido strikes shomenuchi and yokomenuchi originated from weapon attacks, and resultant techniques likewise from weapon take-aways. Some schools of Aikido do no weapons training at all; others, such as Iwama Ryu usually spend substantial time with bokken (wooden sword), jo, and tanto (knife). In some lines of Aikido, all techniques can be performed with a sword as well as unarmed. Aikido was brought to the West in 1951 by Minoru Mochizuki with a visit to France. It was introduced to the United States in 1953 by Kenji Tomiki and, a little later in the same year by Koichi Tohei. The United Kingdom followed in 1955, Germany and Australia in 1965. Today there are many aikido dojos available to train at throughout the world.

Technique

Aikido incorporates a wide range of techniques which use principles of energy and motion to redirect, neutralise and control attackers. Because Aikido techniques allow practitioners to move considerably during their execution, as well as for other reasons, some believe that Aikido is particularly suited to multiple-attacker circumstances. However, like all martial arts claims, this is debated. At its highest level, Aikido can be used to defend oneself without causing serious injury to either the aggressor or the defender. If performed correctly, size and strength are not important for the techniques to be effective.

Training

The methods of training vary from organisation to organisation; indeed even between different dojo in a single organisation, but, typically, a class basically means that the teacher shows techniques or principles and the students imitate. Training is done through mutual technique, where the focus is on entering and blending (harmonising) with the attack, not on sparring or competing with the attacker's power. Uke, the receiver of the technique, usually initiates an attack against nage or tori, who neutralises it with an Aikido technique. The uke and the nage have equally important roles. Uke's role is to be honest and committed in attack, to use positioning to protect oneself, and to learn proper technique through the imbalanced feeling created by Nage's technique. Nage's role is to blend with and neutralise Uke's attack without leaving an opening to further attacks. Simultaneously Nage will be studying how to create a feeling of being centred (on balance) and controlled in application of the Aikido technique. Therefore, students must practise both positions in order to learn proper technique feeling. When O-Sensei taught, all his students were uke until he deemed them knowledgeable enough of the technique to be nage. Movement, awareness, precision, distance and timing are all important to the execution of techniques as students progress from rigidly defined exercises to more fluid and adaptable applications. Eventually, students take part in jiyu-waza (free attack) and/or randori (multiple attackers), where the attacks are less predictable. Most schools employ training methods wherein uke actively attempts to employ counter-techniques, or kaeshi-waza. O-Sensei did not allow competition in training because some techniques are considered too dangerous and because he believed that competition did not develop good character in students. Most styles of aikido continue this tradition although Shodokan Aikido (see Styles) started with competitions early on. In the Ki Society there are forms (taigi) competitions held from time to time.

Defence

Aikido techniques are mostly based on keeping the attacker out of balance and locking joints. Much of aikido's repertoire of defenses can be performed either as throwing techniques (nage-waza) or as controls (katame-waza), depending on the situation. Entering, irimi, and turning, tenkan, are widely used Aikido concepts, as is striking, atemi. The use of striking techniques is dependent on the organization and, to some extent, the individual dojo. Some dojo teach the strikes that are integral to all Aikido techniques as mere distractions, used to make the application of an Aikido technique easier, while others teach that strikes are to be used for more destructive reasons. O-Sensei himself wrote, while describing the Aikido technique Ikkyo, "...first smash the eyes." (This might well refer to the fact that the classic opener for Ikkyo is a knife-hand thrust towards the face, to make uke block and thus expose his or her arm to the joint control - thus, as though moving to smash uke's eyes.) Manipulation of uke's balance by entering is often referred to as "taking uke's center". It is sometimes said that aikido contains only defense, and the attacks that are performed are not really aikido. From a historical perspective this claim is questionable, but many if not most aikidoka have the defense techniques as the focus of their training.

Attacks

In the early days when Ueshiba began teaching to the public, students tended to be proficient in another martial art. Due to this, attacks per se are generally not focused on in contemporary Aikido dojos. Students will learn the various attacks from which an Aikido technique can be practiced. Although attacks seldom are studied to the same extent as some arts, good attacks are needed to study correct and effective application of technique. "Honest" attacks are considered important. An "honest" attack would be an attack with full intention or a strong neutral (neither pulling or pushing) grab or hold. The speed of an attack may vary depending on the experience and level of the "Nage" (the partner who executes the throw or technique). Whether the attack is fast or slow the intention to strike or control (if grabbing or pinning) should remain. Aikido attacks used in normal training include various stylized strikes and grabs such as shomenuchi (a vertical strike to the head), yokomenuchi (a lateral strike to the side of the head and/or neck), munetsuki (a straight punch), ryotedori (a two handed grab) or katadori (a shoulder grab). Many of the -uchi strikes resemble blows from a sword or other weapon. Kicks are sometimes used, but are not usually part of basic curricula. Most aikido techniques can also be applied to a response to an attack, e.g. to a block, and some schools use this as the "basic" form of a given class of technique. Beginners also tend to work with techniques executed in response to a grab. Grabs are considered good for basic practice because the connection with uke is very clear and strong, and it is easier to "feel out" body mechanics and lines of force. There is also the matter of atemi, or strikes employed during an aikido technique. The role and importance of atemi is a matter of some debate in aikido. Some view atemi as strikes to "vital points" that can be delivered during the course of a technique's application, to increase effectiveness. Others consider atemi to be methods of distraction, particularly when aimed at the face. For instance, if a movement would expose the aikido practitioner to a counter-blow, he or she may deliver a quick strike to distract the attacker or occupy the threatening limb. Atemi can be interpreted as not only punches or kicks but also, for instance, striking with a shoulder or a large part of the arm. Some throws are arguably effected through an unbalancing or abrupt application of atemi. [http://www.tsuki-kage.com/ueshiba.html Many sayings about atemi] are attributed to Morihei Ueshiba, although their precise content varies considerably based on the one doing the telling.

Weapons

Weapons training in aikido usually consists of jo (long-staff), bokken (wooden sword), and wooden (or sometimes rubber) tanto (knife). Both weapons-taking and weapons-retention are sometimes taught, to integrate the armed and unarmed aspects of aikido. For example, a technique done with a straight punch may be done with a tanto or jo thrust instead, or a grab technique may be illustrated as a way to draw/strike with a weapon while being grabbed. Many schools use versions of Morihiro Saito's weapons system: aiki-jo and aiki-ken. The system contains solo kata with jo, and paired exercises for both jo and bokken. Some lineages use bokken kata derived from older sword schools. Quite a few aikido teachers, such as Mitsugi Saotome and Kazuo Chiba, have developed their own weapons systems.

Clothing

Aikido uses a keikogi similar to most other modern budo arts; simple trousers and a wraparound jacket, usually white. In some places a keikogi of karate cut is preferred, in others most people use judo keikogis. Keikogi made specially for aikido exist, but usually not in the lower price ranges. Many dojos insist that the sleeves are cut short to elbow length, to reduce the risk of trapped fingers and injuries in grab techniques to the wrist. To the keikogi adds the traditional garment hakama, wide pleated trousers. The hakama is usually black or dark blue. In most dojos around the world, the hakama is reserved for practitioners with dan (black belt) ranks, but some dojos ask everyone to wear a hakama. Systems also exist where hakama is never worn, worn from a specific kyu rank, and others where women are allowed to wear it earlier than the men. The belt, obi is wrapped twice around the body similar to in karate or judo. Although some systems use many belt colours similar to the system in judo, the most common version is that dan ranks wear black belt, and kyu ranks white - sometimes with an additional brown belt for the highest kyu ranks. In some dojos it is common to have the same color belt at different levels.

Spirituality

The ending "do" in the word aikido indicates a spiritual path, unlike the ending "jutsu" in the word aikijujutsu, which indicates a system of techniques. Many people see this difference as important as well as regarding iaijutsu and iaido, jujutsu and judo, and kenjutsu and kendo. Others see this distinction as a historically incorrect and somewhat unnatural division. For example, literally, do refers to a path and jitsu to a technique: therefore, some argue, aikido involves both a way (do) and technical study (jutsu). Ueshiba taught that, while it was important to become proficient in physical technique, this is not the ultimate purpose of training. He taught that the principles learned through training in physical technique are universal and are to be applied to all aspects of one's life. He once commented that he was teaching students not how to move their feet but, rather, how to move their minds. Many agree that Ueshiba's style became softer, more fluid, and effortless as he grew older. Some suggest this was due to a shift in focus to the spiritual aspects of the art, while others suggest that this was simply a natural result of Ueshiba becoming more proficient in physical technique. Various interpretations have arisen since Ueshiba's death. A range of aikido schools can be found, each placing a different emphasis on physical techniques, underlying principles, and spiritual concepts. This is largely a result of at what point the founder of each of these schools trained with Ueshiba--earlier or later in Ueshiba's life. The former tend to focus more on physical technique, while the latter tend to focus more on spiritual concepts. However, this should not be overstated, especially since there is considerable variance from sensei to sensei, and an "aikido continuum" is quite problematic to actually construct. Some aikidoka view "physical vs. spiritual" as a false separation, or a failed attempt to stereotype branches of aikido. Ki Society is an example of a school that focuses heavily on the spiritual concepts of aikido, rather than physical technique.

Ki

The ability to harness one's Ki is an essential part of mastering Aikido techniques. Ki is often translated by aikidoka as 'breath power', 'power', 'energy', or sometimes even as 'soul'. This 'ki' is the same as the 'qi' in qi-gong, but not the same as the 'chi' in t'ai chi. When aikidoka say that someone (usually a high ranking teacher) is training with a lot of ki, they usually want to express that the person in question has developed a high level of harmony in the execution of his technique. Timing, a sense for the correct distance and a centered (undisturbed) mind and body are particularly important. Most teachers claim to locate ki in the hara, which might be loosely defined as the body's center of gravity, situated in the lower abdomen, about two inches below and behind the navel. In training it is constantly emphasized that one should keep one's hara — that is, remain centered — in order not to lose the ki. Very high ranking teachers sometimes reach a level of coordination that enables them to execute techniques with very little apparent movement, sometimes even without seeming to touch their opponent's body. Essentially, ki corresponds to the physical concepts of center of gravity, center of momentum, and center of force. However, these centers are not necessarily the same, so Ki also encompasses the biological and mental aspect of training oneself to have exquisite control over motion. Finally, there is a spiritual aspect of how exactly to achieve harmony over these centers. Of course, the spiritual interpretation of ki depends very much on what school of aikido one studies, as some emphasize it more than others. Aikikai dojos, for example, tend to spend much more time on ki-related training activities than do, for example, Yoshinkan dojos. The importance of ki in Aikido cannot be denied -- the name of the martial art, after all, can be loosely translated as "The way of union with ki", or "The way of harmony with the ki". But what ki is, is debated by many within the discipline. O-Sensei himself appears to have changed his views over time -- for example, Yoshinkan Aikido, which largely follows O-Sensei's teachings from before the war, is considerably more martial in nature, reflecting a younger, more violent and less spiritual O-Sensei. Within this school, ki perhaps could be better thought of as having its original Chinese meaning of breath, and aikido as coordination of movement with breath to maximize power. As O-Sensei evolved and his views changed, his teachings took on a much more spiritual feel, and many of his later students (almost all now high ranking senseis within the Aikikai) teach about ki from a much more spiritual perspective. hara Regardless, this quote (from the Aikido FAQ) puts it plainly: "you may not believe in Ki, but you sure as hell cultivate it." Whether you think of ki as breath, spirit, or simply refrain from analyzing it too much, it is clear to any student of Aikido that the martial art makes extensive use of ki. Because of this, and because ki is often associated with spirituality, aikido is considered one of the more spiritual martial arts and has been referred to as "moving zen". Some believe that the physical entity ki does not exist, but rather is a concept used to teach spirit, intention, and coordination of the physical and psychological through relaxation and control. These aikidoka tend to frown on the overemphasis of the philosophical and spiritual aspects of ki. On the other side of the spectrum, some spiritually oriented aikidoka believe that ki does exist as a physical entity and can be transmitted through space. These tend to make use of concepts like "the ki of the universe", "extending ki", and so on. While the zealous in each group find the existence of interpretations other than their own frustrating, most middle-of-the-road aikidoka consider the disagreement to be a productive one for the greater Aikido community. Some people are turned off by spirituality, but nonetheless appreciate the martial arts beauty; the existence of non-spiritually minded schools allows these types of people to enjoy Aikido and benefit from it. Similarly, some people are not at all attracted by the physical/martial nature of Aikido, and consider its spirituality to be its most important quality -- these definitely benefit from dojos emphasizing spirituality. Regardless, aikidoka will no doubt continue their 'quest for ki'. O-Sensei famously said that he was just an aikidoka like all of his students, and that he was only beginning to learn. See also: Qi, Qigong

Body

Aikido training is for all-around physical fitness, flexibility, and relaxation. The human body in general can exert power in two ways: contractive and expansive (aikidofaq.com). Many fitness activities, for example weight-lifting, emphasize the former, which means that specific muscles or muscle groups are isolated and worked to improve tone, mass, and power. The disadvantage of this, however, is that whole body movement and coordination are rarely stressed. Thus, while muscle size and power may increase, there is no emphasis on the ways in which those muscles can work together most efficiently. Also, this sort of training tends to increase tension, decrease flexibility, and stress the joints. The result may be aesthetically pleasing, but when done to excess may actually be detrimental to overall health. The second type of power, expansive, is mostly stressed in activities such as dance or gymnastics. In these activities, the body must learn to move in a coordinated manner and with relaxation. Aikido also mostly stresses this sort of training. While both types of power are important, it is interesting to note that a person who masters the second type of power can, in a martial context, often overcome a person who is much bigger or stronger. The reason for this is that the contractive power is only as great as the mass and power of your individual muscles. Expansive power, however, as used in Aikido, can be much greater than your size may lead you to believe. This is because you move with your whole body. Rather than stressing and tensing only a few muscles, you learn to relax and move from the center of your body, where you are most powerful. Power is then extended out naturally through the relaxed limbs, which become almost whip-like in their motion. Needless to say, the power behind an entire person's body will be more than that of someone's arm or leg alone. Hence, Aikido develops the body in a unique manner. Aerobic fitness is obtained through vigorous training. Flexibility of the joints and connective tissues is developed through various stretching exercises and through the techniques themselves. Relaxation is learned automatically, since without it the techniques will not function. A balanced use of contractive and expansive power is mastered, enabling even a small person to pit his entire body's energy against their opponent. With this, different masters stress different aspects of training. Some masters stress importance of body posture while executing the technique in order to coordinate different parts of the body, while others deal with the physical aspects of it. With each way, comes a different means of interpretation of the same basic principles of the art which is discussed in more detail above.

Mind

Aikido training does not view the body and mind as separate. The condition of one will affect the other. For this reason, the physical relaxation learned in Aikido naturally becomes mental relaxation. Likewise, the perseverance and confidence that develop mentally are manifested in a body that moves and holds itself confidently and strongly. Any psychological or spiritual insight must be reflected in the body, or else it tends to be little more than intellectualization; under pressure, such insights disappear, and the person reverts to previously ingrained habits and patterns (aikidofaq.com). Aikido training requires the student to squarely face conflict, not to run away from it. Through this very concrete, physical experience, an Aikido practitioner learns to face the situations of life in a proactive, constructive manner. Patterns of avoidance and fear are broken. The tense, defensive reactions to pressure and conflict that so often only create more violence are recognized and deconstructed. A new person - straightforward, brave yet humble, able to be both strong and yielding as circumstances require - can emerge from this training. Today, Aikido has become known in psychological and business circles as highly useful in extending and applying conflict resolution strategies. People everywhere are using Aikido philosophy to improve the quality of their lives (aikidofaq.com).

Styles

The major styles of aikido each have their own Hombu Dojo in Japan, have an international breadth and were founded by direct students of Morihei Ueshiba. Although there has been an explosion of "independent styles" generally only the first five listed have been considered major. Iwama Ryu is a debatable sixth as, although its influence is major, it has until recently been part of the Aikikai (see below).
- Aikikai is the largest aikido organization, and is led by the family of the founder. Numerous sub-organisations and teachers affiliate themselves with this umbrella organisation, which therefore encompasses a wide variety of aikido styles, training methods and technical differences. Prominent sub-organisations include numerous national Aikikai, as well as several US-based ones including the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) and Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU).
- Yoshinkan Founded by Gozo Shioda, has a reputation for being the most rigidly precise. Students of Yoshinkan aikido practise basic movements as solo kata, and this style has been popular among the Japanese police. The international organization associated with the Yoshinkan style of aikido is known as the Yoshinkai, and has active branches in many parts of the world.
- Yoseikan was founded by Minoru Mochizuki, who was an early student of O-Sensei and also of Jigoro Kano at the Kodokan. This style includes elements of aiki-budo together with aspects of karate, judo and other arts. It is now carried on by his son, Hiroo Mochizuki, the creator of Yoseikan Budo.
- Shodokan Aikido (often called Tomiki aikido, after its founder) use sparring and rule based competition in training as opposed to most others. People tend to compete to train rather than to train to compete. Kenji Tomiki, an early student of O-Sensei and also of Judo's Jigoro Kano, believed that introducing an element of competition would serve to sharpen and focus the practice since it was no longer tested in real combat. This latter view was the cause of a split with O-Sensei's family who firmly believed that there was no place for competition in aikido training. Tomiki said that at no point did O-Sensei actually cast him out.
- The Ki Society, founded by former head-instructor of the Hombu dojo 10th dan Koichi Tohei, emphasizes very soft flowing techniques and has a special program for the development of ki. It also has a special system of ki-ranks alongside the traditional kyu and dan system. This style is called Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido (or Ki-Aikido).
- Iwama Ryu emphasizes the relation between weapon techniques and barehand techniques, and a great deal of emphasis is placed on weapons training. Since the death of its founder Morihiro Saito, the Iwama style has been practiced by clubs within the Aikikai and an independent organization headed by Hitohiro Saito. Saito sensei was a long time uchideshi of O-Sensei, beginning in 1946 and staying with him through his death. Many consider that Saito sensei was the student who spent most time directly studying with O-Sensei. Saito sensei said he was trying to preserve and teach the art exactly as the founder of aikido taught it to him. Technically, Iwama-ryu seems to resemble the aikido O-Sensei was teaching in the early 50s mainly in the Iwama dojo. The technical repertoire is fairly large. The new, separate from Aikikia, Iwama Ryu Aikido has been renamed Iwama Shin Shin Aikishurenkai.
- Shin'ei Taido Founded by the late Noriaki Inoue, nephew of Morihei Ueshiba.
- Yoshokai aikido, begun by then-hachidan Takashi Kushida-sensei of Yoshinkan aikido, is a remarkably centralized style of aikido, with test techniques yearly passed down with explanations from the home dojo. The syllabus contains a considerable amount of weapons study, and like Yoshinkan, Yoshokai includes many solo movements and exercises.
- Tendoryu Aikido Headed by Kenji Shimizu.
- Shin Budo Kai headed by Shizuo Imaizumi.
- Kokikai aikido, founded by Shuji Maruyama in 1986, focuses on minimalist but effective technique. It emphasizes natural stances and ukemi that do not require high breakfalls, and deemphasizes atemi and techniques that cause pain or undue discomfort to uke. As such, it is considered by some to be a "soft" style of aikido.
- Seidokan Aikido, founded by Rod Kobayashi. Tends to utilize movements which are very small and economical. Encourages students to discover an aikido which is truly their own, stresses the importance of doing away with the extraneous and focusing on that which works
- Nippon Kan Headed by Gaku Homma.
- Nishio AIkido Headed by Shoji Nishio. Nishio Sensei passed away in March 2005.
- Tenshin Headed by Luis Santos. The style of Steven Seagal. It is considered a "hard" style of aikido, focussing on the practical side of aikido and using techniques that in real world situations would be effective and sometimes brutal. Though there are few dojos in the United States, the number is growing.
- Nihon Goshin Aikido Headed by Richard Bowe. It is considered a "hard" style of aikido, combining techniques from Karate, Judo and Daito-Ryu Aikijutsu. There are roughly a dozen dojos in the United States and none left in Japan. Founded by Shoto Morita in Japan circa 1950. Derivative styles include Nihon Goshin Aikijutsu founded by Walter Kopitov in 2000. For more information see "The Black Belt Master Course in Nihon Goshin Aikido". Please see Talk concerning Styles and External Links. Entries should not act as a list of individual or dojo clusters. The length of such a list would be very long. If you disagree please discuss in Talk.

Aikidoka

It is sometimes said that in Japan the term aikidoka (合気道家) mainly refers to a professional while in the west, any one who practices may call themselves an aikidoka. The term aikidoist is also used as a more general term, especially by those who prefer to maintain the more restricted, Japanese, meaning of the term aikidoka. :See List of famous Aikidoka

External links

- [http://www.aikiweb.com AikiWeb Aikido Information] is a comprehensive site on aikido, with essays, [http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/ forums], [http://www.aikiweb.com/gallery images], [http://www.aikiweb.com/reviews reviews], [http://www.aikiweb.com/columns columns], and other information. Chief among its notable content is its [http://www.aikiweb.com/search/ aikido dojo search engine].
- [http://www.aikidofaq.com The Aikido FAQ] A large but loose collection of essays, multimedia, and humour
- [http://www.self-defender.net/aikido.htm Aikido: Overview & Concept]
- [http://aikidojournal.com/ Aikido Journal Website] the most comprehensive source of aikido historical information
- [http://www.aikiweb.com/wiki/ The AikiWiki] Hosted by AikiWeb
- [http://www.aikiwiki.org/ AikiWiki.org] another Aikido wiki whose original content was this page in Wikipedia Please see Talk concerning External Links. The sites should contribute to the Aikido article itself not act as a list of individual or dojo clusters. The length of such a list would be very long. If you disagree please discuss in Talk.
- Category:Japanese martial arts ms:Aikido ja:合気道

Bitchu Province

Bitchu (備中国 -no kuni) was a province of Japan on the Inland Sea side of western Honshu, in what is today western Okayama Prefecture. Bitchu bordered Hoki, Mimasaka, Bizen, and Bingo provinces. The ancient capital and temples were built around Soja. For much of the Muromachi period, the province was dominated by the Hosokawa clan, who resided on Shikoku and allowed the province a degree of independence. By the Sengoku period, other clans fought over Bitchu, and Oda Nobunaga and Mori Terumoto were fighting in the province when Oda died, leading to a division of the province. After 1600, the province was divided among a variety of han (fiefs), and included a number of castles. By the time the provinces were reorganized into prefectures, the dominant city was the port, Kurashiki. ja:備中国 Category:Old provinces of Japan

Okayama Prefecture

Okayama Prefecture (岡山県; Okayama-ken) is located in the Chugoku region on Honshu island, Japan. The capital is the city of Okayama.

History

Okayama Prefecture was formerly divided into Bitchu Province, Bizen Province, and Mimasaka Province until the Meiji Restoration.

Geography

Okayama Prefecture borders Hyogo Prefecture, Tottori Prefecture and Hiroshima Prefecture. It faces Kagawa Prefecture in Shikoku across the Seto Inland Sea and includes 90 islands in the sea. Okayama Prefecture is home to the historic town of Kurashiki. Most of the population is concentrated around Kurashiki and Okayama, and the northern mountains are declining in population.

Cities

- Akaiwa
- Bizen
- Ibara
- Kasaoka
- Kurashiki
- Maniwa
- Mimasaka
- Niimi
- Okayama (capital)
- Setouchi
- Soja
- Takahashi
- Tamano
- Tsuyama

Towns and villages

These are the towns and villages in each district.

Mergers and changes of municipalities

Merger: Takahashi (1 October 2004)

The city of Takahashi and the towns of Ukan, Nariwa, Kawakami, and Bitchu were merged to form the new city of Takahashi. As a result of this merger, Kawakami District went defunct.

Merger: Central Area of Kibi Highland (1 October 2004)

The towns of Kamogawa and Kayo were merged to form the town of Kibichuo. The new town belongs to Kaga District, founded upon this merger.

Merger: Oku District (1 November 2004)

The towns of Ushimado, Oku, and Osafune were merged to form the city of Setouchi. As a result of this merger, Oku District went defunct.

Absorption: Tsuyama (28 February 2005)

The towns of Kamo, Shoboku, and Kume and the village of Aba were absorbed into the city of Tsuyama.

Absorption: Ibara (1 March 2005)

The towns of Yoshii (in Shitsuki District) and Bisei were absorbed into the city of Ibara. As a result of this merger, Shitsuki District went defunct.

Merger: Western Tomata District (1 March 2005)

The towns of Okutsu and Kagamino and the villages of Kamisaibara and Tomi were merged to form the new town of Kagamino.

Merger: Akaiwa (7 March 2005)

The towns of San'yo, Akasaka, Yoshii (in Akaiwa District), and Kumayama were merged to form the city of Akaiwa.

Absorption: Southern Okayama (22 March 2005)

The towns of Mitsu and Nadasaki were absorbed into the city of Okayama. As a result of this merger, Kojima District went defunct.

Merger: Soja, Yamate, and Kiyone (22 March 2005)

The city of Soja and the villages of Yamate, and Kiyone were merged to form the new city of Soja.

Merger: Bizen, Hinase, and Yoshinaga (22 March 2005)

The city of Bizen and the towns of Hinase, and Yoshinaga were merged to form the new city of Bizen.

Merger: Kume District (22 March 2005)

The towns of Chuo, Asahi, and Yanahara were merged to form the town of Misaki.

Merger: Ashin (31 March 2005)

The city of Niimi and the towns of Osa, Shingo, Tetta, and Tessei were merged to form the new city of Niimi. As a result of this merger, Atetsu District went defunct.

Merger: Maniwa (31 March 2005)

The towns of Hokubo, Katsuyama, Ochiai, Yubara, and Kuse and the villages of Mikamo, Kawakami, Yatsuka, and Chuka were merged to form the city of Maniwa. As a result of this merger, Jobo District went defunct.

Merger: Shoei (31 March 2005)

The towns of Katsuta, Ohara, Mimasaka, Sakuto, and Aida and the village of Higashiawakura were merged to form the city of Mimasaka.

Economy

Demographics

Transportation

Railways

- see also [http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%B2%A1%E5%B1%B1%E7%9C%8C%E3%81%AE%E9%89%84%E9%81%93%E9%A7%85%E4%B8%80%E8%A6%A7 List of railway stations in Okayama Prefecture (Wikipedia Japan)]

Culture

Pottery

Bizen-yaki, or Bizen pottery, is famous and popular.

Tourism

Prefectural symbols

Miscellaneous topics

Anime and manga

The anime and manga series Tenchi Muyo! take place in this part of Japan, and many characters are named after geographical features and landmarks of the area.

Notable people from Okayama

- Yuko Arimori, marathon runner.
- Naoto Fujiki, actor.
- Tesshō Genda, voice actor.
- Ryutaro Hashimoto, former Prime Minister of Japan.
- Sen'ichi Hoshino, baseball manager.
- Koshi Inaba, singer.
- Inukai Tsuyoshi, former Prime Minister of Japan.
- Keizo Nakanishi, singer.
- Joe Odagiri, actor.
- Sesshu Toyo, master of suiboku.
- Joichiro Tatsuyoshi, boxer.
- Nobuo Yana, actor.

External links

- [http://www.pref.okayama.jp/kikaku/kokusai/momo/e/ Official Okayama Prefecture homepage] Category:Okayama Prefecture Category:Chugoku region ko:오카야마 현 ja:岡山県

Εγκίρ

Στην Σκανδιναβική μυθολογία ο Εγκίρ (Ægir) είναι ένας γίγαντας και ένας βασιλιάς της θάλασσας. Μάλλον ήταν προσωποποίηση της δύναμης του ωκεανού. Είναι επίσης γνωστος και από τις γιορτές που πρόσφερε στους θεούς. Έχει εννέα κόρες μαζί με τη σύζυγό του, Ραν. ja:エーギル ms:Aegir

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