Yoshin Dojo

Chigiriki 乳切木

While this tool can be written with various kanji one things is certain, it is a very unique tool within Japanese martial arts.

The main schools still teaching this weapon are Araki Ryu and Kiraku Ryu. Although historical documents reveal it was also part of other Ryuha including: Takagi Ryu/Kukishin Ryu and even Katori Shinto Ryu.

With so few schools teaching this ancient tool it would be difficult to find a serious group to train it. Most likely Araki Ryu would be school that one could learn about the tool. Please contact our school for more information on this tool and where to study it.

#乳切木

Another great night on the mats!

The youngsters worked on standing grappling and then transitioned to the ground. We later put it all together and they did really well. To award them, we did some dodgeball toward the end with people getting hit and going out doing wall squats before going back in.

Adult class started with 30 min of grappling and then we worked various throws added with striking set ups. We also looked at some counters to throws for some of our advanced students. It was a hot one last night so everyone broke a good sweat!

Here is the Koryu version of a similar technique counter that we did last night. This one from the Tsuitsui line of Takagi Ryu Jujutsu.

TAKAGI RYU JUJUTSU | KOSHI GURUMA | HIP WHEEL TAKAGI RYU JUJUTSU | KOSHI GURUMA | HIP WHEEL ...

Nagamaki Although there are different shapes of this tool the polearm shown below is one version. Essentially a longer, sometimes heavier version of the Naginata.

Great training last night!

The youth did some fun drills to learn grappling skills. We then did coached grappling letting the more senior kids help the newer kids. They did great!

We had some old faces show up in the adult class and got started with 30 minutes of sparring. We then continued our study into constriction techniques.

A majority of these techniques are within the historical teachings of Takagi Ryu Jujutsu. Takagi Ryu contains a section of Shime Waza (constriction techniques) in the basic kata (omote gata), in the Yurushi (scroll material) as well as what is called betsuden (outer influence). There are several classifications/groupings of techniques that are involved in the classical system. Our kyu/dan levels borrow from those groups and provide the student with a solid foundation for later studies.

One of the Shime waza we worked on was "Kata Ha Jime" (One Wing Choke). The below image from a historical document depicts a Karasu Tengu showing a version of this technique. It is often used when someone is defending your initial choke and you need to isolate their defending arm to apply a choke.

Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu 九鬼神流棒術

Old image showing Kukishin Ryu Bojutsu being performed at Takagi Ryu dojo.

Kusarigama (chain and sickle)

A unique tool used in some old Japanese martial arts is the Kusarigama. Several schools still teach this unique tool in their curriculum in Japan. Not many schools outside of Japan continue this instruction.

Masaki Ryu Manriki Kusari

Here is another version of a chain used in Masaki Ryu. Interesting chain as well as a unique style weight.

#正木流

Excellent training last night!

The youth class was well attended. After some warm ups and drills we worked on some grappling games, "cops and robbers" and also did some coached grappling. Everyone did outstanding! Congratulations to Jordan on his promotion!

Adults started with 30 minutes of spirited grappling. At 4min each we got through about 8 rounds using a new person for each round. Always a good way to break a sweat!

The remainder of the class was a continuation on choking techniques (shime waza). Our school has a benefit of having two approaches to Jujutsu techniques. We have the classical martial arts (Koryu) to pull from as well as the more modern arts of BJJ and Judo. This combination has proven to be quite unique and efficient.

Below is an image of Kano Jigoro applying one of the shime waza we worked in last night. Kata Ha Jime ("Single Wing Choke"/片羽絞). You can see the description is quite accurate as you have captured one of the opponent's wings in the ex*****on of the technique. Kata Ha Jime is used by a variety of Koryu as well as being included as one of the list of 12 chokes in Judo. We should keep in mind the techniques in Judo were pulled from various classical traditions.

Manriki Kusari, Tama Kusari, Sode Kusari, Ryo Fundon.

万力鎖、玉鎖、袖鎖、両分銅

Interesting round linked chain. Not sure how much impact this would take...but we'll soon find out...without damaging the item of course.

We've been doing quite a bit of chain at the training lately.

#荒木流　 #正木流　 #高木流　 #戸田流　 #気楽流

Another wonderful night on the mats!

Youth classes were smaller due to Summer vacations. We worked on sprawling and arm locks. Everyone picked up quickly and at the end of the classes everyone was looking pretty smooth! Congrats to Daisy for her promotion!

The adults started with 30 minutes of grappling. We then spent the entire class on details of various choking techniques within our curriculum. We then took the basic techniques and used those concepts to do other "constriction" techniques.

Below is an image of 2 Tengu doing martial arts from an old booklet. Interestingly, a choke is depicted that has also became famous to use during Newaza (group grappling) when in the bottom position.