A Brief History:
Some historians believe that Japanese Ju-Jitsu can be traced back to a Zen Buddhist monk named BODHIDHARMA (in Japan called DARUMA).
He is said to have brought a fighting system (Shaolin Boxing) to China from India around the Fifth or Sixth century AD, but the earliest traces of Chinese martial arts dates back to the time of the CHOU DYNASTY, the royal lineage that ruled China from 1122 to 255 B.C.
This fighting system was not the same as modern Ju-Jitsu, but probably had the basic fundamental techniques and principles, which later developed into the more advanced unarmed combat techniques in use today.
During the Japanese civil war many different martial arts were developed to perfection. The Japanese professional soldier (Samurai or Bushi) was trained from a young age to be a skilled martial artist. He learned to master many different weapons, especially the Japanese sword (KATANA). Many Japanese historians assert that in Japan they practised combat systems without weapons by the end of the fifth century (in particular COMBAT SUMO WRESTLING), but the style of Ju-Jitsu was probably originated by the TAKENOUCHI RYU.
We can say from this system, built on techniques from combat sumo wrestling, Ju-Jitsu began to have an identity, but the name Ju-Jitsu was first used around the year 1600.
When the civil war ended and Shogun Tokugawa was raised to power circa 1600, and only the samurai warriors were permitted to carry weapons, the Japanese started to develop many different Ju-Jitsu styles. 725 styles were officially accounted for in Japan during the 17th century.
The different styles had different specialities, harder or softer, some focusing on kicking and punching, others on throwing and some on joint locking and takedowns.
Genshin Ju-Jitsu: A Word From The Founder & Head Of Genshin Kai International: Grand Master Dennis Butler, 8th Dan, I.S.H.H. & UK Director Of The Cobra Martial Arts Association.
As you can see from the above, the origins of Ju-Jitsu can be traced back to the 17th century, today it is acknowledged as one of the most effective forms of self-defence. One way of describing Ju-Jitsu is to say it is the decathlon of Martial Arts; it has a bit of everything in it. Some Karate styles, Judo & Aiki-Do all originated from Ju-Jitsu.
Ju-Jitsu is acknowledged as being the father of Martial Arts. It is the Martial Art that was taught to the Samurai Warrior, should he find himself in a situation where he was unarmed. Within it's repertoire there is, punching, kicking, blocking, arm and wrist locks, strangles, chokes, nerve and pressure points, throws, defence against various weapons and grappling. Students who learn Ju-Jitsu become jack of all trades, and in time, master of all.
Genshin Ju-Jitsu was and still is being developed to become a 21st century martial art. Traditional weapons’ training is not taught, mainly because they would be illegal on our streets. However, defence against weapons is taught, such as knives, bottles, sticks etc. Students of Genshin-Kai are trained to defend themselves against an attack from one person, or an attack by several people, and they are taught to defend themselves using their bare hands, feet, elbows, knees, head and any objects that are available to them. They are taught to fight standing up, kneeling down, sitting etc.
Genshin Ju-Jitsu Differs from other styles as it is formulated around street self-defence, which is more up close and nothing personal. Before a wrist or arm lock can be applied, it is necessary to distract the attacker momentarily to give you that added advantage.
Our punching strikes are from western boxing, defence is by circular movements and not linear or direct, as with Karate and Tai Kwon Do. Wrist and arm locks are further applied by body movement, again circular.
As some of you may know [unfortunately], when you are confronted with an attacker on the street, you have very little time to decide what actions to take, the best one, if available, is to run away, if that is not an option, then you must deal with the situation quickly and effectively and before you run out of steam.
Pressure points can be very effective, some can be applied as a first line form of defence, and others will work after the attacker has been controlled.
Students are taught from basic techniques and progress via our grading system, so that when they achieve their Black Belt they will have developed their own way of fighting.
No two Black Belts within Genshin Kai fight the same way.
Over the years Genshin Ju-Jitsu has evolved into an effective self defence system, and to this day it is still evolving, the circle will never be completed within my life time, so it will be up to the inheritors of my system to complete it.
If you want to find out more, contact Sensei Phil Arlett on 07514 001 274 see F.A.Q. or write a quick message on the Contact Us page of this site and we will get back to you as soon as possible, alternatively you can contact Grand Master Den Butler on 0790 344 5336 or visit www.genshinkai.co.uk
