AJAAJA NNEWSLETTEREWSLETTER

Volume XXXVII, Issue 1 Winter 2014

Ju-Jitsu and Judo Where Ends the Technique and Where Begins the Tactic? Scott Anderson In the last quarter of the 19th his studies concluded that the in a short time, the useful parts century, ju-jutsu and her Japanese missed out on some of the system were absorbed streamlined younger cousin, opportunities to throw oppo- into modern European judo. judo burst forth into Europe nents by hanging the thrower’s Today, judo-do is barely culti- and America as an exotic form body weight on their oppo- vated outside of Austria and of self-defense and physical edu- nent’s limbs to unbalance the Australia. cation. Some Westerners adversary. He believed that this wanted the authentic experi- concept and other changes In the first quarter of the last ence and tried to do everything could be used to modify judo century, the Russian NKVD was Inside this issue: just as the Japanese did, but for Europeans to provide some learning ju-jitsu through joint others decided that Eastern and parity in Western vs. Eastern training ventures with the Ger- Western minds and bodies judo. man SS. Meanwhile, the Red Kuzushi: The 2 were fundamentally different, so Army was integrating combative Great Equalizer these Eastern martial arts were Toward that end, he developed judo into its physical training ‘westernized” for others to a European module for judo to program. Once again, Europe- learn and excel at. be studied in addition to the ans had issues with Japanese standard judo curriculum. He concepts, and thus, judo was Julius Fleck, in the first half of called this system judo-do (the stripped of its Japanese trap- th Yudansha Promo- 2 the 20 century while living in widening of the path), and sub- pings and re-engineered using a tions Austria was considered so mitted his studies to the Greco-Roman wrestling training adept at judo that he was called Kodokan who awarded him a template and filling in judo sport the “white Japanese”, yet he still gold medal for his efforts. The and fighting techniques into all Newsletter Sub- 3 believed in his heart that excel- system’s hey day came and went of the slots on the training missions lence in judo was only for in- with the 1970s when tourna- charts filled with wrestling tech- heritors of Japanese DNA, yet ments were held in Europe, but (Continued on page 4)

Upcoming Events 3 Kirby Seminar: A Jujutsuka’s View Stewart Burke Mudansha Promo- 6 With the possible exception of The head of the Arlington Dojo, tated the transfer of the mats, a tions Santa Claus, the annual visitation Sensei Thomas Salander process overseen by Sensei most eagerly awaited by the (godan), with the assistance of Youman. For what is the basis members of the Arlington Bu- Sensei Chuck Youman (yodan) of jujitsu if not the tatami? doshin Jujitsu Dojo is that of and Sensei Adam Kennedy About the Ameri- 6 Professor George Kirby. In the (nidan), oversaw the necessary Coral and I and our comple- can Ju-Jitsu Asso- days preceding November 2nd, preparations. For the second ment were pleased to see ciation the date of this year’s seminar, year in a row, the event in ques- among the assembled jujitsuka my 12 year old daughter, Coral, tion took place not at our home such old friends as Bruce Gay- was positively tingling with ex- venue at the Arlington YMCA, man, from whom I have person- citement, no doubt with visions but rather at the nearby Wood- ally learned so much over the of waza dancing in her head. mont Center, which necessi- (Continued on page 3)

Page 2 AJA Newsletter

Kuzushi: The Great Equalizer Jesse Strom It is said that the distance between fail- nent threat. of a throw or controlled takedown. ure and success is termed the extra mile. The great equalizer of strength and size Let us examine a yielding response to 3. In response to a high or medium that enables one to go the extra mile is three possible attacks: 1) Straight punch, level kick, we can parry the kick articulated in the Japanese martial art of 2) Round-house punch or haymaker, and, while grabbing a pant leg or jujitsu as kuzushi. and 3) medium to high kick. trapping the leg, simply step for- ward lifting the leg beyond the Kuzushi is the term to convey the princi- 1. In response to a straight punch, we attacker’s balance. ple of breaking an opponent’s posture simply avoid the force of the attack or balance forcing the opponent into a by stepping aside with a parrying Simultaneously and/or after systemati- vulnerable position. Kuzushi comes from block. Applying kuzushi, we grasp cally applying kuzushi, we are able to the Japanese word kuzusu which is com- the attackers sleeve or trap the continue our actions to effect the at- posed of the characters 崩すmeaning elbow and continue the attacker’s tacker’s submission if necessary. momentum in the forward direc- ‘to destroy or pull down’. The central tion until the attack is collapsed Jujitsu is called the ‘gentle’ art due to the root of the word can be found in the rendering the attacker unable to ‘giving way’ or ‘yielding’ motion of our character 崩 denoting a ‘collapse.’ rebalance and reprise the attack. defense. The principle of kuzushi gives jujitsu that extra advantage to enable Kuzushi is the principle that we apply as 2. In response to a round house safely repelling attacks without injury to a force multiplier, with our yield, in punch, we can step inside and parry the attacker. Applying this principle is assisting the attacker beyond the point the blow. By grasping the attacker’s not as easy as it seems nor is it difficult. of unbalance. Kuzushi, deployed in this sleeve or trapping the arm, we One must train diligently maintaining manner, also destroys or collapses the continue the attacker’s momentum kuzushi as the primary principle of all attack so that it is no longer an immi- in a circular direction to the point movement in efforts to go the extra mile.

Yudansha Promotions Name Rank Date Dojo Nissan Zahavi Yodan 06/06/13 Belle Chasse Martial Arts David Vidal Shodan 08/01/13 Nova Budoshin Ju-j-Jitsu Hung Vo Shodan 09/10/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Martin Georgievski Shodan 09/15/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Bruce H Jones Hachidan 09/24/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Jancel Conroy Godan 09/30/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Rich Vinnacombe Shodan 10/01/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Andy Sparks Nidan 10/17/13 San Fernando Valley Martial Arts Antonio Ramon Nidan 10/17/13 San Fernando Valley Martial Arts Dennis McCafferty Shodan 10/17/13 San Fernando Valley Martial Arts Howard Kee Godan 11/10/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Kevin Mathis Nidan 11/20/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu

Volume XXXVII, Issue 1 Page 3

Kirby Seminar: A Jujutsuka’s View

(Continued from page 1) were in his dojo. Perhaps I should let (Also a great way to make friends =D). years at these seminars; Tyler Garner, Coral describe her impressions of the The free-style kata was one of my favor- Jodi Canapp, and others. ite parts of the seminar. You get to see the different techniques people learn The morning session saw Professor from other dojos. I think this helps im- Kirby demonstrating the finer points of prove my skills.” a pair of throws that many of us in the lower and mid-level ranks might find During my own freestyle kata, my old relatively advanced – harai ogoshi and friend and uke Tyler Garner essayed an hanae goshi -- as well as tai otoshi. After unexpected and unaccustomed type of reading his books and watching attack which left me momentarily non- his instructional videos, it is especially plussed, underscoring the immense gratifying to be able to receive the bene- value of periodically training with uke fit of Sensei Kirby's knowledge in per- from outside one’s customary dojo. son. Changing partners as we did after working on each technique, it was also I think all in attendance would agree that very beneficial to receive the insights of the respective performances, against one's ukes, particularly those at the multiple armed attackers, of Sensei John upper levels. Frank of Ward Y Dojo and Sensei Chris Hendricks of Reston, VA, stood out as After a lunch of Subway sandwiches highlights of the seminar (a video of graciously provided by Sensei Thomas John’s performance can be seen and his wife, Mary Claire, the attendees here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/ assumed the position of anza around the UCGMgamCe3wQwZJDc_S8JQNA). perimeter of the mat by order of height However, for Coral and I, this year’s and rank. Starting with the shortest seminar will always stand out as the one white belt, each student was allotted at which, at the very end of the day one minute in which to defend against before bowing out, we were summoned attacks from uke, after which their per- before Sensei Thomas and Sensei Kirby formance was critiqued by a distin- Prof George Kirby demonstrating tai otoshi at the to be awarded our purple belts in honor guished panel consisting of Sensei Kirby, Arlington Seminar on November 2, 2013. of our promotion to yonkyu. Sensei Salander, and Sensei Will Harris of the Ward Y Dojo [formerly known as Aside from the recognition of rank and White Marsh Dojo]. I must admit I seminar in her own words: courtesies thereof, our annual seminar beamed with paternal pride – and I think knows no discrimination other than that I detected a similar expression on the “The seminar was a great experience for of the ability to fall in relative safety and face of Sensei Thomas – when Professor everyone who signed up. I loved meet- the acknowledgment that we gather in a Kirby complimented Coral on her kata ing new people and learning how to spirit of friendship and open-mindedness performance and said he wished she defend against attacks I don’t know and depart in the same manner.

Newsletter Submissions Upcoming Event If you have an article or an upcoming event, I would like to What Multi-Discipline Seminar hear from you. It can be an article about technique, philoso- phy, real life encounters, or anything about the students or When March 15, 2014 dojo. Even if it’s just a comment about an article in the news- letter or an AJA event you’ve attended, I’d like to see it. If you have an upcoming event you would like to advertise, let us Time: 8:00 am to 5:00pm know. Remember, if it’s about you, the students or the teach- Host: Rising Sun Martial Arts Academy ers in your dojo, then it’s about the AJA!

Location: MgM Dance Studio Please send your submissions to: 241 N. Main Street [email protected] Shrewsbury, PA 17361 Please note the new email address! Contact: Debbie Burk

Instructors: George R. Parulski, Jr., Tony Maynard, Reggie Heefner, Dave Patton, Debbie Burk

Page 4 AJA Newsletter

Ju-Jitsu and Judo Where Ends the Technique and Where Begins the Tactic?

(Continued from page 1) stances where a certain technique will tion. This means that throws such as niques. Exercises for judo mixed with work, and figure out tactically how to seoi nage and o soto gari have elegant Western wrestling exercises because make that happen. Thus Obi O Goshi forms taught in classical judo to teach many of the newly minted judo instruc- might be the hip throw variant that the “principles” while the same throws in tors for the military had recently been student likes to use, but he may find that combination with tactical elements are Greco-Roman wrestling coaches. in a match with a shorter opponent that taught by coaches for sport success. the hand that normally would go to the These forms may diverge more over Oriental throws and other techniques opponent’s belt must go under his arm- time as principle and practice are al- came under Western “scientific” scru- pit to execute the throw, and to make lowed to evolve independently, and a tiny, and new models for training were room to execute the throw, he may question for a practitioner of ju-jitsu developed. In the Russian approach, need to use his shoulder to bump his might be: “are these changes beneficial anything that scored was a technical opponent’s chin up, so that he can get in in evolving better throws for self- action, but technical actions were sup- and under his opponent. Thus, the tac- defense or combat?’ ported by auxiliary actions: movements, tical elements support the technical gripping, and various tactics. This mind- elements, and without both, the throw Judo today has rule based limitations on set led to the concepts of the technical- most likely will not succeed. follow on throws in combinations, but a tactical action or the tactical-technical ju-jitsu practitioner could switch from O action. Both of these allude to the fact In ju-jitsu, techniques are often taught as Goshi to Morote Gari or even a bolder that a throw in training may be purely part of a kata where if the strikes or Kani Basami. So, how does a student technical in nature, but a throw to be other previous techniques work as learn to flow smoothly from one tech- applied against a moving and resisting planned, then the defender should be nique to another? Within the context of opponent almost certainly his specific personal needs? must have some tactical ele- ment to succeed. The Russians were dismayed that the Japanese offered them Thus, the actual nuts and basically what they saw as kata bolts for how to perform an or randori—to the Russians: O goshi as a throw over the one-sided training or free fight- hip are the technical elements ing. One-sided training meant for that throw; however, that in a kata for the most part within a fight or match, know- only one of the students is ing when and how to set up really being trained. The per- and use the throw to win son learning the counter was embodies the tactical elements. Yuri able to implement both his throw and the principal recipient of the benefit of Shulik, a Russian judo and sambo coach his finishing techniques. However, if the the training. After both partners prac- summed it up through the diagram in opponent is not sufficiently softened up ticed one-sided learning, the students the center of this page. or destabilized by the previous efforts, were sent off to randori often with less the O Goshi may be unsuccessful. Fur- than desired results for average practi- The left side of the arrow translates as ther defense, or even survival, may tioners. “technical preparation” while the right mean that this blown technique must be side of the arrow translates as “tactical followed up immediately and tactically Russian training revised the scheme as preparation”. This illustrates the techni- with a second, and hopefully successful, “one-sided training” to “two-sided train- cal-tactical training mixture of a throw technique. ing” to “free fighting”. In two-sided from beginner to master. On the left, training, what happens in the kata be- almost the entire focus on learning the Tactics are a means to support the act comes less predictable after the opening throw revolves around building the of throwing. Less than perfect tech- techniques are set. Thus, the attacker in technical skills to execute the throw. nique can still net a scoring throw if the one-sided training may only throw a Over time, the student becomes more tactics via gripping, timing, and unbalanc- right-handed roundhouse punch, but in skillful, and must reach a point where ing the opponent are applied and com- two-sided training after his right-handed the throw should be evaluated in use pensate for the technical deficiencies in roundhouse, he may counter the de- (randori—free fighting) to determine if the technique applied. This led the fender’s response, and the defender may the student has learned to throw effec- Russians to theorize that judo exists in counter that leading his attacker to tively and not just technically. two forms. Classical judo which is what counter…. Etc., etc. is taught in a standard judo course, and Under these conditions, the student sport judo which is taught by a “coach” As with any learning, the training starts must be able to figure out the circum- training a team or judoka for competi- (Continued on page 5)

Volume XXXVII, Issue 1 Page 5

Ju-Jitsu and Judo Where Ends the Technique and Where Begins the Tactic?

(Continued from page 4) trained in the philosophy and spirit of The Russian take on ju-jitsu was that as slower and gradually becomes quicker budo. a system, it was the most complete and more complicated. Thus one-sided system in existence for self-defense. training gives way to very basic two- Ju-jitsu may have a simpler path. With From there, it required some streamlin- sided training (initial strike, counter, the kata taught in the classes, the tactics ing and new methods of teaching to counter-counter before moving to initial are built around the throw with the prepare a defender to use technical- strike to counter to counter-counter to blocking, striking, and finishing tech- tactical techniques where prior training a counter to the counter-counter) niques. Where the issue becomes com- brings the right techniques to bear in which eventually leads to more mature plicated is what happens when the kata the worst situations that we may face in free fighting as the internal mental and can’t proceed as it does in the pictures life. Toward that end tactical-technical physical processes have learned to proc- in the book? Very few throws applied in techniques were developed where pre- ess information for smooth transitions the real world are pure technique. If planned strategies (build a frame to between techniques that facilitate deal- they are, then fate set up the right con- stabilize defense and regain initiative ing with the vagaries of free fighting ditions, and would make self-defense through striking until the opponent is where there may always be doubt about more about luck than training. sufficiently stifled that a throw or joint what comes next when facing a deter- lock can be applied) meant that gross mined adversary. With the right technical training, a per- motor skill ploys had to become instinc- son defending himself has a better tive to allow a besieged defender to What works today? Actually, to some chance of a technique working when regain a sufficiently stable position to be level both the traditional systems and needed. However, to implement it able to apply a technique that his train- systems modified for western sensibili- against a contrary opponent who is ing tells him is appropriate to apply in ties are useful. In studying both meth- intent on not making a mistake, the that particularly situation. ods, we can find ways around road defender must become a tactician. As it blocks that may come up in our own turns out, many have philosophized that What this means in the long run is that individual training. it tends to be easier to defend than to training that is pure kata most likely will attack. Yes and no. leave training gaps that can be unfortu- As a final note, G.P. Parhomovich, an- nately realized in self-defense. If self- other Russian judo coach deplored that Yes, for a prepared and well trained defense is the end goal then martial arts judo came to Russia with its budo twice defender, the attacker is setting himself training as pure martial art based only distilled out. First, in the early 1900s up to be thrown by supplying the energy on kata must give way to the somewhat when Imperial, and then, Communist of the attack. He lashes out, but a de- rougher training methods found in mili- Russia revamped the exotic Japanese fender deflects and exploits the misdi- tary combat systems. The defender style in terms of a modern system of rected energy to throw his opponent. must be well conditioned physically and physical education with western scien- That’s great if it happens. mentally able to endure the stress of a tific methodologies applied, and later, in violent encounter to be a tactical fighter entering the 1964 Olympics where judo Now, for the “no” side. The opponent who has the will to come out relatively was stripped of budo in pursuit of gold attacks relentlessly without giving the safe regardless of the situation. medals. In between, the Soviet Union defender a chance to stabilize his posi- did all that it could to strip Japanese tion and set up his defense. Is that fair? culture from what was left of Russian Probably not, but because a brutal, sur- judo in the form of sambo-wrestling. prise attack may be tactically sound for Parhomovich believed that without the the attacker, he does not necessarily essence of budo instilled in judo by Jigaro need to be skilled. Kano that judo as practiced in Russia was limited to what modern science Russian experience determined that a could do to improve techniques. defender in a self-defense situation should have the skills to block to build a Toward that end, he believed that it frame of safety around his body, and would take generations to repair this begin to retake the initiative with strik- lapse as first a new generation of stu- ing techniques until he can stabilize the dents would have to be trained in budo situation to use this throwing and finish- from the ground up to become competi- ing techniques. This is a tactic based on tors, and then coaches who could teach a strategy of prior preparation that must the next generation which would be- take place long before any life and death come the first generation of judoka truly encounter.

AMERICAN JU-JITSU ASSOCIATION PO Box 801854 About the American Ju-Jitsu Association Santa Clarita, CA 91380

The American Ju-Jitsu Association was founded in 1972, by George Kirby and William Fromm at the Board of Directors request of their sensei, Jack Seki, for the purpose of bringing different ryu of the art together in an Chairman / International Region Director atmosphere of mutual cooperation and respect. Since that time it has grown from two dojo to ap- Prof. George Kirby proximately twenty-four, plus international affiliates. The AJA has established itself as a reputable organization within the martial arts community and works closely with other major Ju-Jitsu organiza- President Prof. John D. McCurdy tions in the United States and internationally in areas of mutual concern. Vice President / Director Black Belt Board Mark Jordan The AJA is a non-profit amateur athletic association registered with both the state of California and the United States government [IRS code 501(c)(3)]. It is a non-profit corporation with a charitable Secretary David Boesel foundation status. Although originally recognized by the IRS as a “social club” because there was no other way to recognize the AJA as an amateur athletic association, formal recognition of the AJA as a Treasurer true amateur athletic association, according to the criteria of the United States government, was se- Marc Tucker

cured in 1976 under the Sports Act of that year. To our knowledge, the AJA is the only martial arts Western Region Director organization in the U.S. that is classified by the IRS as an amateur athletic association. Tony Damigo

Southern Region Director / International Competition Coordinator Prof. Tony L. Maynard

Mudansha Promotions Northern Region Director Prof. Terry Feelemyer Name Rank Date Dojo Director Mike Montes Sankyu 10/12/00 San Fernando Valley Martial Arts Prof. Gene Roos

Marco S LaRocca Nikyu 03/10/11 Kaiwan Budokai Dojo Administrative Staff

Pete Andrews Sankyu 03/31/11 American School of Self Defense Certifications Bill Swope Pete Andrews Nikyu 07/01/11 American School of Self Defense Communications David McComas Sankyu 07/21/11 Kaiwan Budokai Dojo Michael Pollack

Peter Turney Shodan 05/03/12 BelAir Rec Council Materials Coordinator Jef Rice David McComas Nikyu 07/19/12 Kaiwan Budokai Dojo Membership Coordinator Marco S Larocca Ikkyu 07/19/12 Kaiwan Budokai Dojo Kristine Wiscarson

Pete Andrews Ikkyu 04/25/13 American School of Self Defense National Awards John M. Landry

Jordon Tucker Ikkyu 05/01/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Newsletter Editor Will Harris Ned Libby Nikyu 05/01/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Recruitment David McComas Ikkyu 05/30/13 Kaiwan Budokai Dojo Bruce Jones

Jayesh Lalwani Sankyu 06/01/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Webmaster Jeff Wynn Bruce Mansfield Sankyu 08/03/13 Belle Chasse Martial Arts Vancouver Institute of Self De- Kelly Garcia Sankyu 08/09/13 fense Mark Stoyen Ikkyu 10/01/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Visit us on the web: Dennis McCafferty Ikkyu 10/17/13 San Fernando Valley Martial Arts www.AmericanJuJitsuAssociation.org Mike Montes Nikyu 10/17/13 San Fernando Valley Martial Arts Vancouver Institute of Self De- Jason Claus Nikyu 10/18/13 fense Vancouver Institute of Self De- William Griffin Ikkyu 10/18/13 fense Vancouver Institute of Self De- Jason Hirata Ikkyu 11/01/13 fense Ned Libby Ikkyu 11/15/13 Reston VA YMCA Jujitsu Luke McKennedy Nikyu 11/17/13 Nova Budoshin Ju-j-Jitsu