Interview with Highest Ranking Jujutsu Martial Artist | Trends Between European and Japanese Martial Arts

John B. Gage Sensei

[The following is an excerpt from the interview found here: Interview]

The Japanese Martial Arts Center did an interview with John Gage Sensei, head of the Nihon Jujutsu system, on his upcoming trip to Copenhagen, Denmark. Gage Sensei is teaching at a seminar from October 16-18, 2015 through the International Martial Arts Federation [IMAF].

What are trending differences between European and Japanese martial arts?

The differences are pronounced. Jujutsu has become an eclectic term outside of Japan that generally encompasses two schools of thought; one being Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and the other being a self-defense oriented training system.

While Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become internationally popular in recent years, Jujutsu in Europe has been widely practiced in various countries since the late 1960's - early 70's. The majority of European Jujutsu styles comprise basic techniques taken from Aikido, Karate, and Judo, and focus on striking, as well as definitive means of disabling an assailant i.e. they are primarily methods of self-defense.

The Japanese concept of modern jujutsu, and by modern we mean the Meiji Era (1868 - 1912), focuses primarily on maintaining control over an opponent with minimal harm. Nihon Jujutsu, in particular, has its basis in the basics of Judo, Taiho-jutsu, restraining techniques used primarily by the Japanese police, and early teachings of Tomiki Kenji (1900 - 1979). It focuses on throwing as a means of self-defense, immobilizing, joint control, evasive stepping, and control with minimal harm as appropriate to the situation.

Methods of control, primarily used by Nihon Jujutsu, focus on off balance (kuzushi), in order to set up a technique with minimal resistance, as well as striking to control the opponent or creating an opening to apply a technique rather than inflicting catastrophic damage. The footwork is characterized by maintaining a natural standing position (shizentai), in order to maximize mobility. This flexibility allows one to respond in the strategically most advantageous manner.
For more information on Nihon Jujutsu (sometimes spelled 'jiu jitsu'), Ann Arbor-located Japanese Martial Arts Center has a page on the differences between Nihon Jujutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Gage Sensei Internation Seminar (General Announcement)

This event involves three days of training with international martial arts masters in Copenhagen, Denmark! Gage Sensei, head of the Nihon Jujutsu system, will be sharing his expertise with people from around the world. For more information on the seminar, visit:

http://imaf.dk/index.php/en/seminars/european-seminar-2015

Choke Series: Single Wing Choke | Kata-ha-jime

The hand under the arm opens the lapel and feeds it to the other hand [top left]. The opposite hand sinks into the collar, thumbs in, with the forearm against the neck [top right]. The hand under the arm slides behind the neck until the fingers can touch the opposite arm's bicep [bottom left]. The wrist across the neck levers against the opponent's check [bottom right]. 

For more information on this classic choke, check out our Single Wing Choke page.

Choke Series: Triangle Choke | Sankaku-jime

A brief breakdown of the choke:
    ⁃    One of the opponent's arms and his/her neck is between your legs.
    ⁃    Drag the opponent's arm across your body and bite down on the neck with your leg. This gives you control over your opponent's posture!
    ⁃    Make sure that the opponent's head is down.
    ⁃    Cross your ankle under the opposite knee.
    ⁃    Your legs should create a garrote around his/her carotids.

For more information, visit our Sankaku-jime page.

Test Date Reminder

Choke Series: Front Arm Triangle | Mae-hadaka-jime

The bottom arm is fitted under the neck, so that the carotids are pinioned between the bicep and the forearm (top left). The free arm acts as a fulcrum, as the fingers on the opposite hand slide down the bicep (top right). The choke is applied (bottom left). An alternate view of the opponent's head (bottom right).

Want a more detailed explanation? Check out our page: Mae-hadaka-jime.

Choke Series: Rear Naked Choke | Hadaka Jime

The choke is set up in the traditional way (top left). The choke is applied, creating a garrote around the neck at the carotids (top right). In the second version, the fingers of the free hand more towards the bicep (bottom left). The hand tucks behind the neck, completing the choke (bottom right).

For more information on this killer submission, visit our page on Hadaka-jime.

Tameshigiri

On July 18, starting at 1:00pm, the Iaido members are invited to cut tatami mats. Last year had an excellent turn-out. We look forward to seeing you again!

May and June News!

It has been a busy past two months. Here are some of the highlights:

Gage Sensei and His Family at JMAC!

After spending nearly 28 years training in the Greater Tokyo area, the head of the Nihon Jujutsu system, John Gage Sensei, has moved to Ann Arbor, MI. It is a privilege to have the most accomplished living representative of the late Sato Shizuya Sensei teach and train at the Japanese Martial Arts center. The Ann Arbor martial arts community is honored!

The Lotus Blossom Fundraiser

The Japanese Martial Arts Center did an excellent job raising funds for the Nepal Earthquake Relief. Almost $2000 were raised between the Dexter Rotary Club and JMAC.

Kids Karate Promotions

On June 6, the Kids Karate class had a belt promotion. Congratulations to promoted candidates!

9th Anniversary

On June 20, the Japanese Martial Arts Center will celebrate its 9th Anniversary! It will be a potluck-style event, complete with a bouncy house and games. This is a family-friendly event and certain to be the talk of the year!

In the morning, there will be a special Gage Sensei Seminar. This is open to JMAC members exclusively.

Upcoming 2015 Summer Events!

Get ready for a ROCKING summer!

• May 9, Saturday @ 3pm - Nueve de Mayo
   This killer workout is made to celebrate the number 9! All JMACers are welcome! (Parents and families who want a killer workout are welcome, too!)
  
• May 22-25, Friday-Monday - Memorial Day WeekendJMAC is closed!
  
• May 31, Sunday - Dexter - Ann Arbor RunSuino-Sensei is signed up for the 10K! For more information, check out this information on the run. 
  
• June 6-7, Saturday-Sunday - JMAC is open!Suino-Sensei is teaching iaido in Kitchener, Ontario. JMACers are welcome to join!
  
• June 20, Saturday - The Japanese Martial Arts Center's 9th Anniversary!
• Special Workout from 9:30am-noonMore details to follow...
• Potluck Celebration from 5:00-7:30pmSocializing, bounce house, and bragging rights on the best dish for the rest of the year! More details to follow...
  
• July 3-6, Friday-Monday - Independence Day WeekendJMAC is closed!
  
• August 23, Sunday - Subaru Down and Dirty Mud RunSign up with the JMAC team! Contact Sensei for more details.
  
• September 26, Saturday - Tough Mudder
  Sign up with the JMAC team! Contact Sensei for more details. 

For more information on our Ann Arbor Jiu Jitsu, Judo, Iaido, or Karate programs, contact info@japanesemartialartscenter.com. 

Ann Arbor Karate Words You Want to Know

Ann Arbor Karateka Warming Up

Karate
空手 means "empty hand". It was invented in Okinawa, formerly the Ryukyu Islands, under the influence of Chinese martial arts. It was brought to the Japanese mainland with the intent of creating a systematic combat style. Karate focuses on strikes, such as punching and kicking.

Karateka
空手家 means "a practitioner of karate". If you are a karate student, you are a karateka!

Kihon
基本 means "fundamentals". These basic moves serve as a foundation for the martial art. Examples include stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, and meditation. Mastering the basics indicates a readiness to participate in complex kata and sparring. This is similar to working on scales and rhythm patterns in music before playing in a symphony.


For the complete list, visit here.

An Interview with Warrington Hudlin [Excerpt]

Warrington Hudlin has made an indelible name for himself in the film industry and media. In 1978, four years after graduating from Yale, he founded the Black Filmmaker Foundation. He is the producer of films, such as Boomerang (1992), House Party (1990), and Cosmic Slop (1994). His accolades include the Trailblazer Award from the Hip Hop Association, a 2005 Webby Award for best political website, and the Pioneer Award from African American Women in Cinema. He is currently a member of the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences and other councils. He serves on advisory boards such as Asian Cinevision and the Coalition of Asian Pacific Entertainment (CAPE). He also curates a monthly series at the Museum of Moving Images called Fist and Sword.

As a major name in the film industry for the past three decades, how have you seen the roles of African Americans evolve in the film industry, specifically in martial art films?

Michelle Yeoh in "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon"

Well one thing that really struck me is that there has always been an intersection of interest between martial arts movies coming from Asia and audiences of African descent. In film marketing departments, the dollars that made these movies possible came from the pockets of Blacks and Latinos.

Actually, I had a wonderful conversation once with Michelle Yeoh. I told her that people knew her. This was her first time visiting New York, and she thought that there was no awareness of who she was. And I said, "No, no, no. In fact, we could get on subways right now and we could walk to Times Square, where people may not know you. But if you came to Harlem, people would definitely know you." She was really surprised that this community recognized that these movies came out of Hong Kong first. To this day, there's a tremendous affinity to these actors and films in the community.


Now, you've interacted with amazing people, like yourself, from Eddie Murphy to Michael White. Who has been the most inspirational person you've worked with?

There are different inspirations from different people.

Harry Belafonte isn't someone I've worked with in front of the camera, but he is an elder. He has really advised me in my goals as a filmmaker who is concerned with social justice. Anyone who's seen the movie Selma can understand the role he played during the civil rights struggle.

He's 87 years old, and he's done it. He's an African American who has successfully negotiated in the film industry and maintained his integrity.

Everyone gives you something. So, if you are attentive to subtleties, everything comes in ways that enrich you.

What have been some of your favorite accomplishments for BFF?

When Spike Lee was a student, we were helpful to him. We supported his efforts. So if you ask anyone in the business, they would tell you that the first institution to organize and create a facility for them to grow and prosper… they would say that we were that organization.
 

 To read the entire interview, check out this link.

What's the Difference Between Nihon Jujutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? (Part 2)

Master Carlos Gracie and Master Helio Gracie sparring.

History 

(The rest of the article can be found here.)

Jûjutsu, which generally refers to systems of unarmed combative techniques, may be said to be one of the oldest branches of Japanese martial arts. Images of fighters using jûjutsu techniques can be found in a variety of early historical records.

Nihon Jujutsu is a modern Japanese martial art that focuses on practical, efficient techniques as originally found in both ancient and contemporary martial arts. Its principles and techniques derive from Japanese unarmed combat and self-defense techniques from pre-1945 judo and aiki-bujutsu, as well as taihojutsu (Japanese police immobilization and arresting methods). The founder of Nihon Jujutsu, Sato Shizuya, established this system based on his extensive studies with leading Japanese budoka (traditional martial artists), many of whom introduced ancient bujutsu methods into modern budo.

Despite its name, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was originally based on the techniques of Kodokan Judo, a system created by Kano Jigoro. A student of Kano Sensei, Esai Maeda, later known as Conde Koma, visited Brazil, and his instruction formed the basis of today’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

At the Japanese Martial Arts Center, the Nihon Jujutsu style is taught. Nicklaus Suino Sensei is a direct student of Sato Shizuya Sensei, the fouder of Nihon Jujutus. For more information, contact info@japanesemartialartscenter.com.

What's the Difference Between Nihon Jujutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? (Part 1)

Spelling
(The rest of the article can be found at here.)

The founder of Nihon Jujutsu, Shizuya Sato Sensei.

The translation of Nihon Jujutsu breaks down in the following ways:
1. "Nihon" means "Japanese"
2. "Ju" means "gentle, soft, supple, flexible, pliable or yielding"
3. "Jutsu" means "art or technique"

However, given the variations of spelling and usage of terms related to ‘jûjutsu,’ as well as the confusion that arises as a result, it’s probably helpful to look at the origins of the term as it’s written in Japanese and English.

Jyûjutsu (noun) as written in Japanese can be translated as the ‘technique(s) of flexibility, softness et al’, and denotes a system of techniques including striking, throwing and joint manipulation as a means of combat or self-defense.

Jitsu (noun or adj.) as written in Japanese can be translated as truth; reality; sincerity; honesty; fidelity; content; substance; (good) result.

So you could argue that jyû-jitsu, or Jiu-Jitsu, is a spelling error – similar to the incorrect use of a homophone in English like there, they’re, or their – which later became established as "Brazilian jiu-jitsu" or "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu" to differentiate the styles. When referring to the Brazilian counterpart, it is common to use the spelling "Jiu-Jitsu." Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is also often referred to as "jitz" or "BJJ".

At the Japanese Martial Arts Center, the Nihon Jujutsu style is taught. Nicklaus Suino Sensei is a direct student of Sato Shizuya Sensei, the founder of Nihon Jujutsu. For more information, email info@japanesemartialartscenter.com.

Upcoming Winter Events 2014

We have two Ann Arbor martial art events coming up!

Saturday, November 22 from 11am-2pm

Special Workshop: Power Learning

Acquire Martial Arts Skills Faster Than Ever

Taught by Suino Sensei

(No adult classes that day... regular kids classes WILL meet!)
- For JMAC members 14 & over (all programs welcome)
-Please sign up in advance - no charge for JMAC members!

Thursday, November 27 - Sunday, November 30

Japanese Martial Arts Center is closed for Thanksgiving Holiday

 

Saturday, December 6 from 9am-noon

Special Workshop: Less than Lethal - Tactical Pen for Personal Defense

Taught by Suino Sensei

Offered in conjunction with Ann Arbor Arms

(No regular classes that day... kids or adults)
- Adults 18 & over only (all programs welcome)
- Wooden practice pens supplied
-Please sign up in advance - $50 charge
-Limited number of slots available for JMAC

Martial Arts Stories

Jigoro Kano, Founder of Judo

The following two martial artists are connected to the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano. For more stories, visit this link.

Tanzan Hara Sensei
(1819-1892) One of Kano’s philosophy teachers was a legendary monk who is depicted in the following tale:

Tanzan and a fellow novice monk were on a pilgrimage to a training monastery. A storm came upon them, causing some of the roads to flood. A young girl was trapped on one side of a crossroad. Tanzan asked if she needed help.

Tanzan and a fellow novice monk were on a pilgrimage to a training monastery. The plum rain, or tsuyu, that washes through Japan during the earlier parts of the summer had transformed some roads into torrential floods. At one of the crossroads, the pair came across a young girl. She was trapped.

She asked Tanzan for help, so he carried her across the stream.

The two men continued their journey. The other monk was very quiet. “What bothers you, Ekido?” Tanzan asked his companion.

“You shouldn’t have carried that girl! You know that we are forbidden from touching women!”

Tanzan shook his head. “Are you still carrying that girl?” he asked. “I set her down long ago.”


Kyuzo Mifune Sensei
(1883-1965) Mifune, one of Kano’s best students, published the Canon of Judo. His teachings are still used today, included his tenants on Judo practice. For 62 years up until his death, he never missed a day of training.

In one humorous tale, he visited a karate dojo to view a demonstration. The instructor destroyed a stack of tiles in a single blow. “Can a Judo man do this?” the instructor challenged.

“Yes!” he replied. “Very easily.”

He took a hammer from his bag and began smashing the tiles.

“You are going to use a hammer to break the tiles?” the karate instructor asked.

“Of course,” Mifune said. “In Judo, we say, ‘maximum efficiency with minimum effort’. What you have taken years to learn, we can do in seconds.”

"I Went to a McDojo": A Martial Artist's Encounter

One of our martial artists had to move away from the Japanese Martial Arts Center. Right now, she is on a quest to find a good dojo.

In a nutshell: the two times I trained with [the first dojo] I was in the same class with at least 5 children (under 10 years old) and a few very untalented white belts only, which is a pattern I saw in both places that offer some kind of Jujutsu. There are no advanced classes, because the level of Jujutsu is so low amongst participants. The whole approach is a mixture of Karate and Brasilian Jujutsu; most of the Jujutsu- participants do 90% Karate and the ranking system is such that if you have a brown belt in Karate, you automatically get a green belt in Jujutsu. (?).

While the skill level of some of the teachers is OK (and I am not overly picky here but meanwhile I know what to look out for), the skill level of the students that I saw is low to embarrassing. And since they are equally important as the teacher, this doesn't work for me. I also tried Judo, the class only had two white belt students and a Shodan ranked teacher with a strong emphasis on wrestling and grappling. This was actually fun, but again, no other interesting students to speak of. At some point I got annoyed by taking dangerous falls by low skilled toris yet having to apologize for throwing uke in my usual ways.

When I told the owner of the dojo that I really don't want to train Jujutsu with children under 10 he was very surprised at the fact that this had happened. He had been out of town and didn't know this was happening. However, if his "No 1 assistant" as he called him does that, I know there is a larger management problem. Since these are all larger, commercial places, I am not surprised but it's not my problem either. He actually contacted his own Sensei at another location and they wrote me a long email trying to lure me back with offers to train with the 'Super' Sensei (6th dan). Honestly, I couldn't be bothered to explain that, while rank and skill of Sensei is very important, it is equally important to have a good sized class with all ranks not just low ranks. You know that I will always help others, but I am not prepared to work with children and white belts only.

In short: you trained me too well. :-)

 (On a different note that may entertain you: I went to see 7 dojos overall and 90% of the Senseis and teachers are seriously overweight. Super turn-off! I cannot take anyone seriously who can only see their toes in the mirror.)

This is one of the most frustrating challenges I have ever experienced. I am so glad that my work keeps me from thinking too much about it.

Hope you are well. I would love to attend another JMAC workshop in the future, if that is possible at all.

-Anonymous

Throw Like a Girl

"You throw like a girl." "Yup."

Ann Arbor Jujutsu Practitioner Combines Martial Arts and Leadership Research | Andrea Derler

(Below is an excerpt of the interview. The full interview can be found at this link.)

Andrea receiving her black belt from Suino-Sensei

Andrea Derler is a powerhouse. She knows German and English, and has international experience in Austria, Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

During the day, she is a consultant associate for LEAD Institute and hosts leadership workshops through Washtenaw Community College. She is a PhD candidate in Economics, with a focus on Leadership and Organizational Development.

At night, she dons her jujutsu gi and black belt.

Andrea teaching during a Chaos to Kata seminar!

The following article is an excerpt of the exclusive interview:
  
Q. You started six years ago?

No, I started four years ago, when I was pregnant. I stopped when I was six-months pregnant, because I was too big and heavy. I remember that at the first test, I was six-months pregnant, but was having difficulty breathing. When I recovered, I came back to the dojo and continued my training. Everyone was very patient.

Andrea during Jujutsu practice

Q. Less than 2% of people who come to the Japanese Martial Arts Center go on to earn a black belt. What has your mindset been as you have done martial arts?

It’s a mindset of passion. If you love something, you just can’t stop. The black belt is not something I’m particularly proud of. It was certainly something to strive for, but I was more interested in the mastery of the martial arts. Getting up to the black belt simply means that I know the basics.

Q. What is the most important lesson you have learned during your martial arts journey?

That I can overcome my glass ceiling. In the past four to five years, anytime I encountered a difficult throw or roll on the mat, instead of telling myself I can’t do it, or I’m too scared to do it… I find that glass ceiling, but Suino-sensei always tells me I can. And I do. It is possible, you just can’t give up.

Andrea doing a Jujutsu throw

Q. How have martial arts carried over into your professional or personal life?

There is always that glass ceiling, like the one that I talked about. You can’t run away. I have figured out that I must approach head-on. For example, the sacrifice throw was very scary for me. I could either back away from it or do it. So, I went at it straight away and worked on it. Encountering these fears has helped me realize that I can’t back away from them. Running away doesn’t help; it makes the fear worse. I have learned over time to become stronger in overcoming these fears.

Q. Your most recent project is Chaos to Kata, a leadership seminar that is a synergy of martial arts and the business world. What was your inspiration for the project? How did it come about?

I always saw benefits in the business world in the way Suino-Sensei teaches martial arts. Everything didn’t click until Sato-Sensei came to the dojo. There was a concept he mentioned. His English wasn’t very good, but he said a word… mushin. It was very short, but you could see that there was a lot of meaning behind it. His translator described it was a word that describes approaching a situation without bias.

Six months later, Suino-sensei and I met over lunch, and discussed it. Suino-sensei developed the kata. The process of developing the project worked well because we work in very different ways that complement each other. I’m very efficient and he is a visionary. I had the basic idea, but he brought it forward with ideas to generate the seminar.

Andrea demonstrating a Jujutsu set-up during a Chaos to Kata seminar

Q. Have you personally used the kata?

Yes! Many times.

I had a first time meeting with a CEO where I worked. He was 65, and we worked in a very patriarchal environment. He was very patronizing. The first thing he said to me was, “You lucky thing.” I physically made space from him, and went back to my seat to collect my thoughts. Eventually, instead of not speaking at all during the meeting, because it is my weakness not to act and withdraw, I began making comments during the meeting. I had to act. At some point, it was a matter of the management of his personality. I started to jump in, summarizing what he said, and saying, “Thank very much for that, and now to add to what you said…” It wasn’t because he was convinced that I was right, but it was more to establish myself as a viable voice at the table.

Q. What was his response?

At the beginning of the meeting, he sat far away from me and was very hostile. By the end of the meeting, he actually came up and sat next to me to shake my hand, not necessarily as friends, but to be friendly.

Q. What’s another way you use the kata?

Generally, when I get worried about things, especially in the long-term, I use the kata. There is a lot of chaos in the future. For example, I am about to move, and I was initially very sad and disappointed. However, I need to create space from my emotions. So, I created space by not thinking about it for a while. I put it in a box and created distance. Then, it came to the point where I could approach it and analyze it without emotions or prejudice. From there, I could begin to act. I looked for schools, analyzed the community. I got a job there. I began to see the good that could come of it.

The kata has helped me overcome the emotional turmoil and approach the situation in a constructive manner.

Andrea during her black belt test and practicing joint locks.

Spring/Summer Events 2014

Iaido Camp
    ⁃    THIS SATURDAY
    ⁃    May 17 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Iaidoka at the Japanese Martial Arts Center

Memorial Day
    ⁃    NO CLASSES
    ⁃    Friday, May 23 to Monday, May 26

Jujutsu Camp
    ⁃    June 21 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

The Japanese Martial Arts Center's 8th Anniversary
    ⁃    After Jujutsu Camp
    ⁃    June 21 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
    ⁃    Potluck style! The best dishes mean bragging rights for the chef!

July 4th
    ⁃    NO CLASSES
    ⁃    Friday, July 4 to Monday, July 7

Judo Camp
    ⁃    July 19 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

Down and Dirty Mud Run
    ⁃    August 24 at 6:30 am
    ⁃    More information at http://www.downanddirtyobstaclerace.com/event-cities/detroit/