Technical Helps
Picture Help Sequences
Armlock with Finger Grip – Ude Guruma Yubi Waza
This armlock is ideal to use on a larger person or if you have small hands. It’s an excellent alternative to the wrist press armlock & is now used by a number of major law-enforcement agencies. Once set you have a great deal of control over the person & it can be quite painful – so use caution!
Initial Response for Knife at Throat, Attacker Behind You
A knife at your throat from behind is a serious threat to your life [understatement]. If the person wants your possessions [money, jewelry, car, etc …] give it to the assailant. They can all be replaced. YOU CAN’T! However, here are some initial responses that can be used to get the knife away from your throat if you have to defend yourself. You must immediately continue on with a follow-through technique to remove yourself from imminent danger.\
Te Nage [Hand Throw] or Mae Heji Maki [Forward Elbow Roll Takedown]
For a rear forearm choke attack and a knife coming up at your throat. Who thought of this attack? Charles Choi wanted my input on what to do for such an attack
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Ude Guruma Otoshi [Shoulder-lock Drop Throw] [3/03]This is a defense for a knife in your back, with your back arched. Practice this defense slowly to achieve smoothness. It is an extremely fast technique once proficiency is achieved because your constantly working in a circle. Be careful though. You can’t complete this technique without posing the risk of serious injury to your workout partner. |
Tekubi Maki – Wristlock Takedown & Press [3/03]This is a defense for a knife in your back & a forearm choke with your back straight. This is a more difficult situation than having your back arched as you don’t have any “wiggle room.” Be sure to check my footwork as you learn this technique. Footwork is always critical. |
Don’t Break Your Thumb in Randori or Grappling [5/04]
When you grab a gi in randori/grappling it is common to see competitors grab their opponent’s gi with a grip where their thumb grabs the gi from underneath [or opposite their fingers & palm] like when you normally grab something.
Two Simple Fixes for the Hand Throw [Te Nage] & Wristlock Takedown [Tekubi Shimi Waza] [1/05] |
Thumb Press Technique [Ube Shioku Waza] [1/05]
YouTube video [5/11]
In this counter for a hand shake, students will commonly press against the tip of the thumb & then try to lift the thumb away.
Carotid Artery Press [Figure-4 Neck Nerve Press] Fix [3/05]
The Carotid Artery Press can be an extremely effective means of putting your opponent out — quickly. Unfortunately it also poses a high risk of serious injury or death if not applied properly throughout execution of the hold.
Cross-Cheek Press Takedown [3/07]
The Cross-Cheek Press Takedown is an effective alternative to the Carotid Artery Press [above].
Nose-Bridge Takedown [3/07]
This takedown is another safe alternative to the figure-4 carotid neck restraint. In addition to pressing down on the bridge of the nose, it also eliminates the person’s vision until they are down; a fairly disorienting asset.
Tai-Otoshi Fixes [2/09] |
Nozo No Ushiro Nage [2/09]
In some Ju-Jitsu ryu this is a secret technique taught only to black belts. In Budoshin Ju-Jitsu, and other ryu, it’s taught to white belts because of its simplicity and ease of helping students learn the concept of self-control and control of their attackers. it can be a very gentle technique which will only cause a gag response by the attacker. It can also be a fatal technique if the “victim” is in fear for their life. So this technique should be used with a great deal of caution.
Uki Otoshi |
Mae Yubi Nage – YouTube video [10/11]
This video fixes a very common problem with the setup of the ofrward finger throw, or any finger throw for that matter.
Little Finger Figure-4 Brace 7/12This series of pix presents a clearer view of this technique originally presented on pp. 171-175 of my book, Jujitsu Figure-4 Locks. |
YouTube Fixes
Countering a Sucker-Punch – YouTube video [4/12]
This is a short narrated video taken at Black Belt Publications on how to effectively counter a sucker-punch, assuming you know it’s coming.
Basic Hip Throw [Koshin Nage] Fixes – YouTube video 5/12
This short [1 minute 40 second] video shows a lot of common errors in executing a basic hip throw [koshi nage] and how to execute such a throw properly.
Hip Throw & Drop Throw Body Placement – YouTube video 2/13
Lot’s of people have problems with setting up hip throws and drop throws [and their variations] because they think they have to enter the throw differently based upon the attacker’s leg positions. This video shows how your body placement solves this problem quite easily and simply. It’s not what you do but how you do it.
Kubi Shioku Waza NOT a Submission Hold – YouTube video 9/13
Many practitioners use this Side Neck Nerve Attack technique as a standing submission when in fact it’s a very quick and painless “sleeper” technique. Check this YouTube video out on how to apply this hold correctly, but be careful when applying pressure.
Counter for Kicks to Your Side on the Ground – YouTube video 2/14
Getting kicked on the ground is extremely dangerous. Here’s a technique you can use against such an attack. Practice the technique slowly as doing it full speed can result in extremity fractures and/or a concussion to the attacker.
Figure-4 Leg Lock for Rear Body or Rear Waist Grab – YouTube video 5/14
The FIgure-4 Leg Lock is an effective submission on the street. It should be PRACTICED SLOWLY in the dojo to avoid setting the hold too fast, which could dislocate and/or separate your uke’s kneecap. Check out this YouTube video. This is a relatively fast lock to set once you get it down. Maintaining your balance is key to protecting your uke from injury.
C-Grip – YouTube video 5/17
The C-Grip is a simple grip which will allow you to set many holds without letting your opponent know what you’re doing until the hold is set. This 5-minute video by George Kirby shows the proper way to set up and use the C-grip to transition to other techniques. Click on the title to go to the YouTube video.
Headlock Escape into a Shoulderlock Takedown – YouTube video 2012. Reposted 2/19. |
How to Use Jujitsu Against a Sucker Punch – YouTube video — a Figure-4 Armbar Takedown & Submission . Reposted 2/19
This video, also produced by blackbeltmag.com shows how to react to and counter a sucker punch. It also details how to set up a proper Figure-4 armbar that will work 100% of the time.
Jujitsu FIgure-4 Locks Interview – YouTube video 2/19 |
Ura Harai – YouTube video 2/19
This short video, taken at Sensei Rick Rorres’s dojo in Texas, shows a reasonable ura harai [rear sweeping hip throw, executed by two of his students. This was originally posted on YouTube in 2013.
Self-Defense Foot Stomp for Grab from Behind – YouTube video 2/19
Originally posted by blackbeltmag.com in 2011 this video shows Sensei Mark Jordan demonstrating a significant variation of a foot stomp, striking downward on the inside of the ankle. Note: alljujitsu.com is offline.
Defense Against a Grab & Punch – YouTube video 2/19
In this video Sensei Mark Jordan demonstrates one response to a lapel grab and punch, ultimately going into a forward shoulderlock takedown. Originally posted by Mark Jordan in 2008. Note: alljujitsu.com is offline.
Training Tips, Techniques, and Variations — YouTube video 2/20
This instructional video by Sensei George Cushinan, contains a variety of Budoshin Jujitsu training tips, techniques and variations presented by Sensei George Cushinan, one of my top and very resourceful black belts. All movements are shown slowly with emphasis on closeups and foot/body position. It’s always a pleasure to see what George has come up with – very interesting and effective variations at times. Length: 59 minutes!!
Solo Obi Practice — YouTube video 4/20
This is a short video on how to use your obi [belt] or elastic bands to practice basic techniques by yourself.
Side Wristlock [Hyperextension] Takedown — YouTube video 5/20
This short [1:25 minute] video shows how to properly set up one kind of side wristlock takedown. Note the placement of my left thumb & index finger in the execution of this lock/takedown. Execute this technique very slowly as it’s easy to break the wrist even if done at a normal speed.
LED Flashlight: Empty Hand Applications — YouTube video 5/20
This video covers what to ideally look for in a small LED flashlight you might want to use as a self-defense weapon. The video also presents some “empty hand” applications for a small LED flashlight, originally presented at the 2018 Budoshin Jujitsu Summer Camp in Santa Clarita, CA. This video is about 17:28 minutes long.
Ju-Shin Excerpt/Example — YouTube video 5/20
This is an excerpt briefly describing and showing a Ju-Shin sequence from the Budoshin Jujitsu 2015 Summer Camp. Ju-Shin [Gentle Spirit], is a simple exercise similar to Tai-Chi. If you need to practice traditional jujitsu or aikido techniques on your own, combining them into a logical sequence, this video should help you get a start.
Elbow Roll Takedown Fix – YouTube video 10/20
This video is an excerpt from the October 3, 2020, Zoom workshop. It deals with a common mistake in setting up and executing an Elbow Roll Takedown. The fixes shown will make effective execution a lot easier and give you more control options. Thanks to Sensei Darryn Melerine, Minami Ryu Jujitsu, for providing the dojo environment and uke for this fix.
Magazine Articles
To open up a pdf version of any of the articles below, most written by George Kirby, just click on the title of the article. Newer articles will eventually be posted here as well.
Thanks to Black Belt for making these articles available to you online. To subscribe to Black Belt magazine please click here.
“How to Do a Demonstration”
Self-Defense World, Jan., 1976
“JuJitsu Suwari Waza“
Black Belt, Dec., 1980
“Transition from Empty-Hand to Weapons”
Black Belt, Dec., 1981
“Dealing with Multiple Attackers”
Black Belt, Dec., 1982
“Building Blocks of Jujitsu, Part 1”
Black Belt, July, 1983
“Building Blocks of Jujitsu, Part 2”
Black Belt, Aug., 1983
“A Message from the Pond” [editorial]
Black Belt, Nov., 1983
“Dojo Vs Street”
Inside Karate, Jan., 1996
“Pride or Necessity” [editorial]
Black Belt, Feb., 2004
“Block & Strike — Jujitsu’s Secret Weapon”
Black Belt, Dec., 2007
“Instructor of the Year”
Black Belt, Dec., 2007
“5 Lifesaver Jujitsu Escape Techniques”
Black Belt, Sept., 2011
“George Kirby Jujitsu Pioneer 50 Years”
Black Belt, Apr., 2017
“You’ve Mastered Zoom Classes . . . Are You Ready to . . .”
Black Belt, Jan., 2021
available online after July, 2022
“Jujitsu’s Basic Blocks”
Black Belt, July, 2021
available online after July, 2022
Zoom Workshops
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Aug. 1, 2020: Episode 1: Technique Fixes –YouTube video
This is the first of a series of Zoom videos dealing with various elements of traditional jujitsu techniques. This workshop is an open-ended seminar covering a variety of topics. So the workshop went in whatever direction the participants guided it. Length: 1:07:20.
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Sept. 5, 2020: Episode 2: Kuzushi Maneuver – YouYube video
In this workshop we presented options on dealing with bigger attackers, the role of osoto gari, and an introduction to Ju-Shin [updating and ancient exercise]. Length: 0:25
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Oct. 3, 2020: Episode 3: The Search for Taisho – YouTube video
This workshop dealt with issues pertaining to kicking defenses [blocks, deflections & tactics], multiple attacker strategies and tactics, the value of techniques transitioning skills, and effective ways to execute and elbow roll.. . Length: 1:11:39.
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Oct. 17, 2020: Episode 4: Shuhari – YouTube video
The three topics for this workshop were 1] the Covid-19 impact on your dojo & how you’ve changed student instruction/training, 2] proper armbar setup and figure-4 fingerlocks & variations, and 3] each instructor presenting their two most effective or practical self-defense techniques. [Unfortunately the first few minutes of this workshop are missing.] Length: 1:10:38.
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Nov. 7, 2020: Episode 5: Tanto! — YouTube video
This workshop deals exclusively on how to deal with a variety of knife thrusts and swipes. Different sensei also present their approaches to dealing with various attacks. Also shown are how to deal with an attacker who’s pulling a knife out of his pocket or who has kept it concealed until the moment of attack. Length: 1:33
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Nov. 21, 2020: Episode 6: The Kinesiology Challenge — YouTube video
This workshop concentrated on how the body moves with respect to martial arts techniques. The initial discussion was how the child-parent joint relationship affected the execution of techniques. The concept was then applied to counters and reverses for some jujitsu techniques as well as the role of the practice of technique to counter to counter, etc, for the purpose of establishing muscle/brain memory that would help practitioners operate from a state of mushin [no conscious thought] in street situations. Length: 1:35
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Dec. 5, 2020: Episode 7: Options — YouTube video
This workshops dealt with four discussion topics. Our first topic was side wristlock takedown variations. This was followed by an update on Ju-Shin, including an offer for training certification. We also covered “isolated” vs. “integrated” teaching/practice, including ways to get students to develop their reaction skills. Lastly we dealt with how Sensei Seki weeded out students who didn’t have the skill to slough off verbal harassment. Length: 1:01
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Dec. 19,2020: Episode 8: The Sun Tzu Algorithm – YouTube video
This workshop covered three topics: how does force continuum/appropriate force relate to choosing submissions to conclude a technique, are there any technique that must be executed only one way, and the importance of Randori or sparring in real time with resistance. Length: 2:06
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop Jan. 9, 2021: Episode 9: Convergence – YouTube video
This workshop briefly touched on “appropriate” use of force. Most of the time was spent discussing differences between autonomic responses as compared to conditioned responses via mushin as a result of constant repetitive practice. An equal amount of time was spent on how to quickly harness an opponent’s ki [energy flow] and become the center of technique execution. Length: 2:04
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop January 23, 2021: Episode 10: Détente – YouTube video
Today’s workshop concentrated on three areas: 1] potential training constraints following serious injuries or surgeries, 2] the importance of “trapping” the knife hand away from the throat for knife at the front of the throat from behind, and 3] the challenges of teaching different age groups, levels of proficiency, and the issue of societal “constraints”. Additional wrist trap technique detail at the end of this video by Sensei Darryn Melerine. Length: 1:20
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop February 6, 2021: Episode 11: Calm – YouTube video
This workshop dealt with 1] the most important considerations when defending against chokes, 2] a brief discussion on what techniques students actually used in real street situations, and 3] a brief review [to be covered again in the next Zoom workshop on the a] BJJY testing process and the b] parent/child joint relationship and their importance for technique understanding and success. Length: 1:09
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop February 20, 2021: Reasonable Force – YouTube video
This workshop covered the following issues: 1] the BJJY testing process, 2] a review of the parent-child joint relationship in more effectively teaching jujitsu techniques, 3] how a teacher’s personality [modus operandi] affects their teaching and student retention, and 4] some differences in teaching law enforcement personnel whose actions are limited by departmental “use of force” continuums. Length: 1:19
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop March 6, 2021: Kime – YouTube video
This workshop deals solely with the effect of kime in jujitsu & karate techniques; the topic being presented by Sensei Thomas Gentry. Karate generally tends to follow a linear direction of kime, whereas in may be linear or circular in jujitsu. We had an in-depth discussion of the implications of the variations of kime in the martial arts with a lot of very different thoughts, all brought together in the end by Sensei Kris Kademian. This is probably one of the best, most participatory workshops held thus far. Length: 1:20
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop March 20, 2021: Choke Point — YouTube video
This video covers what jujitsu techniques have actually been used effectively by students in real street situations and the outcomes for those students. It also briefly covers whether nerve or small muscle movement techniques really work on the street. Additional topics covered also included how to restart your dojo after Covid [very brief discussion], the validity of Zoom testing as an alternative to live or video testing, and a lot of time spent dealing with the front headlock/guillotine choke. Length: 1:13
Budoshin Jujitsu: Zoom Workshop 040321: Pudding — YouTube video
In this workshop we covered the limitations and attitudes of some martial artists with respect to their level of understanding of what traditional Japanese jujitsu entails. That topic easily segwayed into the second topic, which was situational awareness and strategies as the primary goal for any short-term self defense program as well as for any martial artist who hopes to be successful on the street. A small amount of time was spent dealing with multiple attacker tactics. Length: 1:27
Budoshin Jujitsu: “Episode 16: Full Circle” Zoom Workshop 050821 — YouTube video
Most important, I want to compliment all of the participants for finding common threads in all of the topics considered in this Zoom meeting: use of force, pressure point techniques and pain tolerance, first aid policies and practices, and how various instructors have changed their teaching approaches over the years. The back-and-forth commentary among the participants showed an excellent exchange of ideas and good communication skills. This was a really well-rounded and positive experience for everyone. Length: 1:16
Budoshin Jujitsu: “Episode 17: Patience” Zoom Workshop 052221 – YouTube Video
Today’s workshop centered on how to deal with student situations. At one end of the spectrum we had a general discussion on “difficult” students [or their parents] situations & resolutions. We then went to the other extreme of how to identify & develop emerging leaders/sensei in your dojo. Length: 1:15
Budoshin Jujitsu: “Episode 18: Zanshin” Zoom Workshop 060521 – YouTube Video
Zanshin is a concept in which the mind is at peace even though it is fully involved in whatever is currently happening. [This is one of many definitions.] However, the concept is applicable to this workshop topic of how to deal with passive and aggressive students because, each, in their own way, need to achieve zanshin to reach common ground and be effective learners facing the same challenges. Length: 1:03
Budoshin Jujitsu: “Episode 19: Mistakes” Zoom Workshop 062621 – YouTube Video
Today’s zoom meeting was an unusually solid one in terms of a solid discussion of 1] comparison of different martial arts from a traditional vs. modern aspect, 2] how to respond and recover from teaching blunders, 3] pacing instruction, and 4] using proper phraseology to make a positive impression and improve your chances of success. When I reviewed the video I was tremendously impressed with the quality and professionalism expressed by the participants, particularly in dealing with the first topic in depth, which took 32 minutes of the total zoom meeting. It was the variety of interpretations that followed the same pathway that impressed me. My compliments to all of you! Length: 1:23
Budoshin Jujitsu: “Episode 20: Ol’ Time Music” Zoom Workshop 071021 – YouTube Video
Effective teaching is based upon a teacher’s personality and their ability to involve their students in the learning process. This was our major topic in today’s Zoom meeting. A number of good ideas to improve student involvement were presented. Time was also spent on 1] dealing with unusual dojo situations [injured students, disruptive or intoxicated observers, safe emergency exits]; 2] what’s involved in hosting an event or training seminar at your dojo, and 3] how to include ukemi waza into the weekly training program [every class]. Length: 1:41
Budoshin Jujitsu: “Episode 21: Limitations” Zoom Workshop 072421 – YouTube Video
All of us have limitations in everything we seek to do. Limitations are inevitable regardless of our goals – even for martial artists and their sensei. Today’s discussion revolved around limitations that sensei face due to their age, cumulative injuries, physical limitations of their students, and the need to keep your training program relevant to your students while at the same time maintaining the traditions and skill requirements of the art[s] you are teaching. Although the discussion meandered a bit, I would like to thank Sensei Kris Kademian for synthesizing the entire Zoom meeting and providing an excellent summary of the discussion towards the end. Length: 1:18
References
Budoshin Jujitsu Technique Index: Belt-Video 05/20
If you’re looking for a simple cross-reference based upon the technique sequence in the Budoshin Jujitsu Black Belt Home Study Course [dvd or mp4 format], here it is thanks to Sensei George Cushinan, 5th dan Renshi.
Pressure Points Reference Chart 8/20
This resource, showing 100 vital points on the human body, is for your personal use only. It may not be reproduced or sold without the express written consent of the author and/or the publisher, and may be used only within the copyright laws of the United States of America and if appropriate credit is given as stated on the actual Reference Chart download.
How to Use the Yawara Stick
This short book, published in 1948 by F.A. Matsuyama was recommended to me by Sensei Jerry Heines. If you’re interested in a copy click on the name of the book for this great historical resource. For a good history of the yawara stick [and also yawara in general] by Don Rearic click on this link: http://www.donrearic.com/yawara.html .
For Budoshin Jujitsu yawara/koshi-no-bo techniques click here to get the Budoshin Jujitsu 2013 Summer Camp mp4 videos. Techniques are in Part 1.
The Japanese Secret Science Jiu-Jitsu [published 1905] 2/17
I don’t know how long this link will be active but you need to download this great historical resource showing jujitsu techniques taught to President “Teddy” Roosevelt. Thanks to Robert Harland for making this resource available. Lots of “Budoshin Jujitsu” techniques! 🙂 Click on the title to download the link!
Downloadable Resources from JudoInfo.com
Andrew Zerling turned me onto this site as a great resource for downloading really old [and some current] martial arts resources [books, manuals, excerpts]. Just click HERE to go to their “Judo Books” page.
Three sources that I found to be very interesting were:
Fatal Blows & Kuatsu, by Kano -2005: click HERE
Hagakure, by Tsunetomo – 2005: click HERE
Principles of Jujutsu, by Kano – 2013: click HERE
United States Marine Corps Close Combat – 1999: click HERE
Tie Your Obi in 4 Easy Steps 10/14
Follow the arrows and directions on these 4 pix of how to tie your belt properly and be done in a snap. Yes, the belt knot points to your right!
Tie Your Gi Pants in 8 Simple Steps 7/16 |
World War I & II Judo Training
This historical video, found on YouTube, discusses the Judo training in both world wars and the life of Captain Allan Smith, and the aspect of self defense drilling. The skills taught were referred to as judo rather than jujitsu as “judo” was the more commonly accepted term for judo self-defense [jujitsu] at the time. Thanks to Gary Witus for this historical reference.
Daitoryu Densho
Every traditional Japanese Jujitsu ryu has a densho, or scroll of the core techniques of the art. I was fortunate to receive this densho several years ago from an anonymous source. Usually the densho is handed down from the senior sensei to the most senior student who has already proved himself to be the future senior sensei of the ryu. Although the scroll is in kanji, someone added notes in English at some point, perhaps giving it a bit more or less value, dependent upon who you are.
Kodokan Judo vs Japanese Jujitsu -1912 video
This black & white video on YouTube [circa 1912] shows the “differences” between Kodokan Judo and Japanese Jujitsu. There’s no sound or subtitling. Thanks to Scott Anderson for this video.
Additional YouTube Video Links
Listed below are a number of additional video clips found on YouTube pertaining to Budoshin Jujitsu. There may be more that I haven’t found yet. Some are good and some I wish were better. Be leery of anything that says something other than just “Budoshin Jujitsu”.John Bowman -10 Brn Belt Tech: www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKASV-wNz6UPortion of Black Belt Test: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0e2GqSgOgrkDave Clark -Mult Tech Flow: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-M597kAUmD4George Kirby – Tai Otoshi: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUCeKuH-l7EJohn Bowman – Sankyu Sequence: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRtiTnNkyfQMark Jordan – Shoulderlock Takedown: www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG2PKr-__NEMark Jordan – Defense Against Head Butt: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gObKglyiseQIf you’re interested in AJA Freestyle Kata competition you may want to check out these YouTube videos. I’ve also posted a link to the AJA Freestyle Kata rules. Please keep in mind that it’s very difficult to have a “clean” appearance in freestyle kata as tori does not know how he/she will be attacked, probably has never worked out with the uke beforehand, and the uke’s skill level may vary. Also keep in mind that the a “core” rule in freestyle kata is that the tori cannot use excessive force and the uke should not resist any techniques.
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