Jujutsu No Kihon Sanpo Basic Three Methods of Jujutsu
In the Shinden yoshin ryu, the basic technique forms are all contained collectively within the jujutsu-no-kihon-sanpo. The Basic Three Methods of Jujutsu. These three basics consist of (1) the Kihon happo Basic Eight Methods, (2) Tai sabaki Basic Forms of Body and (3) Goshin katas. This arrangement of basic materials always has three henka available (omote, ura and gyaku – inner, outer and reverse of the technique.) hence the total base number of basic technique patterns is 66. This is 22 basic techniques X 3 = 66 (the final basic entry is kakushi buki and does not count as being subject to the rule.) These 66 are only kihon-gata basic techniques and are not given a whole lot of emphasis, some of the instructors used to consider them more relevant for children or for adults whom had no former MA experience. The kihon-gata (all three categories) are actually simplifications of the Kata No Keiko (formal patterns) themselves, meant as a preparation for learning and using the formal, or actual, patterns of the school. They address the basic mechanics and technical content of the various formal patterns listed (the Kata no keiko.) There is more information per kihon gata under the actual entry in these discussions.
1) Jujutsu Kihon No Happo
The Basic 8 Methods of Jujutsu
These are sub-divided into two (2) groupings, the Atekomi sanpo Three striking methods (sometimes called 'atemi sanpo') and the Torite goho or Five grappling methods. These basics are common types of kihon-gata for the jujutsu schools to which SYR is related, and variations of the same kihon-gata can be found in just about any of them (sometimes there are more listed than what we have, other times they have a completely different name but with similar technical content.) There are, in the Jujutsu kihon no happo, three (3) striking drills and five (5) grappling drills, the intention is that the two types of drills be inter-combined, since that is exactly what happens in the Formal patterns of kata no keiko from which they derive. So of the Jujutsu kihon no happo, via the process of inter-combination, it is possible to generate a total of 15 inter-combined basic drills (3 X 5 = 15) and due to the three henka for each, a grand total of 45 of the inter-combined basic drills (15 X 3 henka = 45 drills.) Most instructors, including myself, have never really bothered to make students explore all 45 possible inter-combinations, but some students did tend to explore them in hopes of developing further skill. BASIC ORIENTATION: All of these basic patterns are sanbon kumite-gata (three movement drills) usually described as having the following parts: A) Kaishi ('Opening' or start circumstances) B) Uke'ai sometimes called uke'iri ('Meeting the attack') and C) Toritsuke also called tori'ai (the 'Capture' or throwdown.) These are the three basic parts of the Sanbon kumite gata (3 movement drills) which are done empty handed, but also are done with the sword and the staff (the kata name doesn't change), but the kata, when done with weapons is instead called Sanbon kumitachi kata (proper terminology for weapons inclusion.) There are four (4) forms of these as weapons kata, muto-dori and hanbo-dori gata (you empty-handed against his using a stick or sword, if a short-sword it is 'kodachi-dori') otherwise there is 'hanbo no kihon gata' and 'kodachi no kihon gata', but the Torite goho only occur as kihon gata when in muto-dori and hanbo dori (you emptyhanded against a weapon.) Otherwise, the Torite do not occur when the weapon is employed.
Atekomi sanpo 3 items
Teaches the three primary striking targets of the school (these same primary targets are found in most of the schools of jujutsu to which we are related.)
Uchikomi Striking-in -- This involves a strike to the temple (kasumi uchi) with a sword hand. The sword hand is used to represent the weapon, except wherein the weapon is actually present (naturally so!) Point of the kata is the kasumi-uchi strike to the temple. Omote is your right sword hand palm up to his left temple. Ura is your right sword hand palm down to his RIGHT temple (cross body strike). Gyaku is a reverse sword hand to his left temple (it represents hitting him with the spine of the blade.) Sometimes, the Gyaku is done instead as a fist thrust to the temple (but the angles and body movements of this henka are different from the usual gyaku of the kata.) It represents a thrust to the temple with sword or staff (even the fist is somewhat tilted in the empty handed version, reminescent of a sword or staff grip.)
Tsukikomi Thrusting-in – This involves a thrust to the upper belly (suigetsu tsuki). A fist is used, but one strikes with the fist slightly tilted (impact with the area of the fist from the first two knuckles down to the first two finger joints.) It represents a sword or stick thrust to the upper belly, the point of the kata is the suigetsu-tsuki. The omote one steps forward and out slightly to his left side and puts in the thrust. The ura of the kata, one pivots about and steps in slightly to his RIGHT side and delivers a kind of backfist strike. The gyaku, one steps straight in, brushing away his right arm with your left and driving a very brisk thrust in with your right (your arms kind of swing a little bit.) This form of the gyaku is called 'wakeiri' which means something like 'parting and entering' or otherwise “forcing one's way in” as opposed to sidestepping. Sometimes the gyaku is instead a form called 'Nicho-ate' 二丁当 or “Two stacked strike” which one moves more or less straight in, parrying and striking in the same movement, the left sword hand strikes palm down at the philtrum under the nose (jinchu ate) WHILST AT THE EXACT SAME TIME the right fist thrusts into suigetsu all of this whilst driving through his body over the extended right front foot. It's a deep drive through his position, one usually takes a small step or two after making the impact.
Kerikomi / or / Atekomi Kicking-in /or/ Hitting-in -- This involves kicking or striking at the illiac crest on the Hip (Koshi-ori) except wherein the weapons version is concerned, in which case koshi-ori is a separate technique from both kerikomi and atekomi. When kicking, it is keri-tobashi (ketobashi) the heel is dug into the hip and the opponent shoved back and down (it's not what most people would call a kick. Looks more like ya stepped up onto his hip and shoved him back.) I think it's proper name is ketobashi fumikomi or is it the other way around fumikomi ketobashi? I dunno. Omote is to kick away like this, your right foot against his left hip. Ura is your left foot against his right hip. Gyaku is your right foot against his right hip or otherwise your left foot against his left hip (either way, angled entry to allow this position.)
Atekomi Hitting-in -- This is still targeting the illiac crest on the hip (koshi-ori) but not by kicking. Instead it is to strike sharply the illiac crest with one's fist after a side-stepping entry. Omote is right fist to left hip, ura is left fist to right hip, gyaku is right fist to right hip (angled entry to allow the position.) If weapons, koshi-ori is a separate item and atekomi is something different than a hip strike (koshi-ori.)
Torite goho 5 items
These teach the five basic hand techniques of jujutsu (these same are found in most of the schools of jujutsu to which we are related, but not always by identical name or exact same version of technique.)
Kote Gyaku Reversing the Armguard – this involves hand reversal to break a collar grip and executing a hand throw with the captured hand. If done against a weapon, the sword or stick is pointed into your face whilst he secures you with his free hand. Omote one captures with the left hand and turns him out to the left side. Ura, one captures with the right and turns him out to the right. Gyaku, one captures with the left hand, and turns him out to the right side.
Oni Kudaki [ Ude Garami ] Demon Crusher [Arm Entanglement] – this involves using an entangling arm bar hold, what wrestling usually calls an “A” arm-bar. One takes the arm into the lock after breaking the grip at the collar, and turns them out (usually by blockading the lead foot with your own.) Omote turns him out to your right. Ura to your left. Gyaku is hizamazuke-gata (one drops to his knee right there on the spot and thus pulls him off his feet.)
Take Ori [ Ude Kujiki ] Bamboo Breaker [Arm Wretching] – this involves breaking the grip on the collar and then snapping the arm like whipping a towel, it's a bit dangerous of a move (some caution is necessary.) Omote one snaps out to the right, ura one snaps out to the left, gyaku one steps back and snaps straight down the middle.
Musha Dori [ Ude Jime ] Warrior Capture [Arm Constriction] – this is an arm entangling wrench, similar to a one armed “A” arm lock, the arm is wrapped around and under at the elbow joint (hiji jime.) Omote the arm wraps over top and under the opponents grabbing arm. Ura, the arm wraps in reverse (under the elbow joint and over top.) Gyaku, no wrapping of the arm at all, the clothing at the elbow (or the elbow itself) is secured in the left hand whilst the wrist secured in your right, the joint constriction is applied by torquing the arm into the bent position at which point the arm-to-elbow assembly is used for leverage to drop him by whipping it straight down as one steps and pulls towards himself.
Ganseki [ Kata Gatame ] Big Rock [Shoulder Lock] – this is to capture both arms, by wrapping both your arms over and under his (usually, your right goes under both his arms, your left arm over top his arms, both hands hooking at or just above his elbows), cinching his arms tight as one does this, your body is turned so that your leg and hip cross his and he is drawn over the hip in a sort of hip throw. Omote, you are moving in on his left side (right arm under both his arms, left arm overtop both his arms.) Ura, you are moving in on his right side (left arm under both his arms, right arm overtop both his arms.) Gyaku, similar to the Omote,you are moving in on his left side (right arm under both his arms, left arm overtop both his arms) but the throwdown differs, because you pivot the other way, step your left(?) foot behind his and down him .
2) Tai Sabaki No Kihon Gata
The Basic Forms of Body Manipulation
This kihon-gata teaches the basics of body dynamics necessary to carry out certain common throws and take-downs in the jujutsu of Shinden yoshin ryu. Specifically, it teaches Te sabaki 手捌 manipulation of and by the hands and arms. Ashi sabaki 足捌 manipulation by footwork and both of these to the conclusion of Tori sabaki 取捌 having manipulated the opponent to the ground (throws, take-downs, drops and etc.) BASIC ORIENTATION: All of these basic patterns are sanbon kumite-gata (three movement drills) usually described as having the following parts: A) Kaishi ('Opening' or start circumstances) B) Uke'ai sometimes called uke'iri ('Meeting the attack') and C) Toritsuke also called tori'ai (the 'Capture' or throwdown.) These are the three basic parts of the Sanbon kumite gata ( 3 movement drills ) which are done empty handed, but are also done against the sword and the staff (the kata name doesn't change), but the kata, when done against weapons is instead called Sanbon kumitachi kata (indicating the weapons inclusion.) There are only two (2) forms of these as weapons kata, muto-dori and hanbo-dori gata (you empty-handed against his using a stick or sword, if a short-sword it is 'kodachi-dori'). Suffice to say that when done against a weapon, the opening (of the attack) differs from the empty-handed version, and so the kata looks a bit different.
Outer 5 Items: Nage No Kata Throwing Forms
and the Inner 5 Items Ashi Sabaki Gata Footwork Patterns
Chi-no-kata [ Hizamazuki Gata ] Earth Pattern [ Kneeling Form ] -- this is to perform the basic movements (of either nage no kata or ashi-sabaki no kata) and drop him by kneeling down onto one knee. Omote over the right knee, ura over the left. There is no gyaku.
Sui-no-kata [ Shizumekomi Gata ] Water Pattern [ Sinking-in Form ] -- this is to perform the basic movements (of either nage no kata or ashi-sabaki no kata) and drop him by sinking down deeply and bending both knees sharply. Omote to the right side, ura to the left side. There is no gyaku.
Ka-no-kata [ Irimi Gata ] Fire Pattern [ Entering Form ] -- this is to perform the basic movements (of either nage no kata or ashi-sabaki no kata) and drop him by rushing straight in on him, driving through his posture. Omote moves to the right, ura moves to the left . There is no gyaku.
Fu-no-kata [ Tenkan Gata ] Wind Pattern [ Rotating Form ] -- this is to perform the basic movements (of either nage no kata or ashi-sabaki no kata) and drop him by turning the hipa and pivoting on the feet down onto one knee. Omote over the right knee, ura over the left. There is no gyaku.
Ku-no-kata [ Doai Gata ] Void Pattern [ Movement Meeting Form ] --. Each of the first four actions are combined, hizamazuki (kneeling), shizumekomi (sinking-in), irimi (entering) and tenkan (turning and pivoting). So for example, Omote in koshi nage from nage-no-kata application: one performs it by tenkan (turning and pivoting) and dropping onto one knee (hizamazuki) to drop him. Ura of the same is done by entering (irimi) and sinking down (shizumekomi).
Outer 5 Items: Nage No Kata Throwing Forms of the Taisabaki no kihon gata and the Inner 5 Items Ashi Sabaki Gata Footwork Patterns, these teach basic mechanics for throwing, and in the case of ashi sabaki gata, evasion and defense (uke'ai) through body turning footwork and parrying. I will not say what throws or take-downs are used for these kata drills, but they include Te-nage (hand throws), Koshi nage (hip throws) and Ashi-barai (Leg sweeps) among others. There are many other applications for this kihon gata, it consists initially of Kihon ido (basic movements) to demonstrate the actions: hizamazuki (kneeling), shizumekomi (sinking-in), irimi (entering) and tenkan (turning and pivoting) and do-ai (movement meeting.) As well as the actions of uke'ai (meeting the attack which often entails evasion by body turning and footwork, parrying and change of position – all of which parts have a name, of course.) These actions also practiced against, and with the use of, weapons (sword and stick.)
3) Goshin No Kihon Gata
The Basic Forms of Self Defense
These teach basic means of self defense, 10 types of defense tactics that are readily available to employ. But they also have attached to them as entries the forms of instruction that are meanings separate from the simple self defense tactic of the item itself. Please review the relevant“discussion pages”for examples of that material content. Also goshin no kihon gata teaches the following elements (in defense of one's person) Te sabaki 手捌 manipulation of and by the hands and arms. Ashi sabaki 足捌 manipulation by footwork and both of these to the conclusion of Tori sabaki 取捌 having manipulated the opponent to the ground (throws, take-downs, drops and etc.)
BASIC ORIENTATION: All of these basic patterns are sanbon kumite-gata (three movement drills) usually described as having the following parts: A) Kaishi ('Opening' or start circumstances) B) Uke'ai sometimes called uke'iri ('Meeting the attack') and C) Toritsuke also called tori'ai (the 'Capture' or throwdown.) These are the three basic parts of the Sanbon kumite gata ( 3 movement drills ) which are done empty handed, but are also done against the sword and the staff (the kata name doesn't change), but the kata, when done against weapons is instead called Sanbon kumitachi kata (indicating the weapons inclusion.) There are only two (2) forms of these as weapons kata, muto-dori and hanbo-dori gata (you empty-handed against his using a stick or sword, if a short-sword it is 'kodachi-dori'). Suffice to say that when done against a weapon, the opening (of the attack) differs from the empty-handed version, and so the kata looks a bit different. NOTE: it is impossible for me to enter exactly what the technique entry below is, because each instructor uses a different technique (following the theme of the entry): this was the custom to avoid being predictable in basic self defense, is what I was told. In short, the theme is codified, the technique itself isn't.
Te Hodoki Freeing the Hands -- Hand escapes by either Te gyaku (hand reversal), kote kujiki (wrist wretching) or perhaps ude kujiki (arm wretching.) Omote, ura and gyaku. It is possible to see te hodoki that do not use any of these (one example which can be cited is a simplified adaptation of yarashi-otoshi.)
Katate Hodoki Freeing One Hand -- Single hand escapes by either Te gyaku (hand reversal), kote kujiki (wrist wretching) or perhaps ude kujiki (arm wretching.) Omote, ura and gyaku. It is possible to see katate hodoki that do not use any of these (one example which can be cited is a simplified adaptation of yarashi-otoshi.)
Ryote Hodoki Freeing Both Hands -- Both hands captured escape by either Te gyaku (hand reversal), kote kujiki (wrist wretching) or perhaps ude kujiki (arm wretching.) Omote, ura and gyaku. It is possible to see katate hodoki that do not use any of these (one example which can be cited is a simplified adaptation of hora gaeshi.)
Tai Hodoki Freeing the Body -- Escapes from such as collar grabs, hair grabs, front or rear bear hugs and etc by either Te gyaku (hand reversal), kote kujiki (wrist wretching), ude kujiki (arm wretching), itami dori (pain captures) and many others besides Omote, ura and gyaku. It's possible to see several things used for tai hodoki body escapes.
Oya Goroshi Killing the Thumb -- Escapes which involve attacking the thumb or even using the thumb yourself. By either oyayubi-te gyaku (hand reversal using the thumb), oyayubi kujiki (thumb wretching), itami dori (pain captures), and many others besides Omote, ura and gyaku. It's possible to see several things used for oya goroshi.
Ko Goroshi Killing the Little Finger -- Escapes which involve attacking the little finger. By either koyubi-te gyaku (hand reversal using the pinky finger), koyubi kujiki (pinky finger wretching), itami dori (pain captures), and many others besides Omote, ura and gyaku. It's possible to see several things used for ko goroshi.
Hana Hineri Nose Wringing -- Escapes which involve attacking the nose. By either hanagiri (swordhand attack against the nose), bitan ate (striking the tip of the nose), hana kujiki (wretching the nose), biyoku kujiki (wretching the nostrils), hanadzumari (stuffing the nose full), jinchu ate (philtrum strike) and such as itami dori (pain captures), and many others besides Omote, ura and gyaku.
Mimi Hineri Ear Wringing -- Escapes which involve attacking the ear. By either mimi kujiki (wretching the ear), mimitabu kujiki (wretching the lobe of the ear), mimifusagi (stuffing the ear full) and such as itami dori (pain captures), and many others besides Omote, ura and gyaku.
Koshi Kudaki Hip Crusher -- Escapes which involve attacking the hips or using the hips against him. By such as any form of koshi ori (striking the illiac crest), yokan (hip interval – usage of the hips) and yobu (including kin kudaki groin strike) and many others besides. Omote, ura and gyaku. [I should point out that Japanese includes the loin area of the body in the full terms for 'hips'.]
Ashi Kudaki (Yonho Geri) Leg/Foot Crushing (4 Methods Kicking) – Omote is the following Ashinoko (the instep), ryuge (calf of the leg), hagizune or mukozune (shinbone), jotai zenko (upper outer thigh.) Ura and Gyaku respectively list four (4) different points apiece along the leg.
Ashi Garame (Ashi Rau) Leg Entanglement (Leg Encircling) – [due to the occurrence of a similar technique in a very well known modern martial arts group, I am forced to point out that “Ashi garame (ashi rau)” differs in the Shinden yoshin ryu, and that ashi garame (ashi rau) in shinden yoshin ryu legitimately consists of the following ]: Four (4) leg-to-leg entanglements via four(4) Stepping methods which are used to encircle the opponent and work one's way behind him. Ashi garame (ashi rau) teaches one to prefer to work one's way behind the opponent by ashi-sabaki footwork, often attacking his posture and position by attacking the legs as one does so. It occurs as next to last entry in the goshin kata to indicate that working one's way behind the man is a 'last word' on the subject of self defense (don't allow him the advantage of standing face to face, move in behind the man and victory is much easier.) In budo, escape and evasion are elementary and preferred components, to move in behind an opponent is considered a form of escape and evasion because it robs him of many advantages and decreases the likelihood that he can prevail. THE MESSAGE [for self defense tactic] IS SIMPLE AND CLEAR: GET BEHIND THE MAN and defend from there. Omote, there are four (4) stepping methods used: (1) Yori ashi 'sending step' [AKA 'close-in step'], (2) Mawari ashi 'rotating step', (3) Okuri ashi 'Advancing step' and (4) Tobi ashi 'leaping step'. The leg attack (against his supporting leg) is usually delivered on the sequence of the step that places you behind the man and targets the knee joint. Ura has four different stepping methods: (1) Ayumi ashi 'cross step' (2) Tsugi ashi 'shuffling step (3) Tsune ashi 'normal step' (4) kawashiai ashi 'intersecting step'. Similarly Gyaku, four separate stepping methods. All of this is just to say that there are a variety of methods by which to assume a position behind the man.
Kakushi Buki Concealed (Pocket) Weapons -- this teaches the use of small concealable weapons and to some extent improvised weapons for self defense purposes. They are classified as metal, stone, fire, water or wood. The sixth category is an inter-combination of any of these. Suffice to say that it refers to their construction and material content: a short length of rope with a small metal ring (a common form of hayanawa in our school) is classified as 'wood' and 'metal' (the rope is considered plant product.). There are certain implements of this SYR which are commonly found as kakushi-buki in the ryuha, the chief preferred item is kusarifundo 鎖分銅(sometimes called fundokusari) which is a length of small link chain having two counterweights at either end. Then there is such as the Nairinjo (内輪縄 "Inner ring rope") which is the hayanawa form mentioned earlier (and is sometimes merely called a "bachikan" 罰環 or "ring") , and also tetsubari 鉄針 (iron 'needles' , a few forms, dokubari 毒針 (“bee stinger”) are similar to a Japanese bo-shuriken whilst others are somewhat curved like a fish hook.) Of course, the hanbo itself is actually a form of kakushi-buki (most people miss that one!) All in all there are five common kakushi-buki impliments in this school (by some accounts it's more like 7 or 8 impliments.) Sometimes, the rope or chain is attached to the stick and used a certain way, so the kakushi-buki get intercombined in some applications.
The section on basic self defense ends with kakushi buki to teach that one really needs to use some kind of weapon and not rely upon empty handed defense.
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