One Hour of The Right Intention
In the Gunji University student curriculums and in the system of Gunji Taiho Jutsu (GTJ) arresting arts, there are techniques that are applied during the PCS 2 stage of apprehension that are modified from classic Aikido throwing techniques. A few I can think of off the top of my head are what we call in GTJ "The Bull Position." This type of technique is essentially an Aikido Irimi Nage technique (or Entering Throw) that has been put through a wrestling filter, combatives filter, and Thai boxing filter to make it work against full 100% resistance.
Irimi Nage example:
GTJ Bull Position Throw example:
A second classical Aikido technique that has been modified for GJT is the Kaiten Nage throw (Wheel Throw.) In GJT we use a "Modified Bull Position" that has been through the front headlock filter of wrestling and submission fighting filter.
Aikido's Classic Kaiten Nage example:
GTJ Modified Bull Position Throw To Pin example:
Hopefully, you will begin to see the relationship between Aikido and GTJ above. It is in my thinking that Aikido, Judo, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Taiho Jutsu etc are all systems of Jujutsu. They have all developed over the years with different intentions and focuses. For GTJ, I am all about the usefulness and Martial effectiveness of the arresting technique being applied under stress and resistance. It is not enough for me to have someone say there are a lot of good techniques and good instructors teaching law enforcement or military personnel. There are not. Many techniques are based on theory and not tested reality. And for the many good instructors out there, they are really winging-it with "this is what we do in said Martial Art from said country."
The techniques need to be rooted in sound principles, overall strategy (Think GTJ PCS 1- 3) and the techniques in how they are applied for law enforcement need to be put through the "justifiable" filter for documented laws. There are many challenges out there in learning usable techniques. It is important to start from a place of right intention. In the examples above, even though I prefer under stress to use the bull position and modified bull position found uniquely in GTJ, for me to improve my application and develop new inputs for the future, I often step back to look at the tradition examples. I move my intentions in training from Martial effectiveness to something of movement therapy. Let me express further.
In Aikido and Judo there are elements of an effective throw such as: Off-Balancing *Kuzushi*, Fitting *Tsukuri* and Execution *Kake*. Many times these elements are lost in everything training because people enjoy training with high levels of pressure and resistance so in their minds they can feel that techniques are effective. However, in my example, I change my intentions of practice. I will step out of the mindset of Martial effectiveness for movement therapy. Movement therapy in Aikido can be found when drilling in its style of pushing hands. This is a connection drill and energy drill. In GTJ during PCS 2, we have several energy drills to develop connection-ness or better sensitivity that is a super important element for success just like Kuzushi, Tsukuri, and Kake.
In Aikido it is called *Musubi*. This is a unique connection between you and your training partner that is useful for better execution of technique. Even in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Master Rickson Gracie has his approaches to connection theory, which is a discussion for a different time: See my book - A Story of Invisible Power - A Path Towards Jiu Jitsu Principles & Execution
Nonetheless, you need to switch back from movement therapy to Martial effectiveness once to have work on the desired intentions or new inputs that are discovered. Sometimes by stepping back a little in distance, slowing down the energy level of practice and working many of the classical and traditional systems you will in one hour improve your overall practice of Martial Arts/Combatives.
If I told you from the beginning you need to work on your connection, you would not know what I am talking about. Even reading this now, there is no way for me to show you what connection really is to someone like Jiu Jitsu's Rickson Gracie or what musubi is to Aikido's Mitsugi Saotome Sensei or Hiroshi Ikeda Sensei. This needs to be experienced and felt within the respected arts. Again a good starting point, to begin with, is by changing your intentions of practice.
Also, notice that in the photo above I am wearing a white belt at Aikido Chuseikan of Tampa Bay Dojo. In one hour, I was able to sharpen many skills addressed in this writing. Think about a few of these points addressed and look forward to your next training session.
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Introducing The Gunji Taiho Jutsu Spring Training Detachment 2020
Join us at the first-ever Gunji Taiho Jutsu (GTJ) Spring Training Detachment that is specific to students and instructors of Gunji University trying to make a change in the arresting arts community. This GTJ Training Detachment will be held in Lakeland, FL May 9, 2020.
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