For almost a year living in Japan, I have been studying how to off-balance my training partners that I am throwing (Uke's). Off-balance or breaking a person's balance is called Kuzushi. I have been training Karate, Judo and Aikido while all this time catching some great moments in my learning curve on this topic. This has assisted in my research of evolving taiho jutsu arresting technique and specifically something of value to add to the Gunji Taiho Jutsu system.

One of the key positioning points or objectives to reach in Gunji Taiho Jutsu is the outside position (outside line). This is the point just next to your training partner or someone that you wish to bring to the ground to arrest. From the outside line, it to easy to gain the back position which is even better in terms of superior positioning to protect yourself from a bigger and stronger person. In former blogs, I have discussed the universal arm control with two hands-on holding a person's one arm. This universal arm...

One of the popular techniques of Jujutsu and specifically Aikido is Kote Gaeshi. This is a wrist-turning technique that can bring an attacker to the ground or even throw him in the air. Kote Gaeshi is not a high percentage move applied in the dojo under high-level sparring. A wristlock control and throw is a small area to control, so many students when thinking of a takedown or throw control other bigger parts of the body instead of the wrist. It makes sense in a weaponless environment; however, if your training partner puts something in his hand to attack; how quickly you will find yourself rushing to control the wrist. I give you Kote Gaeshi.

This past weekend Yasuo Kobayashi, Aikido 8th dan taught three techniques from a straight punch (Tsuki). Two of the technique transitioned into Kote Gaeshi and finally two different ways to turn the attacker to his stomach and finally two types of pinning techniques. What was nice about practicing this technique was the different...