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The
methods of combat known as Ju-Jitsu are, at least by historical definition,
about two thousand years old and there is even mention of them in Japanese mythology
when two gods, Kajima and Kadori were said to have availed themselves of the
art to chastise lawless inhabitants of the eastern provinces.
Unlike western combat, the development of Oriental combat has
always been well documented, but during the feudal era in Japan, from the 11th
to the 19th century, it was kept as a monopolised training programme for the
elite warriors (Samurai), whose diligence and bravery have remained unsurpassed
to this day.
Up to the fourteenth century, no special school had been developed.
Later however, the various methods employed were carefully elaborated until,
eventually, many distant sects or schools came into existence. However, during
the reign of Emperor Meize, many schools were suppressed and the teachings condemned
as being dangerous or barbaric. It was the aftermath of this oppression that
brought the first Japanese exponents of the art to Great Britain in the late
19th century. During this period, the Pro Western Liberal Government in Japan
sought the dissolution of the Bujutsu Ryu which had been formed, and replaced
this with Budo systems of sport and physical culture which lacked efficiency
in self defence. Thus Ju-Jitsu gave birth to Judo, Aikido, Kenjutsu, Kendo,
and Karate, arts which are now recognised throughout the world as excellent
sports. Karate stressed striking, omitting throws and locking techniques, Judo
stressed the throws omitting the striking techniques and Aikido followed the
example of Judo but placed it's bias on locking and securing techniques.
All these methods were far removed from the original Ju-Jitsu
teachings which placed the emphasis on striking to stun the opponent before
throwing and locking. With the return of the popularity of Ju-Jitsu, there has
also been a revival in 'Ki'. In Ju-Jitsu teachings, the 'Ki' is the soul of
the life force and is entwined with the practise of most Japanese Martial Arts.
A separate art is devoted to it under the name of Kiai Jutsu. The force of the
'Ki' in the human body is the 'Saika Tanden' which is situated about one inch
below the navel.
'Ki' demonstrates the ability to absorb with your body the
power of an opponent whilst 'Yo Ki' shows itself as the ability to strike an
assailant with the minimum of effort and the maximum effect. The most famous
Ju-Jitsuka to bring the art of 'Ki' to Ju-Jitsu was Doshi Sawa who studied under
the great 'Ki' master Jokensai Hitosubashi according to records from 1639 A.D.