Aikijujitsu - Japanese Martial Arts Style

Aikijujitsu (or Aikijujutsu) is a Japanese martial arts descriptor for a similar, sub-genre of Jujutsu. According to Budokai South, the "oldest form of Jujitsu was known as Aiki Jujitsu. This type of Jujitsu was used by the military elite and members of the royal court, mainly while inside the castle or compound". In contrast to Jujutsu, Aikijujitsu focuses more heavily on blending with the opponent and moving joint-locks.

Aikijujitsu is typically recognized as distinct from Aikido by its more aggressive, less-passive nature, including a wider array of techniques that includes striking, choking and ne-waza (ground) techniques. Aikijujitsu schools also include weapons training, primarily focused on the Katana and Bokken. In addition, many dojos practice elements of Zen Buddhism, calligraphy and zazen meditation.

The term Aikijujitsu was most likely officially used first by Takeda Sokaku in the founding of Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu. Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu went on to provide the foundation for Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido. Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu is often considered the oldest form of Aikijujitsu.

Most non-Daito Ryu schools using the term Aikijujitsu to describe their style have either departed from Aikido (trying to focus on a "harder" style than what they had learned from Aikido by blending Karate or other martial arts) or the school has Daito-Ryu in its lineage from non-Aikidoka.

References

1. Budokai South (Martial Arts School), FAQs, http://www.aiki-ju-jitsu.com/FAQS.htm, Added - 06/16/14
2. Sensokan Dojo Indianapolis, FAQs, http://www.aiki-jutsu.com/FAQs.html, Added - 07/27/15