Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu - Japanese Martial Arts

Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu is a traditional Japanese martial arts focused on unarmed combat, throws, strikes to vital areas, joint locks, etc.

According to the Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Headquarters, Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu "was developed as a means of self-defense against unprovoked violence, with the ultimate aim of neutralizing violence, not causing it. This is one of the reasons why Daito-ryu relies on using forms (kata) to train in the art, but does not include any kind of competitive matches. Further, as a classical Japanese martial art, Daito-ryu goes beyond mere self-defense, offering the way to temper one's body and spirit, with the aim of developing personal character and contributing to the greater social good."

Furthermore, according to Yushinkan NY, Daito-Ryu Aikijujutsu "is one of the many styles of jujutsu that were part of the fundamental martial skill for all bushi, or warriors of feudal Japan. Daito-ryu’s elegance and practical efficacy are products of hundreds of years of development and refinement. Daito-ryu employs a wide range of throwing, pinning, disarming and joint immobilizing techniques. The use of aiki, or internal energy harmonized with breathing and mechanical advantage, distinguishes Daito-ryu from other jujutsu. Daito-ryu is suitable for all people, regardless of their size or strength. Originally, Daito-ryu was not taught openly. However in the late 1800’s Takeda Sokaku- known as the modern reviver of Daito-ryu- began teaching the art publicly. Two of his best students were Takuma Hisa (after whom Takumakai is named), and Ueshiba Morihei, the founder of modern Aikido."

References

1. Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Headquarters, Home Page, http://www.daito-ryu.org/en/, Added - 03/09/14
2. Yushinkan NY, About, http://yushinkan.org/about/, Added - 03/09/14