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Aiki-jūjutsu is a form of jujutsu which emphasizes "an early neutralization
of an attack."
It is primarily an unarmed technique utilizing fast, accurate and relaxed
grabs, throws and holds.Emphasis is placed on using body weight for
stability, and to unbalance an opponent before applying a joint lock and
throw.In its original form it will be followed by a strike, aimed ata
breaking a bone or joint.Like other forms of Jujutsu, it emphasizes throwing
techniques and joint manipulations to effectively control, subdue or injure
an attacker. It emphasizes using the timing of an attack to either blend or
neutralize its effectiveness and use the force of the attacker's movement
against them.
Daitō-ryū is characterized by the ample use of atemi, or the
striking of vital areas, in order to set up their jointlocking or throwing
tactics. Some of the art's striking methods employ the swinging of the
outstretched arms to create power and to hit with the fists at deceptive
angles as can be observed in techniques such as the atemi which sets up
gyaku ude-dori or 'reverse elbow lock'. Tokimune regarded one of the unique
characteristics of the art to be its preference for controlling a downed
attacker's joints with one's knee in order to leave one's hands free to
access one's weapons or to deal with the threat of other oncoming attackers.
Levels of attainment
There are four distinct
levels of technique.
'Shoden'- The basic level. Practitioners are taught falling, rolling,
tumbling, technical positions of feet,legs, and hands, defence manoeuvres
against weapons and kicks and punches.
'Chuden'-The advanced level.Involves a number of sweeping movements from
jujutsu.
'Okuden'-The highest level.Aimed at relaxing the breathing and increasing
the ability to act reflexively.
'Hiden'-Secret techniques usualy taught to disciples and long-standing
practitioners. |
