Jujutsu: The Evolving Art
Part 2- Adjunct To Classical Weapon
Systems
By Tom Ross & Christopher Caile
Understanding
the historical development of jujutsu helps explain
the wide diversity of jujutsu systems. In Japan the
warrior (military) class of samurai (bushi) were usually
highly skilled in the use of several weapons, and
it was through these weapons that the outcome of battle
was decided, the most common being the sword.
It is here, as an adjunct to swordsmanship, that
techniques such as striking with the butt handle of
the weapon, using the elbows and even strategically
bumping an engaged opponent with the shoulder and
torso entered into the syllabus of many weapons systems
as techniques onto themselves. Also included were
close quarter unarmed techniques and grappling methods,
useful on the battlefield against an armed opponent,
or equally unarmed foe.
Combat
arts utilizing grappling had existed in Japan for
centuries, as it had in many cultures throughout the
world. One system of Japanese unarmed techniques was
Sumai, that developed out of what we now know as Sumo.
It was more than merely a system of unarmed wrestling
techniques, and probably was similar to many mixed
martial arts and no holds barred fighting systems
so popular today, as this account from the Nihon Shoki
("Chronicles of Japan," an historical record
commissioned by the imperial family in 720 A.D.) demonstrates:
"It is recorded during the
reign of the emperor Suinin in the year 23 B.C.
Taema no Kuehaya (who was described as a noble of
great strength and stature) fought Nomi no Sukune
of Izumo province. During the course of this ferocious
battle Nomi delivered a monstrous kick to the ribs
of Taema (breaking them) and knocking him down.
Nomi then finished him with a bone crushing stomp
on Taema's hip. An injury Taema would die from a
day later." (1)
In the interm sumo played no small part played no
small part in the martial development of Japan, and
eventually received imperial patronage (during the
Nara period 710 to 794 A.D.). Although many of its
techniques were be known by imperial officials and
military men, Sumai was not the type of combat method
which directly lent itself to deal with the rapidly
evolving and improving methods of combat, such as
the armored sword wielding adversary. It did, however,
likely provide a suitable platform for modification,
and no doubt inspired the art of Yoroi Kumi Uchi (grappling
in armor).
Heavily armored Samurai were
somewhat restricted in mobility and speed of
foot movement. Also they were virtually impervious
to weaponless strikes since armor covered virtually
their whole body. Empty hand jujutsu techniques
were restricted to grappling, pushing, tripping
and throwing, although some systems did practice
empty hand strikes to specific areas that were
not well protected by armor, such as under the
arms. Samurais were also sometimes trained in
intercepting weapon strikes and in the use of
small weapons. The later could often pierce
armor or be aimed between small gaps in armor.
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Yoroi Kumi Uchi is a general term that applies to
the various arts used by the Samurai whenever he found
himself unable to use his primary weapon. This is
not to say that without his primary weapon the samurai
was unarmed, for many techniques existed within the
repertoire for restraining or immobilizing an individual
in preparation for a "Coup de Grace" to
an appropriate weak point, and usually delivered by
a secondary weapon such as the Yoroi Doshi (armor
piercing dagger).
(1) The reign of Suinen was
from 29 B.C. to 70 A.D.
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