When people speak
of traditional martial arts there are often two
different definitions that people are referring
to:
1) A never
changing art: Some believe that art or
style should never change and be exactly as the
original founder intended. Hence, you will
perform the art like your instructor, as his
instructor did, as his instructor did, and so
on. This is inefficient in that information
will be lost over time and not everyone will be
able to do a technique exactly as their
instructor does.
2) An ever evolving art:
Know that a martial art 'style' is an opinion.
Someone took what they knew and somehow adapted
it to their needs or what they see as more
effective. Or, someone took their influences
and combined them into a style of their own.
Every good martial artist eventually develops
their own way (style) of doing things, whatever
they call it is irrelevant. It's the concepts
and willingness to adapt and evolve that
matters.
Both Jujitsu and
Jiu Jitsu can simply be defined as grappling
arts. Jujitsu is originally a Japanese
terminology. It includes many locks and throws
from standing or ground positions more so
commonly used for self-defense and combative or
reality purposes. Jiu Jitsu is commonly the
spelling for the Brazilian version of the
Japanese Jujitsu. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the
sport based system that deals mainly with ground
and tournament fighting.
The history of
martial arts (and even specifically Karate) is a
long one. This is a quick summary of how it
became what it is today.
To understand what
"Modern Karate" is, you should first understand
what it was. Before it was 'karate' it was 'te',
or 'china hand'. Different styles originally in
Okinawa were brought from Chinese culture and
practiced in the different cities of Naha,
Shuri, Tomari. These styles were separated by
Kata, but joined by the applications of RyuKyu
Kempo. Unlike today, not everyone could be
taught martial arts in a local dojo. These
applications and techniques were secrets shared
by family and friends.
Modern Karate is often the term used for when
martial arts was brought from Okinawa (Te) to
Japan (Karate) then to the US. What is known as
"kara te" (open hand) is the term it was given
in the early 20th century. This was when an
Okinawian teacher name Gichin Funakoshi first
introduced it to Japan. Kata was brought into
the island's school system as a part of a
physical education class. School children being
children as they are were not taught the
applications Kata was originally intended for;
striking movements and explanations became
watered down versions. Thus, the first
introduction of Karate to the Japanese.
During World War 2, US solders learned Karate
while stations in Japan and Okinawia islands.
This information was brought back to the US and
introduced for the first in the mid to late
1940's.
One way to define
Kata on the surface level is simply 'a set
combination of positions and movements performed
as an exercise'. Kata can also be compared to a
song or a poem. We see the words, but what are
the meanings? What did the originally maker of
that Kata intend for each particular move? The
truth is, most of the originally meanings have
been lost over time; thus it has been up to
later practitioners to interpret what these
movements' mean and pass on that information. As
a song or poem, many things can be left open to
interpretation; one movement can have many
applications.
There are many
different styles around the world. Most styles
work very different Kata and some work very
similar Kata. One Kata is not necessarily better
than another; the effectiveness lies the
interpretation. Just because it looks like a
'low block' doesn't mean you're blocking a kick;
in fact, THERE ARE NO BLOCKS IN KATA. Learning
the techniques of RyuKyu Kempo gives the Martial
Artist the tools and knowledge to interpret any
style's Kata for 'real' application.
A simple
dictionary term for
Acupuncture:
'A
procedure used in or adapted
from Chinese medical
practice in which specific
body areas are pierced with
fine needles for therapeutic
purposes or to relieve pain
or produce regional
anesthesia.'
Two good online
sources to learn
detailed information
about acupuncture:
Acupuncture, A Brief
Introduction
by
Jeffrey A. Singer
" Today in most western
cultures it is considered a
"new alternative" medicine.
In reality Acupuncture is
practiced medical treatments
that are over 5,000 years
old. Very basically,
Acupuncture is the insertion
of very fine needles,
(sometimes in conjunction
with electrical stimulus),
on the body's surface, in
order to influence
physiological functioning of
the body.
The first record of
Acupuncture is found in the
4,700 year old Huang Di Nei
Jing (Yellow Emperor's
Classic of Internal
Medicine). This is said to
be the oldest medical
textbook in the world. It is
said to have been written
down from even earlier
theories by Shen Nung, the
father of Chinese Medicine.
Shen Nung documented
theories about circulation,
pulse, and the heart over
4,000 years before European
medicine had any concept
about them.
As the basis of Acupuncture,
Shen Nung theorized that the
body had an energy force
running throughout it. This
energy force is known as Qi
(roughly pronounced Chee).
The Qi consists of all
essential life activities
which include the spiritual,
emotional, mental and the
physical aspects of life. A
person's health is
influenced by the flow of Qi
in the body, in combination
with the universal forces of
Yin and Yang . (I will
discuss Yin and Yang a
little later). If the flow
of Qi is insufficient,
unbalanced or interrupted,
Yin and Yang become
unbalanced, and illness may
occur. Qi travels throughout
the body along "Meridians"
or special pathways. The
Meridians, (or Channels),
are the same on both sides
of the body (paired). There
are fourteen main meridians
running vertically up and
down the surface of the
body. Out of these, there
are twelve organ Meridians
in each half of the body
(remember they are in
pairs). There are also two
unpaired midline Meridians.
The acupuncture points are
specific locations where the
Meridians come to the
surface of the skin, and are
easily accessible by
"needling," Moxibustion, and
Acupressure. The connections
between them ensure that
there is an even circulation
of Qi, a balance between Yin
and Yang.
Energy constantly flows up
and down these pathways.
When pathways become
obstructed, deficient,
excessive, or just
unbalanced, Yin and Yang are
said to be thrown out of
balance. This causes
illness. Acupuncture is said
to restore the balance.
The question arises, how
does Acupuncture work?
Scientists have no real
answer to this; as you know
many of the workings of the
body are still a mystery.
There are a few prevailing
theories:
By some unknown process,
Acupuncture raises
levels of triglycerides,
specific hormones,
prostaglandins, white
blood counts, gamma
globulins, opsonins, and
overall anti-body
levels. This is called
the "Augmentation of
Immunity" Theory.
The "Endorphin" Theory
states that Acupuncture
stimulates the
secretions of endorphins
in the body
(specifically
Enkaphalins).
The "Neurotransmitter"
Theory states that
certain neurotransmitter
levels (such as
Seratonin and
Noradrenaline) are
affected by Acupuncture.
"Circulatory" Theory:
this states that
Acupuncture has the
effect of constricting
or dilating blood
vessels. This may be
caused by the body's
release of Vasodilaters
(such as Histamine), in
response to Acupuncture.
One of the most popular
theories is the "Gate
Control" Theory.
According to this
theory, the perception
of pain is controlled by
a part of the nervous
system which regulates
the impulse, which will
later be interpreted as
pain. This part of the
nervous system is called
the "Gate." If the gate
is hit with too many
impulses, it becomes
overwhelmed, and it
closes. This prevents
some of the impulses
from getting through.
The first gates to close
would be the ones that
are the smallest. The
nerve fibers that carry
the impulses of pain are
rather small nerve
fibers called "C"
fibers. These are the
gates that close during
Acupuncture.
In the related "Motor
Gate" Theory, some forms
of paralysis can be
overcome by Acupuncture.
This is done by
reopening a "stuck"
gate, which is connected
to an Anterior Horn
cell. The gate, when
closed by a disease,
stops motor impulses
from reaching muscles.
This theory was first
stated by Professor
Jayasuriya in 1977. In
it he goes on to say:
"...one of the factors
contributing to motor
recovery is almost
certainly the activation
of spindle cells. They
are stimulated by Gamma
motor neurons. If
Acupuncture stimulates
the Gamma motor neurons,
the discharge causes the
contraction of
Intrafusal Muscle
fibers. This activates
the Spindle cells, in
the same way as muscle
stretching. This will
bring about muscle
contraction." "
Pressure
points are the vital areas of the body
where nerves and/or arteries cross.
There are over 300 pressure points in
the body. The key is know how to
activate them and the angle of which to
do so. There are 3 main ways of
activation: touch, strike, and rub.
When used one at a time they can be used
for pain compliance (putting someone in
pain so they will do what you want),
body response (i.e. buckling of knees,
or brining head forward), or releasing
of the joints (i.e. arm bar or should
dislocation).
When you understand more
how the points interact with each other,
you learn to use them in striking and
locking combinations to incapacitate the
attacker faster and more efficiently
than simply continue punching/kicking to
where ever you may hit.
Pressure
points are vital areas on the body.
Every human's body basically works the
same so we break down and understand how
the vital areas work. Striking these
with the proper knowledge does not take
nearly as much force as a random strike
would.
For example, many fighters 'head
hunt', thus constantly swing at the
opponent's head and may land many hits
before the opponent's brain is hit
against the skill enough to cause a ko.
When you target areas and know how to
use the combinations, one can end the
fight much faster and without as much
strength because of the vital area.
When you
start hitting pressure points you are
disrupting the body's natural energy
(chi or Bio-electric energy). We work
everything in a controlled manner where
to not harm each other. All students
much learning healing techniques as
well; to restore energy flow where they
just hit. Is it dangerous? If someone
isn't properly trained and starts
hitting the wrong spots, yes, it can be
dangerous. But again, so can playing
baseball or any physical activity at
that manner. Do we at Atlanta Kyusho and
Jujitsu take precautions, YES. Safety
for each other and ourselves is our
first priority.
Georgia
Code - Crimes and Offenses - Title 16,
Section 16-3-21
(a) A person is justified in threatening
or using force against another when and
to the extent that he or she reasonably
believes that such threat or force is
necessary to defend himself or herself
or a third person against such other´s
imminent use of unlawful force; however,
except as provided in Code Section
16-3-23, a person is justified in using
force which is intended or likely to
cause death or great bodily harm only if
he or she reasonably believes that such
force is necessary to prevent death or
great bodily injury to himself or
herself or a third person or to prevent
the commission of a forcible felony.
(b) A person is not justified in using
force under the circumstances specified
in subsection (a) of this Code section
if he:
(1) Initially provokes the use of force
against himself with the intent to use
such force as an excuse to inflict
bodily harm upon the assailant;
(2) Is attempting to commit, committing,
or fleeing after the commission or
attempted commission of a felony; or
(3) Was the aggressor or was engaged in
a combat by agreement unless he
withdraws from the encounter and
effectively communicates to such other
person his intent to do so and the
other, notwithstanding, continues or
threatens to continue the use of
unlawful force.
(c) Any rule, regulation, or policy of
any agency of the state or any
ordinance, resolution, rule, regulation,
or policy of any county, municipality,
or other political subdivision of the
state which is in conflict with this
Code section shall be null, void, and of
no force and effect.
(d) In a prosecution for murder or
manslaughter, if a defendant raises as a
defense a justification provided by
subsection (a) of this Code section, the
defendant, in order to establish the
defendant's reasonable belief that the
use of force or deadly force was
immediately necessary, may be permitted
to offer:
(1) Relevant evidence that the defendant
had been the victim of acts of family
violence or child abuse committed by the
deceased, as such acts are described in
Code Sections 19-13-1 and 19-15-1,
respectively; and
(2) Relevant expert testimony regarding
the condition of the mind of the
defendant at the time of the offense,
including those relevant facts and
circumstances relating to the family
violence or child abuse that are the
bases of the expert's opinion.
There is
much information that goes from Title
16, Section 16-3-21 to Title 16, Section
16-3-26.
To sum it up (note that no
one at Atlanta Kyusho and Jujitsu is a
lawyer), you can defend yourself if
threatened or assaulted to a reasonable
degree. You are also allowed to use
deadly force if reasonably justified and
your feel your life in in danger or at
serious bodily risk. Of course,
'reasonably' is the key word in all of
this. For more information, please see
http://law.onecle.com/georgia/16/index.html.
Pain is the
best instructor, but no one wants to go
to his class." - Choi, Hong Hi
The best
ways to learn in martial arts are to
HEAR IT, SEE IT, DO IT, and have it done
TO YOU. If you are to learn, for
example, a finger lock, you will have it
explained to you, showed to you, and
have it done to you before you can can
practice it on anyone else.
Though as
a student you will feel some pain now
and again, SAFETY is our number 1
concern. Understand the difference in
pain (discomfort) and harm (putting
someone's health or body at serious
risk). Control not to injure is a
major key in martial arts; especially
when working with your fellow students
so that no one gets hurt. More skill is
shown in controlling how hard you can
hit as opposed to someone who can just
hit hard.
'Hurt' v/s 'Harm' is a conversation
that comes up often. The differences
are simple. To hurt someone is to cause
them non-damaging pain. For example,
you squeeze some pressure points to
cause pain. To harm someone is to cause
damaging effects to their body. For
example, using a pressure point to
release a joint and breaking it.
Simple self
defense (in the women's class) works
scenario self defense: i.e. someone
grabs your hair, you do <this move>.
It's simple defense learning different
moves.
In the Ryukyu Kempo and
Jodoryu Jujitsu training, a students
learns more than just moves. A students
will learn breakdowns of the body, not
only how but WHY techniques work, also
work and understand concepts. With
concepts and understanding of the body,
a martial artist can adapt themselves
into any situation and beyond only what
moves they know.
What is 'best' can be described only
by oneself. A person may start a martial
art dojo for a myriad of purposes: learn
self defense, win trophies, get a
workout, gain confidence...the reasons
are endless. One art may focus more on
hands where as another may focus more on
legs. What is the best for Jim may not
be the best for Jack.
Note that a school is not just a
reflection of the it's primary style,
but also of the Instructor's
influences. For example, not all Ryukyu
Kempo school are alike.
Atlanta Kyusho and Jujitsu is geared
toward REALITY self defense and not
sport martial arts.
Dim Mak is
commonly translated as 'Death Touch'.
Kyusho Jitsu in it's advanced levels is
Dim Mak. Though killing moves do not
come for some time, a student studying
at Atlanta Kyusho and Jujitsu will
understand how to utilize pressure
points in the earlier stages for pain
compliance, body response, and knock
outs.
Every
pressure point has an activation size of
a quarter. There are over 300 pressure
points on the body. Imagine taking 300
quarters and placing them on someone's
body. The answer is yes, no matter how
you are positioned, you will have a
target. With a little time and
practice, a student will easily see
where these targets become available.
Keep going!
Pressure points are the icing on the
cake of the martial art, they take a
good form and make it more effective,
however if you miss the point you can
still continue with the strike, grab,
throw etc. to incapacitate your
opponent. Remember that when you aim
small, you miss small.
Yes, it is
true that not everyone responds to the
pain of a pressure point attack.
If you were to take 10 subjects and work
1 point on every 10, you would possibly
get 3 different responses. Most would
feel the pain and immediately react by
falling; some might feel the pain but
able to endure it, and some may not feel
any pain at all and thus no reaction.
We often call these 'non-responders' or
'hypoactive responders'. A few reasons
for this have been site to either
smaller pain receptors or even chi
blockages w/in the body. Whatever the
reason may be, we work multiple attacks
so that even if they don't feel a
point, we continue with the striking and
possible move to another technique.
Even if you
have extra pounds, you can be proficient
in the knowledge and even use the weight
to your advantage.
Although strength,
speed, and agility are not necessarily
needed to be proficient in martial arts,
it can certainly enhance one's
ability. Speed is a factor that is
key, and with training and practice will
come in time.
One of the focuses of Atlanta Kyusho
and Jujitsu is fitness. So while in
class while learning self defense you'll
have the opportunity to get in better
shape!
No. The
primary goal of Atlanta Kyusho and
Jujitsu is self defense and knowledge of
the human body. Though point fighting
can build your reaction and make you a
better fighter, it is not always the
same as real self defense.
Many people
start a martial arts school with the
insinuation they are learning self
defense when they may be learning sport
fighting. Sport martial arts deals with
gaining points in ruled fighting. Those
rules (depending on the organization
hosting the event) may include: no
pressure points, no punching to the
face, no kicking below the waist, no
small joint compression/locking, no eye
gouging, and so on. These rules are
often in place to protect the
contestants. If you focus is sport,
mostly likely your thought process will
be the rules you've confined yourself
to. Thus, in a real fight you may have
trouble taking it up to the higher
levels b/c you've trained with the
confines of rules.
Reality martial arts addresses that
there are NO rules in a fight. When
someone attacks you, you must
incapacitate them as quickly as possible
before they harm you or your loved
ones. Atlanta Kyusho and Jujitsu
addresses these techniques and concepts
in a controlled atmosphere. We learn
how to incapacitate the opponent by pain
compliance, pressure point knock outs,
hyper-extension or break, or more levels
if necessary. In knowing this, however,
we also talk about Georgia law and how
it applies to self defense.
Dues for
the school are accepted as per 1-month
or 3-months option. There are no
contracts, sign-up fees, testing fees,
or other required fees. Payments for
being a school member can be made with
Cash, Check, or Card via Paypal.
No. These
classes are only for adults only (18+)
with exception of private lessons (with
parent or guardian present) of 14 to 17
year olds. Atlanta Kyusho and Jujitsu
will never turn anyone away on the basis
of anything prejudice. If you approach
the school and instructors with a good
attitude and are ready and willing to
learn with an open mind, we welcome you
to to join class!
Yourself, a
good attitude, and some some comfortable
clothes as if you were going to gym or
taking a run. There will be water for
sale, but you might wish to bring your
own bottle as well.
We encourage any
interested student to come sit in on a class or
even participate in at least two classes before
he/she makes a decision. By two classes you
will have a good feel of what we do. Then we
can decid if we are right for you, AND if you
are right for us.
