Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術)

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History and Origin

Aiki Bujutsu, also written Aikibujutsu (合氣武術) is a system that is closely intertwined with other methods such as jujutsu and Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), depending on the school that taught the system, some are primarily unarmed schools. Other styles more commonly use weapons and teach classic Bujutsu(武術) which are the fighting techniques used by samurai in warfare, these include but are not limited to systems like Kenjutsu (剣術), Sōjutsu (槍術), and Tantōjutsu (短刀術). These systems have a rich history in warfare, but the major differences are that Aikibujutsu is more of an umbrella martial art that spans over several fighting methods, whereas Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), Jujutsu (柔術), Sōjutsu (槍術), and so on all specialize in their respective system.

Other systems that similar in nature or are a part of the Bujutsu / Aikibujutsu teachings are Jujutsu (柔術), Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), Aiki no jutsu (合気の術), Aikido, and Judo. Bujutsu and Aikibujutsu are very old and have been used for hundreds of years by the samurai class of Japan for one purpose, combat. Typically, within the samurai, you would have different samurai that would be trained at different levels. These systems such as Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) was based off of weapons and were to be used on the battlefield against soldiers that were wearing armor.

It was during this time that Jujutsu was not a primary art, but more of a secondary art that the Samurai used, in conjunction with weapon-based arts to support their needs and efforts on the battlefield. Within the style of Jujutsu that was taught to the Samurai, there were several segments that would be taught based on the individual Samurai and their individual ranking. For example, a lower ranked Samurai would likely to be only taught Jujutsu; however, a Samurai of higher rank would have been taught Aiki no Jutsu and Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), in addition to Jujutsu.

Aiki no Jutsu and Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) are based on defense and were not typically used in an offensive format. Aiki no jutsu and Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) were primarily used as a defensive system because the Samurai relied on other primary fighting systems such as Sōjutsu (spear), and Kenjutsu (sword). Jujutsu was secondary and was typically to be used when a Samurai didn't have access to their weapon. Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) and Aiki no jutsu was used as a defensive structure within the Jujutsu that some higher-ranking Samurai were taught as a means to counter grapple an opponent that is trying to seize control of the Samurai or their weapons. Takeda Sōkaku, credited as the founder of Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) described his system and as the following:

"The purpose of this art (Daito ryu) is not to be killed, not to be struck, not to be kicked, and we will not strike, will not kick, and will not kill. It is completely for self-defense. We can handle opponents expediently, utilizing their own power, through their own aggression. So even women and children can use it. However, it is taught only to respectable people. Its misuse would be frightening..." - Takeda Sokaku

Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) is a Western engineered conglomerate of both traditional Japanese and non-Japanese martial arts that primarily seeks to provide a comprehensive, dynamic, and eclectic self-defense system, while still preserving the original Japanese fighting arts and paying homage to the heavy Japanese martial arts influence inside of it. Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術), like most Bujutsu is an eclectic art that has the classical Samurai training in it such as Kenjutsu (剣術), Nitōjutsu (二刀流), Sōjutsu (槍術), Jōjutsu (杖術), Bōjutsu (棒術), Keibōjutsu (警棒術), Tantōjutsu (短刀術), Koppojutsu (骨法術), Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), and contemporary Hōjutsu (砲術).

Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) also has influence from other classical styles including non-Japanese native styles as well such as Hapkido (합기도), Derobio Eskrima, and Modern Arnis, but still retains concepts and techniques for the modern combat environment. Therefore, while there are the traditional teachings of these Japanese fighting systems, they are also combined with other systems and methodologies that have been added to make the system more comprehensive, dynamic and highly functional, incorporating all use of force levels within the curriculum. Seiyō-ryū Aiki Bujutsu, unlike some other styles that practice Aiki elements such as Aikido, will generally be seen as having a more direct approach.

Defining Characteristics:

One of the defining characteristics of Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) is the system focuses on the study of dynamic interchangeability, much like what is found in Filipino Martial Arts (FMA), and universal principles coupled with bio-mechanical efficiencies. These elements enable the practitioner to not only master the material in the style, but due to how the material is transmitted, it allows the practitioner to be more universal and adaptive, capable of using the same and or similar techniques across other weapon platforms. The system also allows the ability to adjust armed fighting techniques so they can be utilized as unarmed techniques. This includes techniques that haven't previously been trained, which may not be considered a traditional application of a particular weapon or other platform.

Like other systems in a similar category, Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) as a system and organization does not participate in sporting competitions due to the philosophical ideology of studying a combatives system first and foremost. Even though the system is primarily an in-depth study of self-defense and combatives, a practitioner may also train for competition for personal endeavors; however, that is not the intention of the system. Other characteristics that are found in this system is the Aiki (合気) principle, which is using previously generated energy to take control of a situation easier by blending or 'harmonizing' with the opponent.

Aiki (合気):

Aiki (合気) is a principle based on the blending with and utilizing the energy that was created during a physical encounter to subdue the practitioner's opponent. This principle is used in several styles of martial arts, such as Aikido (合気道), Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), Aikitaijutsu (合気体術), Aikibujutsu (合氣武術), and Hapkido (합기도).

This principle has been a very hard concept to define, until more modern times as it was always given accurate but also vague definitions that sparked a lot of mysticism as well as the inability for practitioners really understand what they were studying when introduced to the principle. Sogaku Takeda, defined the meaning of Aiki as “the ability to defeat an enemy with a single glance.” Aiki should be looked at as the principle of nullifying or using the energy generated from the conflict and utilizing it to the practitioner's advantage, which is generally used in conjunction with biomechanical inefficiencies on the opponent to create a successful technique.

Aikijujutsu (合気柔術):

The backbone of Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) is the Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) section where practitioners learn the majority of the unarmed combat phase of the system. This is a unique curriculum that has been compiled based on the dynamic interchangeability and universal combatives principles that allow the practitioners to apply what they learn in the unarmed phase to every other phase, including the armed fighting sections. This section also allows the practice of full resistance with training partners.

Unlike most Jujutsu and Taijutsu curriculums, Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) is more nuanced in its approach because it focuses more deeply on the ability to utilize and or neutralize the energy that is generated in a conflict to subdue an attacker. Systems like Jujutsu (柔術) and Taijutsu (体術) won't give as much thought to the energy efficiency approach and therefore burn more energy than those that utilize the Aiki principles in their study under most circumstances.

Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) can be broken down into 3 segments: Jujutsu (hard), Aiki no jutsu (soft); and the combined Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) (hard/soft). Because of all three of these segments in Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), a practitioner that has come from a discipline like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or traditional Jujutsu will find a lot of similarities when working on the Jujutsu principles, but may be lost initially while learning the Aiki no jutsu and or the Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) as a whole because it is a more holistic approach to grappling to fighting techniques. Much like a practitioner of Aikido learning the system may find the techniques to be much more direct and not solely or as heavily reliant on the Aiki principle.

Taijutsu (体術):

Taijutsu is the first segment taught in Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) and is primarily where the student learns the comprehensive and efficient striking methods that are used inside of the Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) part of the curriculum.

In Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術), it is best to think of the Aikijujutsu (合気柔術) section as the scientific approach and teaching the correct application of the techniques. This is where a student explores a large portion of the biomechanical efficiencies in the system and other topics at a very detail-oriented level. Taijutsu (体術) is putting it all together with the initial striking basis on a functional and practical level.

Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), and other training elements are parts of Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) that make it a whole cohesive and practical combat system. While Taijutsu (体術) is largely the practical application of what is likely to be used in a real conflict, Aikibujutsu (合氣武術) is the umbrella term for the entire martial art that contains various fighting methods and systems.

Under the Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) training methodology, there are multiple fighting systems like the individual Koryu Bujutsu (古流武術) systems as previously discussed. When all of the systems are practiced together and are able to be dynamically interchanged, that is Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術). The use of Kenjutsu (剣術), Nitōjutsu (二刀流), Sōjutsu (槍術), Jōjutsu (杖術), Bōjutsu (棒術), Keibōjutsu (警棒術), Tantōjutsu (短刀術), Koppojutsu (骨法術), Aikijujutsu (合気柔術), and contemporary Hōjutsu (砲術) at once, as necessary.

In the modern world, it is highly unlikely to carry swords, pole-arms, or sticks in the modern world for self-defense, unlike knives and firearms. The ability of using all of these platforms is Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術). In reality, we will find ourself unarmed or with minor weapons like a knife, therefore Taijutsu (体術) from the Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) system is the effective method commonly employed.

Etymology:

There is a lot of confusion, even among native Japanese speakers between the terms Bujutsu, Budo, and Bugei as they have been used in various forms throughout history to refer to different ideas.

Because of this the modern authorities in Japan have adopted modern definitions of these terms in order to facilitate consistent definition for the purposes of combatives training.

Bujutsu: Describes various Japanese martial disciplines in their original function as arts of war. This term is generally used for martial arts styles that focus on self-defense and actual combat primarily, at the expense of the holistic self-improvement and development approach, like that found in most Budo systems. Bujutsu literally translates as martial arts.

Budo: Denotes the process by which a study of Bujutsu becomes a means to self-development and self-realization. This is basically the exact opposite of Bujutsu, using martial arts as a vessel for self-improvement and personal development, but at the cost of actual combat effectiveness. Budo translates as martial way.

Bugei: A catchall term for traditional Japanese military sciences, which includes both Bujutsu, as well as Budo.

Aiki: A martial principle that expresses the fitment, joining, or combining (blending) energies from the practitioner / opponent.

Seiyō-ryū: Translated as Western style or system

Combined, Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu means the Western system of martial arts or western school of martial arts (with a discernible focus on energy management).

Ranking:

Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) adheres to strict rules and regulations when it comes to the testing regulations for practitioners. This system recognizes that other systems and organizations can have corrupt and biased ranking standards. Other systems and organizations may put a practitioner at a certain rank because of who they are and not based on the individual’s merit.

Other organizations have also stripped practitioners of their rank because of interpersonal conflicts, or other political issues. It has also been noted if there are several governing organizations within a system, there is potential for a different organization or instructor not to honor a practitioner’s current rank or title.

A practitioner should not have to worry about political issues within an organization and have their rank attached to a political structure. All promotions and training within the Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) organization are based solely on the practitioner and the merit of the individual, coupled with their abilities.

The path from white belt to black belt takes approximately 3 years. The timeframe it takes from white belt to 1st Dan (1^st Degree Black Belt) is only an estimate because practitioners with either previous experience, or the ability to consistently train more hours, or practitioners that grasp the material quicker will likely achieve a 1st Dan rank in significantly less time.

The curriculum prioritizes the most practical and important information first, such as techniques and principles that can be applied in the real-world environment by a new practitioner after their first class. A practitioner is required to take between 30-60 class hours to be eligible for promotion to a higher rank. After a student achieves the minimum of 30 class hours, they are able to petition for a promotion if the instructor has not extended an offer to promote.

Additional lessons that are critical for the in-depth knowledge are applied immediately too. Breaking down techniques and the biomechanical concepts in order to start the building dynamic interchangeability within the concepts and principles of the techniques (Aikijujutsu 合気柔術).

Once a practitioner has reached the esteemed rank of 1^st Dan (1^st Degree Black Belt), they gain the ability to instruct others. However, as is customary in most martial arts organizations, a practitioner can only promote individuals up to one rank below their own. This means that in order for the instructor to petition for a 1st Dan rank promotion for a student, the instructor must hold the rank of at least 2nd Dan. This hierarchical structure ensures that promotions and achievements are earned through diligent training and mastery of the art.

Moving beyond the black belt, promotions are primarily based on active training time. However, there is also a significant consideration given to a practitioner's willingness to teach. Teaching is not only essential for the dissemination of the martial system but also acts as a powerful catalyst for personal growth and development as a practitioner. The act of instructing others allows for a deeper understanding of the techniques and principles and sharpens a practitioner’s martial prowess.

While any instructor within the organization may promote a practitioner to a kyu rank as needed, and test any students for a Dan ranking, all Dan rankings ultimately come from the current Soke, the headmaster of the Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) system. This ensures a standardized and consistent process of evaluation and promotes the preservation of our martial art's integrity.

Once 1^st Dan is achieved it will take a minimum of ‘X’ number of years of active training to reach the next rank the practitioner will be promoting to. For example: 1^st Dan to 2^nd Dan is 2 years. 2^nd Dan to 3^rd Dan is 3 years. 3^rd Dan to 4^th Dan is 4 years, and so on. This will be capped at a maximum of 5 years in between promotions. Once a practitioner reaches 5^th Dan, they only have to wait for 5 years for every subsequent promotion.

This is an important principle because when a practitioner has reached 1^st Dan, they have a firm grasp on the material. The practitioner’s job after reaching 1^st Dan is to polish and hone the knowledge that they now have, and hopefully teach it to others. The only real way to do that is to put time and effort in.

Like previously mentioned with promoting to 1^st Dan, a student may achieve a black belt significantly faster due to previous training knowledge. The same is true with black belt ranks. After 1st dan is achieved, the time between the ranks is a general rule that is abided by under most situations. However, if a trainee also had a 5th dan ranking in a different system for example, they may exhibit qualities that would fast track them directly to higher black belt rankings based on their previously achieved merits. If that person does not demonstrate such merit, they will not be fast tracked to a higher rank.

In the unlikely event a black belt may also ascertain a higher rank if they have a student that is below them and ready to be promoted to the instructor's current rank. The instructor may reach out to a qualified higher-ranking instructor or directly to the Soke of Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) and petition for a promotion of both individuals.

In the unlikely event a black belt may also ascertain a higher rank if they have a student that is below them and ready to be promoted to the instructor's current rank. The instructor may reach out to a qualified higher-ranking instructor or directly to the Soke of Seiyō-ryū Aikibujutsu (西洋流 合氣武術) and petition for a promotion of both individuals.

Within the belt structure there are 9 colored belt ranks known as Kyu ranks. After completing all 9 Kyu ranks, the student tests for their 1^st Degree Black Belt, a Dan rank. There are 10 Dan grades within black belt. There are 10 degrees or Dan ranks within black belt.

Notable Ranks:

• 1st Dan - Associate Instructor (Sensei)
• 2nd Dan - Instructor
• 3rd Dan - Senior Instructor
• 4th Dan - Associate Master (Shihan)
• 5th Dan - Master (Renshi): Red bordered black belt or 5 gold rank stripes are optional if denoting rank
• 6th Dan - Senior Master (Renshi): Red bordered black belt and red rank stripes required if denoting rank
• 7th Dan - Grand Master (Kyoshi)
• 8th Dan - Grand Master (Kyoshi)
• 9th Dan - Grand Master (Hanshi)
• 10th Dan - Grand Master (Hanshi)
• Soke - Head Grand Master
• Shodai Soke - First Generation Head Grand Master (Founding Grand Master)

Within the Dan ranking system, there are also titles and honorary titles. The titles are Sensei, Shihan, and Soke. These titles are awarded in addition with the aforementioned Dan ranks. A practitioner may utilize any of these titles as they are achieved.

Honorary titles such as Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi are honorary titles that come with the prescribed Dan rank. These honorary titles are primarily denoting the teaching proficiency and the dedication from a person to the system. The common titles to address an instructor with is Sensei, Shihan and Soke. It is possible to call someone by their honorific title as well Renshi, Kyoshi, and Hanshi. If you do not know the instructors honorary title, Sensei, or Shihan, if you know they are a master rank will typically suffice.

These honorary titles may also show up in writing, such as when an instructor with such title promotes a student. The honorary title may be seen as part of a signature on a certification. It should be noted not every system uses honorary titles. Some systems will have the honorary titles separate from the Dan grading system.

Junior Ranking:

Children have the same belt grading system with the exception of the optional Junior black belt with a white stripe through the middle. This is utilized based on the instructor. The Junior black belt, based on numerous factors may receive this rather than a regular black belt. The common reason is the student is too young to be considered a true black belt. For instance, they may be really good at displaying and imitating techniques, but may not truly understand the techniques and underlying principles that they should if they were a regular Dan rank.

The junior black belt is only denoted by the black belt with the white stripe on it, they may still progress to further Dan rankings as they continue their martial arts journey. When they turn of age, typically the age of 16, they are considered a standard Dan rank and can then get a regular black belt. Denoting the junior black belt is sometimes as beneficial to the instructor as it is to the student, because they both know that the student has some improvements that need to be made for them to get a standard Dan grading. Sometimes, that is as easy as aging and maturing.

They also have the 2 optional stripes that may be awarded in between Kyu ranks. When a child reaches the minimum testing time qualifications (30 credit hours), they will be able to earn an optional stripe on their belt. This denotes the student has put in the minimum time pre-requisite and may be considered for a promotion.

Children will get the maximum of 2 stripes per Kyu belt in between ranking denoting 30-hour increments in the current rank. This is because 60 hours is on the high end of how long it should take to have a reasonable understanding of the material they are studying before proceeding to the next Kyu rank. The goal is to be eligible and apply for promotion with as few stripes as possible in between Kyu ranks. Just because a student has the minimum required time for promotion, does not necessarily mean they are ready to promote. This is ultimately up to the instructor. This encourages kids to promote when they are ready, and if they think they are ready, they should properly address the instructor to petition for a promotion, if they have not been invited to a promotion test.

These stripes are optional for children because the student may receive 30 credit hours of training, but only have the knowledge of 15 credit hours due to attention span, age, ability to focus or other factors.

Parent and Similar Styles:

The following are some styles that shares similarities with Seiyō-ryū Aiki Bujutsu. A practitioner of these or similar styles should see similarities and some overlap, but will also see how Aikibujutsu has it's own nuanced way of applying the methods seen in some of the mentioned styles.

• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Daito-Hakko Jujutsu
• Small Circle Jujitsu
• Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu
• Hapkido
• Karate
• Tae Kwon Do
• Modern Arnis
• Derobio Eskrima
• Filipino Dirty Boxing
• Muay Thai
• Kickboxing
• Boxing
• Defendu

References:

This article "Seiyo-ryu Aiki Bujutsu" is from Wikipedia. The list of its authors can be seen in its historical and/or the page Edithistory:Seiyo-ryu Aiki Bujutsu. Articles copied from Draft Namespace on Wikipedia could be seen on the Draft Namespace of Wikipedia and not main one.

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