Budoshin Ju-jitsu in Middletown, CT / 30 Days FREE!

For the first time since we opened our doors in 2002, the Modern Self-Defense Center is offering a Traditional Martial Art:

Budoshin Ju-jitsu

A traditional school of Japanese Ju-jitsu methods

But OK, wait a minute.  I thought the Modern Self-Defense Center was all about "contemporary, effective training methods".  Well, YES we are.  In fact, that's exactly what we do here -- and nothing else.  But there are lots of different skills to develop, from kickboxing to grappling, and some people really LIKE the traditional atmosphere of the Asian Martial Arts.  So why can't we have both?  

The Budoshin Ju-jitsu classes at MSDC are the best of both worlds:  a traditional Martial Arts classroom run by instructors who have practical experience in a broad range of self-defense skills.  Our instructors bring a "big picture" perspective to all our classes, backed up by many years of training and high achievements in a variety of Martial Arts!  We have run classrooms of all kinds, from fun & friendly.  

Why might someone choose this traditional format?  Here are some reasons it may appeal to you:

• An opportunity to learn a traditional Japanese Art, in its original cultural context
• Experience the focus, clarity, and meditative qualities of formal Japanese training
• Expose yourself to a basic Japanese vocabulary
• Learn about historical Martial Arts principles, while developing the corresponding fighting techniques
• And for our students who are already training in other programs at MSDC, cross-training in Budoshin Ju-jitsu will help connect the pieces among several different disciplines!

So what's the story with Budoshin Ju-jitsu?  What kind of things will we be training in class?

In order to discuss traditional Japanese Ju-jitsu, let's put it into historical context for a moment.  Ju-jitsu was the primary weaponless fighting style during the Edo period (1603-1868), which is the time period most people associate with the icon of Japanese warfare, the Samurai.  Ju-jitsu skills were meant to be blend with the fighting arts of the Sword and other weapons, and they represented a vast mix of punching, kicking, throwing, striking, grappling, choking, and joint locking techniques with very little rules.  

What's the difference between Japanese Ju-jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu?

In the late 1800's, Japan entered an era of rapid political change, and Ju-jitsu was as effected as everything else.  In 1882, a system called "Kano ju-jitsu" split off, which was later renamed "Judo".  This system focused primarily on the grappling methods of ju-jitsu (a couple decades later, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu would descend from Judo as it began to spread around the world).  In the early 20th century, other styles broke away from mainstream Japanese Ju-jitsu, including Morihei Ueshiba's Aikido.  Another offshoot during this period was James Mitose's "Kenpo ju-jitsu",  which his student, William Chow, later renamed "Kenpo Karate", and passed along to his student, Ed Parker, who would launch American Kenpo Karate), as well as Israeli Krav Maga, which is based on boxing, wrestling, and ju-jitsu.  

In the end, Judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu focus on grappling only, and in a format that is appropriate for sport competition.  And don't get us wrong: the throwing skills learned in Judo and the groundfighting skills of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are both top notch!  Budoshin (and other Japanese ju-jitsu styles) focus on a broad mix of all the different elements.  Check this out:

What does Japanese Ju-jitsu training include?  It has pieces of all of its descendant styles:

• Striking techniques similar to Karate,
• Throws, pins, chokes, and locks like Judo,
• Blending and off-balancing akin to Aikido,
• Traditional weapons training,
• and a slew of techniques unique to their Ju-jitsu origins

What about the name "Budoshin"?  What is unique to that system?

Japanese Martial History is filled with a rich history of ethics and traditions related to "Budo", which means the "way of the warrior".  Many values and virtues are a part of this warrior ethos, including ideals relating to discipline, mercy, respect, and honor.  The name "Budoshin" means to possess "a spirit of Budo".  

"Ju-jitsu" (which is often also spelled jujutsu or jiu-jitsu, depending on the style) is typically translates as the "Gentle Art", though a slightly more accurate translation would be to call it the "Art of Nonresistance".  The technical focus in Ju-jitsu training is to blend with the attacker's efforts, rather than fighting them.  If he pushes, you pull (thus incorporating the strength of his push into your technique), and so on.  Rather than wasting energy fighting against his strength, Ju-jitsu students learn to take advantage of the opportunities an attacker presents.  

Here's a video to whet your appetite:  Professor George Kirby demonstrates a sampling of the Budoshin Ju-jitsu style on Youtube (click here)

If you don't have time to waste and want to jump right into the best hands-on self-defense training you can find, give us a call today at (860) 704-9553.  We answer our phones 24/7 so that you don't have to wait.  Set up an appointment to come in for your FREE private lesson, 1-on-1 with an instructor on our expert staff, so that you can see and feel what Budoshin Ju-jitsu training can do for you.  

Despite the art's popularity around the country (and the world), MSDC is the only school in New England to offer classes in Budoshin Ju-jitsu.  Take advantage of this opportunity to train in this elegant, traditional style by giving us a call today!