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UBC Classical
Jujutsu (Jiu Jitsu) Club
Self-Defence -- Fitness -- Mind-Body Integration UBC Student Recreation (SRC) Dojo -- bottom floor at end of hallway
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News
August 14th, 2007
Update to the Photos section, with new photos
from the 2007 Powell Street Festival.
October 6th, 2006
Update to the Magazine: an article by Wayne
Muramoto about the history of Takeuchi-ryu. In the "Classical Jujutsu"
section.
October 19th, 2005
1. A new, brief vocabulary guide for new students.
2. New photos from the UBC Martial Arts Demonstration in the photo
gallery.
May 10th, 2005 - More BIG News.
Haoyin Zheng, also a member of Vancouver Kyokushin Karate, has
won yet another big title, taking 1st place in the Male Open Division
at the 22nd Canadian Open Kyokushin Karate Championships on May 7th. You
can see the details and photos here
at Vancouver Kyokushin Karate's website. Haoyin's record in the last 6
months has been nothing less than outstanding. His tournament record includes
the following:
Dec 18: Vancouver Cup-1st
Feb 6: US Weight Category-Top 8
March 26: North American-1st
May 1: World Weight Category
May 7: Canadian Championships-1st
Our congratulations go out again to Haoyin.
April 16th. 2005 - Lots of BIG News.
1. Black Belt Magazine Article: Our chief instructor,
Alex Kask, has collaborated with Stephan
Kesting of grapplearts.com
on an article discussing "Classical Jujutsu vs. Submission Grappling",
and it is published in the April 2005 issue of Black
Belt Magazine. Check out the article here,
at Stephan Kesting's grapplearts.com.
The article is an overview of how Jujutsu, as it was practised in medieval
Japan for battlefield purposes, differs from modern submission grappling
"Jiu Jitsu", which exists in a more civilian context, often in the form
of competition.
2. Hao-yin's Karate Victory: Hao-yin Zheng, a UBC CJJ
member for about 5 years, is also a student of Kyokushin Karate, and has
won the North-American lightweight category at the All-American Open in
Montreal, Canada, on March 26th, 2005. Check out the details at the Canadian
Kyokushin-kai Karate Organisation's web-posting
on the tournament, as well as at the Vancouver
Kyokushin Karate's website. They also have details of Hao-yin's victory
at the Vancouver
Cup 2004. Our congratulations go out to Hao-yin, and best wishes to
him, who will be going to Tokyo for the world championships.
What is the difference between "Jujutsu" and "Jiu Jitsu"?
Why the different spellings?
- There is no difference in meaning between the actual words. Both
"Jujutsu" and "Jiu Jitsu" (and for that matter, "Jujitsu", "Ju-jitsu" and
"Ju Jitsu") are English-alphabet approximated spellings of the original
Japanese term.
- Many, but not all, of those very familiar with modern Japanese have
agreed that "Jujutsu" best represents the original Japanese term, and this
is why the UBC Classical Jujutsu Club employs this spelling. Our instructor,
Alex Kask, is a fluent Japanese speaker, native-English speaker, and experienced
translator.
- Different clubs spell it different ways. However, you're more likely
to find certain spellings associated with different styles (or "schools")
of Jujutsu. Many classical styles (also called schools) of Jujutsu spell
it "Jujutsu"; therefore, "Jujutsu" can often indicate a more
classical, Japanese style of Jujutsu (but not always). The spelling "Jiu
Jitsu" seems pretty standard for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (also referred
to as "BJJ"). These are rough generalities, however, and not by any means
to be relied upon.
- The Complete
Oxford English Dictionary 2 Online uses the head-word "Ju-Jitsu", but
states that the Japanese term (approximated into English) is "jujutsu".
- Have a look at Wayne Muramoto's discussion
on the subject.
- Ultimately, your Internet and library searches will be more productive
if you're aware of the several possible spellings of "Jujutsu".
What is Jujutsu?
- The parent system of Judo and Aikido, and of course, modern Jujutsu
styles. Specifically, we study Takenouchi-Ryu, Tenjin Shin'yo-ryu, and
Daito-Ryu styles of Jujutsu. We study three different styles because we're
lucky enough to have three instructors from three different Jujutsu schools
in Japan!
- Styles: Just as there are many styles of Karate, which
differ measurably from each other but are still all identifiable as Karate,
there are many styles of Jujutsu. Different families or clans in medieval
Japan had their own systems and continued to develop, as such Jujutsu styles
were a necessity of military conflict.
- Historical Context: Jujutsu was meant to be used against
heavily armoured and armed opponents when a warrior (such as a Samurai)
lost his weapon(s) in battle. Punching and kicking had limited effect against
men wearing armour; therefore, techniques that attacked the joints and
breathing (as in choking techniques) were the most useful.
What's the difference between "Jujutsu" and "Brazilian
Jiu Jitsu"? Are they the same?
- A quick historical background. Japanese immigrants to Brazil in the
early 20th century taught Jujutsu to a Brazilian named Carlos Gracie. They
undertook the study of Jujutsu with a fervent interest. Over the generations,
the Gracies (and others who joined in the study) concentrated on the grappling
(or ground-fighting) aspects of Jujutsu. This sort of Jujutsu practised
in Brazil became known as "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu".
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on the techniques of fighting on the
ground as well as take-downs to the ground from a standing position. Classical
Jujutsu also includes the study of ground-fighting. However, classical
Jujutsu also includes the study of stand-up fighting against armed opponents
(as the Samurai faced), as well as standing joint locks and throws. This
is not a complete overview, but a general idea.
- Both classical Jujutsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are very well developed
in their own areas, and very respectable.
What sort of Jujutsu does the UBC Classical Jujutsu
Club practise?
- Joint locks, throws, vascular and respiratory controls, pain compliance
techniques, grappling, kicks, punches, escapes from every hold and attack.
- Practical self-defence for women: how to escape from and/or defeat
a large attacker.
- Knife defences, swordsmanship, training in a variety of other medieval
Japanese weapons.
Is it effective?
- Jujutsu is the system Samurai warriors used on medieval battlefields
when their weapons were damaged or lost.
- Effectiveness of jujutsu techniques has been demonstrated repeatedly
in mixed-martial arts competitions, such as the UFC.
- Many real confrontations turn into wrestling matches -- Jujutsu specializes
in prevailing in a grappling situation.
What is the training like?
Weeknights -- unarmed Jujustu (90-minute class)
1) Warm-up and fitness training
- full-body stretching
- breakfalling (learning how to fall safely in a variety of ways)
- stamina training, evasion and escape exercises
2) Techniques and kata training
- Classical Jujustu techniques, standing, kneeling, seated positions
(sei-za -- kneeling with legs tucked under you).
- groundwork and grappling techniques: how to take opponents to the
ground, how to escape an opponent who has taken you to the ground, how
to fight on the ground, submission and control techniques on the ground.
- striking, punching and kicking.
3) Randori and exercises with practice opponents
- practice grappling with a partner to perfect techniques.
- some freestyle practice to apply the wide range of overall techniques
in the system.
- all such practice is a co-operative effort among students to help
one another learn. All such practice is strictly controlled and refereed.
* Not every single item is done in every single class!
Saturdays -- traditional Japanese weapons (120-minute class)
1) Warm-up -- stretching to warm up and loosen joints and muscles
2) Bo-staff -- techniques (kata) with the six-foot wooden staff.
3) Swordsmanship -- using the bokken, a wooden replica of a
katana
(Samurai sword) for practising kata.
4) Knife defences
5) Other medieval Japanese weapons -- We sometimes get to work with
some unusual weapons and scenarios. This part is not to be missed! It's
always a treat, the surprising and neat things that pop up in this part
of the training.
What about my fitness level or experience -- am I going to be behind if I don't have previous martial-arts training?
You certainly aren't required to have any previous martial-arts traning or a high fitness level. Of course, like with any physical activity or sport, both experience and fitness help. However, if you are willing to try your best, then you can make good progress in Jujutsu. If you have any concerns about your health or fitness level with regard to the training, consult your family physician, or feel free to discuss your concerns with the instructor before enrolling.
Are there women in the club? Can women really benefit from this kind of training?
There are indeed active, long-term women members of the UBC Jujutsu club. Jujutsu is not about strength; it's about skill and thinking. It's a practical and time-tested system that can be effective for anyone.
Ok, so what do I need to join?
- First, feel free to come watch a class and talk to the instructor
either before class starts or after class is finished.
- Second, pay your fees to the university.
- Third, what to wear: shorts and and T-Shirt (not one you are worried
about keeping pristine) are ok to start. Soon, you'll need a uniform. Gohere
to learn in detail what you'll evetually need.
Alex Kask is the chief instructor for the UBC Jujutsu club. Alex holds back belts in both Jujutsu and Karate, and trained in both arts in classical schools in Japan for a number of years. Alex lived in Japan for several years, worked as a book editor there, and speaks Japanese. Alex is an experienced instructor who has been teaching for several years, and who believes in a safe, co-operative training atmosphere. Alex takes time out of his busy life as a lawyer to run the club and teach because he loves Jujutsu and wants to pass his traning and knowledge along to those with a sincere interest in learning.
Chad Kokalyk and Kei are both presently back in Japan continuing their
training.
What is the facility like?
The UBC Student Recreation Centre's dojo is properly equipped with a full complement of tatame (Judo) mats. The mats are installed, and there is no need for students to move them for class. One wall is fully mirrored, so that students may see their own technique. It is a reasonably large dojo, with glass doors so that people may watch. There is also some space for visitors to sit and watch the class. The building has generous change rooms, complete with showers and hot water. Lockers are also available for rent, although most students store their belongings on the shelves in the dojo.
What does all the Japanese terminology mean?
Have a look at our guide for vocabulary for new students.
Club location: UBC SRC (Student Recreation Centre) Dojo. Need
a map of UBC? Go to the Directions page. Want
UBC Rec Info on martial arts? Go here.
Class times: Mondays and Wednesdays 6-7:30pm; Saturdays: 9:30pm
- 11:30am. We train year-round, except for statutory holidays.
Fees: (New) $120 for 1 semester;
$220 for 2 semesters; $300 for all 3 semesters (including summer). All
fees are paid to UBC Recreation, not to the club.
How/where to pay: Pay by cash, credit card, or debit card at
the SRC's main desk.
Needed equipment: Judo-gi (uniform). Not sure what to buy? Talk
to us first, look at the gear page, or
check the links section! A T-shirt and sweat pants/shorts
will suffice for your first class.
Come see for yourself! Observers welcome! Or try a class for free!
