What is Jujitsu (or more correctly, Jujutsu)?

Jujitsu is a westernized way of saying Jujutsu, which is how the art was originally referred to. So what is Jujutsu? The term literally translates into english as "art of softness".

Jujutsu is a very old martial art, and its exact origins are unknown, though some say that it was originally developed in India. Whether or not that is true, it is sure that it gained popularity during the time of the samurai in Japan. Jujutsu was originally a very complete fighting style, which, in addition to the punches and kicks utilized in other martial arts, also included elbow strikes, knee strikes, eye gouges, biting, and of course the types of attacks more exclusive to Jujutsu -- throws, immobilizations, chokes, and joint hyper-extensions. Use of the latter four likely became much more pronounced during the period of time when the use of metal armor for warfare became more en vogue, as those types of attacks would still be effective against an armored opponent, whereas the effectiveness of traditional strikes would be noticeably reduced. One could think of Jujutsu as an ancient form of street fighting, that is, to use any means necessary in order to dispose of one's opponent, as the particular circumstances allow.

Regardless of the type of attack used, Jujutsu always maintains a focus on using an attacker's energy and momentum against him, as opposed to opposing such directly. It is for this reason that it is considered an "art of softness." It should be noted that it is soft for the practitioner who is using it to redirect the energy of his attacker -- it is not necessarily perceived as soft by the attacker against whom the techniques are directed.

What is Kyusho Jujutsu?

Kyusho Jujutsu was developed by Shihan Randall Sanchez, and is an ever-evolving fusion of his understanding of both Jujutsu, as well as the use of pressure points, especially as applicable within Jujutsu.

In addition to early training in Tae Kwon Do, Randall trained in Kodenkan Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu under Shihan Ramon Lono Ancho at the Kodenkan Hombu dojo in Costa Rica. It was from Shihan Ramon that Randall received his first degree blackbelt (shodan). Shihan Ramon (now deceased) was an original student of Master Henry Okazaki, the founder of Kodenkan Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu, beginning his study under Okazaki at the age of 10. Ancho was a true warrior, seeing combat in World War 2, Korea, and Vietnam, and in the process received 28 combat-related citations, as well as attaining the rank of Major. It was from Shihan Ramon Lono Ancho that Randall received his foundational training in Jujutsu.

Later on, Randall trained with many well known teachers and great instructors of pressure point fighting, also known as Kyusho, earning the level of second degree blackbelt (nidan) in one of the organizations teaching the art.

Not being one to rest on his laurels and thereby allow his understanding of the martial arts to become stale, Randall has expanded his knowledge of pressure points still further and, with the support and integral assistance of Pedro Falcon (6th Dan, Shotokan Karate), has formalized and codified the study thereof into an actual full blown martial art known as Kyusho Ryu Budo Kai, of which Shihan Randall is the founder and president.

Kyusho Jujutsu, however, remains Shihan Randall's unique contribution to the martial arts world, and more specifically, to the art of Jujutsu. I have little doubt that the study of the application of pressure points as they relate to Jujutsu, via the study of Kyushu Jujutsu, will help you take whatever style you practice to the next level.

Sensei Rick Bowen
IV Dan, Kyusho Jujutsu