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Yang Ki Yin School of Jiu Jitsu Martial Art Training,
Self Defense, Mental Development, Physical Culture |
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What is Jiu Jitsu?
“Ju” means pliable, gentle or
yielding. “Jitsu” can be translated as a
system or method. Jiu jitsu’s primary principle is one of yielding or
blending with the force of an attack.
The name of this style of jiu jitsu, “Yang Ki Yin”, is a combination of
Japanese and Chinese characters. This
was done to emphasize that this style has elements borrowed from the martial
arts of both countries. The swirling
circular symbol of the yin and yang is used to point out that the duality and
constant change it represents are also present in this dialectic art. Techniques can be hard or soft, circular or
angular, and must change from one to the next as the situation requires. “Ki” is the Japanese word for the intrinsic
energy in all things. It is energy made
available through proper body position, breathing and mental perspective.
Key Elements
Jiu jitsu techniques include methods
of deflecting, striking, joint locking, throwing and holding. A functional understanding of the laws of physics
forms the foundation of practice. The
dynamics of forces, torque, rotational motion and stability are the scientific
terms for principles understood intuitively by the Masters that developed the
art.
The first requirement for proper
technique is to maintain your balance.
The opponent is then moved into an unbalanced posture from which he will
not recover. Using leverage and skillful
joint manipulation, the practitioner controls the opponent’s body position
while taking him to the ground. It is
the controlling aspect of jiu jitsu that makes this ancient method the
preeminent martial art for modern police and civilian use. The law allows “only the amount of force
necessary to control the situation.” The
restraining methods of this system allow for a measured response to an attack.
Training
Jiu jitsu can be practiced by
anyone. Here the old proverb
applies: “Desire is the initiative,
discipline is the key, humility is the way.”
Traditionally, class time is divided equally between conditioning,
matwork and techniques. Conditioning
concentrates on calisthenics designed to improve flexibility, stamina and
strength. The first function of matwork
is to learn to overcome man’s natural fear of falling. Rolling and falling skills allow partners to
practice taking each other to the mats without injury. These skills also enhance balance and
mobility. Techniques are practiced with
partners at a speed suitable to their ability to react. Small classes, close supervision and careful
training provide a relatively safe learning environment.