Hobart Jujutsukan provides instruction in Shin Saito Ryu Jujutsu. Whilst many people think of Jujutsu as an art of unarmed combat, this is not the case and is a result of people commonly thinking that Judo and Jujutsu are technically the same but with different moral codes.
In Shin Saito Ryu it is assumed that the opponent is almost always armed with at least a knife and a full range of weapons are taught and defended against - it is not built around two people engaging in a match.
I will do my best to answer common questions on this page.
What is the difference between your Combatives Course and Jujutsu?
The differences are essentially context and scope.
The combatives course is part of our curriculum and contains the fundamentals. Even the most advanced practitioner still relies on the fundamentals. The context is two be a 'normal', law abiding citizen who is concerned with their safety, and from a hands-on perspective to be attacked by a prototypical violent criminal.
The Jujutsu program increases the scope of positions, scenarios, and tools available. The context changes to that of someone who deals with violence professionally without the protection of a badge. This necessitates much more physical and mental control of situations, and operating well within legal constraints.
Is this a Samurai Art/Will I become a Samurai?
No. Only those arts created before the restoration of Emperor Meiji around 1868, having not been substantially altered since then and having been handed down in a documented line of succession - known as 'Koryu' - can be correctly called a Samurai art. There are no more Samurai and you probably wouldn't want to be one. It is correct that Jujutsu, having many names, was an art practiced by the Samurai.
Is Shin Saito Ryu a Koryu?
No. Shin Saito Ryu is what is commonly referred to as a 'Gendai Budo'. Whilst the lineage of the school can be traced to the early Meiji period it has been reconfigured, added to, altered and revised by virtually every successive headteacher. I myself have made a review of the syllabus and reconfigured what I was taught by my teachers in order to present the best version of Jujutsu I can. This is essentially the tradition of successive generations.
Is this a Traditional Martial Art?
Most of what people refer to as 'Traditional Martial Arts', such as Judo, Aikido, Iaido and the like are not really all that traditional - they are in fact mostly from the late 19th or early 20th century - people such as myself refer to them as 'Modern Budo'. 'Traditional' is a somewhat subjective notion - I consider the constant revision of the system I teach to be a tradition within the school, however, some equate 'traditional' to mean 'never changing'. Some people think because we train mostly in bare feet and use a belt system for gradings that makes the school traditional. Like many questions in Jujutsu the answer is, therefore, Yes and No.
Do you just do Kata/Forms?
No. The majority of the training process is to learn a few related things and then practice them with increasing levels of resistance. Assessments of competency are made with pressure, active resistance, and surprise. Later, concepts with some weapons are explored using Kata. In some respects, the word Kata has come to be understood as a form practiced by one or two people. It really means shape. When you repeat (drill) the same thing you are effectively performing a Kata.
I used to train with someone else in something else - can I skip the introductory course/grades?
No. You must show you are competent to proceed to the next level.
Are there minimum training times?
No. The syllabus is quite large and competency must be demonstrated to progress. There is no need for time-in-grade minimums and the like.
What are the entry requirements?
Achieve competency in the Cold War Combatives course, be assessed as having the character and attributes to continue training safely, be invited to join the Jujutsu program, express an interest and commitment to continue for at least six months (no contract or pre-payment required), and provide a Jujutsu registration form.
Do you have anything to do with Ninjas?
No, the art has no association with modern Ninjas and I have never had any association with any Ninjas. I know nothing about Shinobi other that what I read. I do not teach Ninjutsu.
Why do you say I also need to train in other arts to get a black belt?
Shin Saito Ryu Jujutsu breaks up development into six key areas:
Expert Band - System Development
5th Dan
6th Dan
No. Only those arts created before the restoration of Emperor Meiji around 1868, having not been substantially altered since then and having been handed down in a documented line of succession - known as 'Koryu' - can be correctly called a Samurai art. There are no more Samurai and you probably wouldn't want to be one. It is correct that Jujutsu, having many names, was an art practiced by the Samurai.
Is Shin Saito Ryu a Koryu?
No. Shin Saito Ryu is what is commonly referred to as a 'Gendai Budo'. Whilst the lineage of the school can be traced to the early Meiji period it has been reconfigured, added to, altered and revised by virtually every successive headteacher. I myself have made a review of the syllabus and reconfigured what I was taught by my teachers in order to present the best version of Jujutsu I can. This is essentially the tradition of successive generations.
Is this a Traditional Martial Art?
Most of what people refer to as 'Traditional Martial Arts', such as Judo, Aikido, Iaido and the like are not really all that traditional - they are in fact mostly from the late 19th or early 20th century - people such as myself refer to them as 'Modern Budo'. 'Traditional' is a somewhat subjective notion - I consider the constant revision of the system I teach to be a tradition within the school, however, some equate 'traditional' to mean 'never changing'. Some people think because we train mostly in bare feet and use a belt system for gradings that makes the school traditional. Like many questions in Jujutsu the answer is, therefore, Yes and No.
Do you just do Kata/Forms?
No. The majority of the training process is to learn a few related things and then practice them with increasing levels of resistance. Assessments of competency are made with pressure, active resistance, and surprise. Later, concepts with some weapons are explored using Kata. In some respects, the word Kata has come to be understood as a form practiced by one or two people. It really means shape. When you repeat (drill) the same thing you are effectively performing a Kata.
I used to train with someone else in something else - can I skip the introductory course/grades?
No. You must show you are competent to proceed to the next level.
Are there minimum training times?
No. The syllabus is quite large and competency must be demonstrated to progress. There is no need for time-in-grade minimums and the like.
What are the entry requirements?
Achieve competency in the Cold War Combatives course, be assessed as having the character and attributes to continue training safely, be invited to join the Jujutsu program, express an interest and commitment to continue for at least six months (no contract or pre-payment required), and provide a Jujutsu registration form.
Do you have anything to do with Ninjas?
No, the art has no association with modern Ninjas and I have never had any association with any Ninjas. I know nothing about Shinobi other that what I read. I do not teach Ninjutsu.
Why do you say I also need to train in other arts to get a black belt?
Shin Saito Ryu Jujutsu breaks up development into six key areas:
1 Striking
2 Grappling
3 Body (Physical)
4 Mind (Mental/Psychological)
5 Specialisation (Weapons)
6 Generalisation (Integration)
The student is advised to consider and plan for their own development around this framework. Whilst basic striking and grappling are covered there are many readily available combat sports that specialise in these areas (Brazillian Jiujitsu, Judo, Boxing, Muay Thai etc).
The function of Jujustu in terms of these key areas is to facilitate the application of these skills together in a combative context.
It is not feasible to be (or produce students who are) expert strikers, expert grapples, experts in a litany of weapons, strength and conditioning experts, psychologists and behavioural experts - these skills are outsourced to experts and recognition is given for those skills the student has acquired. This is historically the role of the Jujutsu school.
The selection of outside skills is based on the requirements and interest of the student and what is realistically available. The instructor will guide you as to what is and isn't appropriate outside training.
What weapons do you learn and when do you learn them?
For the most part, weapons are introduced in various stages within the grading system (more on that below) although I may occasionally bring out something interesting early if the mood strikes.
Up to black belt you will deal mostly with using knives, batons and improvised weapons and learn to defend against these as well as weapons up to about baseball bat length.
In the first three grades after black belt you will concentrate on the main weapons of the school in the long and short sword and the chain, as well as continuing the knife and baton in the form of the Naeshi (steel baton), Jutte (steel baton with a hook) as well as focusing on the disarmament of all sorts of weapons.
The exact method of drawing the sword and cutting, Iaijutsu, is considered a secret and not taught until you have a black belt.
What weapons do you learn and when do you learn them?
For the most part, weapons are introduced in various stages within the grading system (more on that below) although I may occasionally bring out something interesting early if the mood strikes.
Up to black belt you will deal mostly with using knives, batons and improvised weapons and learn to defend against these as well as weapons up to about baseball bat length.
In the first three grades after black belt you will concentrate on the main weapons of the school in the long and short sword and the chain, as well as continuing the knife and baton in the form of the Naeshi (steel baton), Jutte (steel baton with a hook) as well as focusing on the disarmament of all sorts of weapons.
The exact method of drawing the sword and cutting, Iaijutsu, is considered a secret and not taught until you have a black belt.
Later Dan grades also include long weapons along with the Kusarigama and Hojojustu. I've probably missed a few.
Will you teach a seminar for our group/dojo etc?
Usually yes, depending on my schedule and the group of course.
I'm interested in a particular weapon - can you just teach me that?
Generally no, you can ask but systemisation dictates that a certain amount of general Jujutsu capability needs to go into a specific weapon.
Do you give private lessons?
That depends on the individual - in general, I do not recommend private lessons for current members - regular attendance should be sufficient.
Why do you use weapons that are not relevant to modern life?
My main interest is efficacy - if something works that knowledge was hard-won and not worth throwing out. Weapons have parameters and the skills are transferable to items with similar parameters. Jujutsu is a large toolbox that can be raided if need be to create sub-arts. A tailored art that is ultra-relevant at a particular time and place can quickly become irrelevant - for example in 1970's Australia knife defence may have been considered a waste of time but it is certainly relevant nowadays.
Will you teach a seminar for our group/dojo etc?
Usually yes, depending on my schedule and the group of course.
I'm interested in a particular weapon - can you just teach me that?
Generally no, you can ask but systemisation dictates that a certain amount of general Jujutsu capability needs to go into a specific weapon.
Do you give private lessons?
That depends on the individual - in general, I do not recommend private lessons for current members - regular attendance should be sufficient.
Why do you use weapons that are not relevant to modern life?
My main interest is efficacy - if something works that knowledge was hard-won and not worth throwing out. Weapons have parameters and the skills are transferable to items with similar parameters. Jujutsu is a large toolbox that can be raided if need be to create sub-arts. A tailored art that is ultra-relevant at a particular time and place can quickly become irrelevant - for example in 1970's Australia knife defence may have been considered a waste of time but it is certainly relevant nowadays.
The main reason for maintaining sword work is it gives a particularly excellent way of illustrating tactical and strategic principles.
Late in life, people will be able to continue with weapons well after their body precludes them from more dangerous activities.
Is this suitable for everyone/will you make allowances for my needs?
No. The art is very firm on the requirement for achieving the minimum competency. Because the art is so diverse in subject matter it is generally difficult to accommodate out of the ordinary needs. It is not fair to take on paying members when it is clear they won't be able to reach competency. I am happy to give expert advice on other options for particular needs. Someone who is of 'average' physical and mental capacity should be able to participate in the system if they have the interest.
Are there any religious practices included in the curriculum?
No.
What are the grades/what will I learn?
Shin Saito Ryu uses a 6 Kyu/8 Dan system. The first Kyu grade (6th Kyu) is essentially the Cold War Combatives program which should be seen as both a solid combative foundation and an assessment process for entry into the Jujutsu school. Knife defence is taught within every context listed below.
The system has five bands and the material, methods of instruction, goals, and methods of assessment change with the student's needs over these bands.
Initial Band - Fundamental Skills (Self Defence)
6th Kyu (Yellow Belt Cold War Combatives Course)
In this band one begins to learn to fall, striking, standing/clinch grappling, off-balancing, footwork, joint locks, body movements, takedowns, escaping grabs holds and chokes, various weapons.
Intermediate Band - Jujutsu Skills (Violence Professional)
Is this suitable for everyone/will you make allowances for my needs?
No. The art is very firm on the requirement for achieving the minimum competency. Because the art is so diverse in subject matter it is generally difficult to accommodate out of the ordinary needs. It is not fair to take on paying members when it is clear they won't be able to reach competency. I am happy to give expert advice on other options for particular needs. Someone who is of 'average' physical and mental capacity should be able to participate in the system if they have the interest.
Are there any religious practices included in the curriculum?
No.
What are the grades/what will I learn?
Shin Saito Ryu uses a 6 Kyu/8 Dan system. The first Kyu grade (6th Kyu) is essentially the Cold War Combatives program which should be seen as both a solid combative foundation and an assessment process for entry into the Jujutsu school. Knife defence is taught within every context listed below.
The system has five bands and the material, methods of instruction, goals, and methods of assessment change with the student's needs over these bands.
Initial Band - Fundamental Skills (Self Defence)
6th Kyu (Yellow Belt Cold War Combatives Course)
In this band one begins to learn to fall, striking, standing/clinch grappling, off-balancing, footwork, joint locks, body movements, takedowns, escaping grabs holds and chokes, various weapons.
Intermediate Band - Jujutsu Skills (Violence Professional)
5th Kyu (Orange Belt)
4th Kyu (Green Belt)
3rd Kyu (Blue Belt)
2nd Kyu (Purple Belt)
1st Kyu (Brown Belt)
4th Kyu (Green Belt)
3rd Kyu (Blue Belt)
2nd Kyu (Purple Belt)
1st Kyu (Brown Belt)
1st Dan (Black Belt)
Further skills are introduced. An academic component is also introduced in the form of an outside first aid course, an oral history exam, knowledge of the history and syllabus of other martial arts, and an agreed upon essay. A police clearance and a Working with Children Check are required early in the kyu grades. Training in another art specialising in either striking or grappling is also required.
Advanced Band - Teaching & Specialist Skills
2nd Dan
3rd Dan
Further skills are introduced. An academic component is also introduced in the form of an outside first aid course, an oral history exam, knowledge of the history and syllabus of other martial arts, and an agreed upon essay. A police clearance and a Working with Children Check are required early in the kyu grades. Training in another art specialising in either striking or grappling is also required.
Advanced Band - Teaching & Specialist Skills
2nd Dan
3rd Dan
4th Dan
In this band as well as continuing with the previous skills one revises the Kyu system from a teaching perspective, learns fundamentals of adult education delivery and assessment, and learns the fundamentals of the specialist weapons of the school being the long sword, short sword, and chain.
In this band as well as continuing with the previous skills one revises the Kyu system from a teaching perspective, learns fundamentals of adult education delivery and assessment, and learns the fundamentals of the specialist weapons of the school being the long sword, short sword, and chain.
Expert Band - System Development
5th Dan
6th Dan
7th Dan
In this band as well as continuing with the previous skills one is required to learn the fundamentals of training system design, further academic requirements and various weapons, completing the technical syllabus of the school.
Master Band - Legacy
8th Dan (Black Belt may have Kanji for Shin Saito Ryu in brown)
In this band one works towards a lasting contribution to the art.
Do you teach Jujutsu for Self-Defense?
Yes & no.
In this band as well as continuing with the previous skills one is required to learn the fundamentals of training system design, further academic requirements and various weapons, completing the technical syllabus of the school.
Master Band - Legacy
8th Dan (Black Belt may have Kanji for Shin Saito Ryu in brown)
In this band one works towards a lasting contribution to the art.
Do you teach Jujutsu for Self-Defense?
Yes & no.
A large component of the initial Cold War Combatives course looks at self-defence issues and the course is designed specifically to fulfil the needs of those looking for 'self-defence'. In the broader Jujutsu syllabus self-defence is one of many contexts that are considered.
Unfortunately, it is impossible to answer many questions in the context of self-defence due to the vagaries of the legal system - how much force can be used and by whom are subjective questions to which there are no solid answers. Requirements change from one jurisdiction to another and over time. That which is legal changes based on context and circumstances.
Our Jujutsu program is grounded in reality, and contextualised as as being for someone who is choosing to work in the field of violence (security etc) - in many respects this is more difficult than pure self-defence.
