The Mizukan Dojo (building where the nature of water is taught) teaches Senshin-ryu, which is modern (gendai) martial art system loosely based on Traditional (dento) Jujutsu, and geared toward modern street defensive tactics. The Mizukan Dojo teaches how not to become a statistic. Most of the current literature on Jujutsu fails to address the true nature and spirit of jujutsu. The Mizukan Dojo will introduce members to Jujutsu as a science and as an art.
The art taught at the Mizukan Dojo is Senshin-ryu Jujutsu, which is a Nihon Jujutsu system with a focus on teaching effective Goshin-jutsu (Self-defense) skill. It is a gendai sogo budo/bujutsu system or modern composite martial art. This system has a primary focus on modern day defensive tactics, and less focus on traditional or classical techniques.
Translated into English, jujutsu means “gentle, pliable, or flexible art.” The “gentleness” of the art is expressed in the execution of the techniques, and is not reflected in the effect upon the attacker, except at the discretion of the person executing the technique. Using the techniques, a person may either control an attacker with a minimum amount of pain (neutralization), or use a technique designed to produce a great deal of pain (immobilization). Many times the only difference between neutralization and immobilization is the amount of pressure applied to the technique. Other factors that determine the difference would be the attacker’s resistance, the direction of the line of force, and of course, the circumstances of the situation where force was deemed necessary.
The execution of the techniques depends upon the motion and attitude of the attacker, and seriousness of the encounter. A jujutsu practitioner learns to exploit the weaknesses of an attacker’s motions and capitalize on those weaknesses, and although the jujutsu practitioner is obligated to use good judgment and responsibility in the selection and execution of his techniques, the techniques are many and varied and can be violently effective.
The Mizukan Dojo also teaches Yamauchi-ha Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu. Denison sensei is the Colorado shibucho (state representative) for the Yamauchi-ha line of Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu and for the Komei Jyuku. Muso Jikiden Eishin-ryu Iaijutsu as practiced by our dojo is the descendant of a line of tradition that stretches back some 450 years to its origins in ancient Japan. Hayashizaki Jinsuke Shigenobu originated this technique that was to become Iai out of necessity after his father was slain. And if, after vanquishing his powerful foe Hayashizaki had lost the need for Iai, we might not know his name today. But instead of a one-use tool, Hayashizaki sama found an immortal use for this technique. He found a powerful way to preserve life, and refine the human spirit all at once. Working on this solid foundation he began to build a sword style that would survive until these modern times. Eishin-Ryu claims an unbroken line from Hayashizaki through twenty-one generations to the present day soke, Sekiguchi Komei sensei.
Nature of Water
Now an army may be likened to water, for just as flowing water avoids the heights and hastens to the lowlands, so an army avoids strength and strikes weakness. And as water shapes its flow in accordance with the ground, so an army manages its victory in accordance with the situation of the enemy. And as water has no constant form, there are in war no constant conditions. Thus, one able to gain the victory by modifying his tactics in accordance with the enemy situation may be said to be divine.
--Sun Tzu, The Art
Of War, 140 - 118 B.C.
The principle of Jujutsu is like the nature of water. Water flows to a balanced level. It has no shape of its own but molds itself to the receptacle that contains it. Its surge is irresistible and it permeates everything. It has existed and will exist as long as time and space. When heated to the state of steam it is invisible, but has enough power to split the earth itself. When frozen it crystallizes into a mighty rock. Its services are boundless and its uses endless. First it is turbulent like the Niagara Falls, and then calm like a still pond, fearful like a torrent, and refreshing like a spring on a hot day. So is the principle of Jujutsu.
Traditional Nihon Jujutsu
Because there are no licensed instructors of Traditional (dento) Jujutsu in the Denver, Colorado area, the Mizukan Dojo’s Head Instructor conduct’s research into the authentic style of Nihon or Traditional Jujutsu. The research is provided guidance through the dojo’s association with the Shudokan Budo-Kai and it’s close ties to Traditional Jujutsu in Japan. The purpose of the research is to further understand Traditional Jujutsu and to help preserve this valuable, but dwindling Japanese cultural art.
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