Wolfe Sensei demonstrating irimi-nage, the “entering throw” of aikijujutsu.
An assistant instructor corrects the mid-level guard of a beginning student.
The use of the jo, the four-foot staff, is an integral part of aikijujutsu.
In this demonstration of aikijujutsu “internal strength,” a powerful black-belt is unable to push the arm of a much smaller student.
A sutemi-nage is a “sacrifice throw” in aikijutsu, in which the defender drops to the ground to execute the throw.
Because aikijutsu is a matter of skill rather than strength, women can be as powerful as men.
Jo-waza, the techniques of the four-foot staff in aikijujutsu, include applications with the staff used as a walking stick.
Ippon-dori, a fundamental pin in aikijutsu.

Aikijujutsu

Aikijujutsu Tendokai is our independent approach to training in highly evolved grappling arts derived from classical aikibujutsu and modern jujutsu—arts closely related to Japanese swordsmanship. In many other martial arts, strength and speed are emphasized in nearly every situation. Our approach emphasizes a softer and slower type of movement, with power added only after the attainment of proper form. With development of “internal” strength, many of the techniques require only a few ounces of pressure to yield rather spectacular results, and are especially appropriate for study by women, law enforcement officers, and those who enjoy the challenge of sophisticated technique. For insight to the myriad benefits of training in this art, read Benefits Beyond Technique.

As a student of aikijujutsu you will learn to neutralize attacks by throwing or pinning an opponent, often by means of locking one or more of your opponent’s joints. Because the opponent is controlled through a mechanical linkage, rather than by application of pain, effectiveness is a matter of honed intent and skill. The objective of the art is to gain control of an attacker, both physically and spiritually, allowing the possibility an aggressive individual can be deterred or restrained with minimal harm, while also providing the tools for more decisive actions should circumstances warrant. Our study includes use of classical weapons (sword, staff, and knife) and newaza (ground-fighting).

While the benefits of training extend far beyond self-defense, the foundation of aikijujutsu is practical skill. The techniques are not designed for sport-style, competitive sparring; rather, the techniques are the culmination of hundreds of years of research into the means of defending against armed and unarmed assaults. Training will provide you a wide range of responses to aggression, from avoidance to escape to physical counters commensurate to the severity of an assault and consistent with legal and ethical considerations. We supplement our practice of physical skills with study of such things as violence dynamics, threat assessment, and verbal de-escalation, relying on the works of experts like Ellis Amdur, Marc MacYoung, Jenna Meek, Gavin de Becker, and others.

Because relatively few of us are likely to face unprovoked physical violence, worthwhile training must offer more than combative skills. The benefits of training in aikijujutsu beyond self-defense include inexhaustible intellectual challenge, enhanced self-discipline and focus, and a moderate to intense, total-body workout. The nature of the training develops confidence, strength, endurance, flexibility, coordination, and grace. Exposure to classical strategy provides insights that can be applied to every area of life. For example, developing the ability to resolve conflict—whether internal or external—is a skill as timeless and valuable as the strategies we study.

Ukemi, the abilities needed to receive a technique and train safely, is probably the most practical self-protection skill—there is a 100% likelihood of falling at some point in your life. To see just two of the sophisticated methods we’ve used to teach these indispensable skills, watch our videos “Teaching Ukemi” and “Teaching the Solo, ‘Aerial’ Breakfall” on our YouTube channel.

Though independent, our practice is recognized and supported by Nicklaus Suino Sensei (Japanese Martial Arts Center), Edward Castillo Sensei (Nihonden Aikibujutsu Senyokai), and Miguel Ibarra Sensei (Yamabushi Jujutsu Aikijutsu Association)—we enjoy through these relationships access to instruction at the highest levels.

Aikijujutsu practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Prospective students of aikijujutsu must be at least 14 years of age. Required training equipment is limited to a proper uniform and a bokken—both can be obtained through the dojo.

Call or email today for an appointment and come see for yourself — visitors are always welcome!