Blogs by Andrew Yiannakis on Martial Arts, social commentary, ancient history, English Grammar, the martial arts
To be published by Belfort & Bastion (New Mexico) in late Fall 2017. Will be available on Amazon
PREFACE by Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., Research Professor, University of New Mexico, 8th dan Jujutsu, 6th dan Judo. Chair, Traditional Jujutsu Committee (USJJF) and Director, HESS Institute of Traditional Martial Arts, Univ. of New Mexico
Chapter I: The Evolution of Traditional Jujutsu by Andrew & Linda Yiannakis
Chapter II: Portals to Differing Martial Arts Worlds: On The Various Spellings of Jujutsu/Jujitsu/Jiu Jitsu by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter III: Jujutsu and the Origins of Judo by Steven Cunningham, Ph.D., 7th Dan Takagi Ryu Jujutsu (permission requested)
Chapter IV: The True Meaning of Ju in Judo and Jujutsu by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter V: The Densho: How Classical and Traditional Martial Arts Transmit Their Systems, Philosophy, Principles, and Ways and Practices by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter VI: Establishing Mind-Body Harmony: Meditation and the Principles of Warm-Up by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter VII: Some Useful Meditation Techniques For Martial Artists by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter VIII: Jujutsu, Brain Stimulation, Bilateral Training and the Development of Superior Quality of Movement by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter IX: From Kuzushi To Rikiten: The Biomechanical and Psychological Dimensions of Unbalancing an Assailant by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter X: Developing Power in Traditional Jujutsu and the Development of Ki by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter XI: Principles of Fighting in Distance (Kyori No Waza), Close Quarter (Chikai No Waza), and on the Ground (Newaza) by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter XII: Principles of Transitioning in Chaotic Fighting Environments by Andrew Yiannakis
Chapter XIII: Becoming an Uchideshi, or How to Train Seriously in Japan by Patrick Auge, Shihan, 8th Dan, Yoseikan Aikido (permission requested)
Chapter XIV: Traditional Jujutsu in The Post Modern Era (from 1970 to the present) by Andrew Yiannakis
Ensuring the survival and growth of traditional systems, and strategies for marketing and promotion in today’s world
You are all invited
Date: May 4th, 3.30-5.10pm
Location: Johnson Center, UNM campus, Albuquerque, NM
PROGRAM
2. Promotional ceremony to recognize students who have attained a higher rank (4.10-4.25pm)
a. Charles Watkins, Sensei, 3rd dan, Weapons
b. Dianne Peterson, Sensei, 6th dan, Karate
c. Robert Malakhov, sensei, 3rd dan, Wa Shin Ryu
d. Martin Overfield, sensei, 3rd dan, ” ” ” “
e. Andrew Yiannakis, Sensei, 8th dan, Kansetsu Waza
f. Mark Fraser, Sensei, 4th dan Judo
Honored Guests
Linda Yiannakis, sensei, 5th dan Judo, 5th dan Jujutsu
Dr. Andy Mooneyhan, Director of PENP Program
Dr. Todd Seidler, Outgoing Chair of HESS (invited)
Dr. Christina Perry, Incoming Chair of HESS (invited)
Sincerely,
Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D.
Director, Institute of Traditional Martial Arts at UNM
8th dan Jujutsu
6th dan Judo
PS: Jujutsu at UNM is thriving thanks to the support of Drs Seidler and Mooneyhan. This semester we had 80 students sign up. This is a record!
Research Professor, University of New Mexico
For those among us who have a brain, and use it, it has become exceedingly clear that greed and profit are the main driving forces of the Trump Administration. Trump’s executive orders, and his support by the Republican leadership, have pretty much undermined, or destroyed what successive presidents, both Republican and Democratic, have accomplished in the past sixty years. Greed, the profit motive, corruption and right wing ideological extremism have turned this great country upside down and both Trump, and the Republican leadership, are among the most disliked politicians in American history and, possibly, the rest of the world! Trump’s approval rating is barely at 34% and the Republican ratings are only slightly worse than Trump’s!
To date, we have seen the decimation of the EPA; Plant Parenthood is being defunded; the elimination of Meals on Wheels for poor people, gone; free school lunch programs for poor kids, gone; the deregulation of several consumer protection laws, gone; the assault on women’s rights and the LGBT community, in process; the approval of a mediocre candidate to the Supreme Court, done; the assault on the Paris Accord regarding climate change, in process; the reduction of benefits to our vets, in process; the relaxation of laws regarding gun possession by unstable people, done; the decimation of the Justice Department, done; the debacle over Obamacare and Trump’s efforts to introduce Trumpcare, a bill that would eliminate millions of poor people from access to healthcare and increase profits for the insurance industry, in process; the removal of regulations protecting public lands from exploitation by the fossil fuel industry, done; and the removal of laws that permit hunters to shoot practically anything in sight… from bears to wolves (done). Now, even shooting our animal kingdom from helicopters has become a legalized “sport”!
The above examples are just a few instances of deplorable, cruel and self serving actions by this “phony president”, and the deplorable Members of Congress who support him.
Just like drug addicts who must continuously increase the dosage of their heroin dependence, Trump’s motivation for transforming America is driven by profit, greed and power; and he doesn’t seem to get enough of it! The Republicans in Congress, however, are a different kind of animal. Most appear to be bought and paid for by the NRA, the pharmaceuticals, and the insurance and the fossil fuel industries, and their votes in support of Trump’s initiatives and executive orders is their way of paying off their “debts” to these industries. And, let’s not forget the 1%, like the Koch brothers, among other millionaires who support the GOP, and who have contributed millions to the Republican leadership, including the “phony president’s” pre-election campaign.
Trump’s lack of popularity, the emerging evidence of collusion with Russia over the election, and the looming possibility of corruption charges and indictments, aren’t leaving Trump with too many survival options. Solution? Start acting tough around the world; bomb into oblivion people who are more hated than he is and, if necessary, start a war with North Korea. That’s a strategy that’s worked well with some previous presidents, and it’s a good way to divert attention from the quagmire he has created for himself. The real question is, will America buy his nonsense? I fear most of his base of deplorables will continue to support him regardless, which is rather ironic because, in the event of war, they’ll most likely be among the first to die on some foreign battlefield! And his 1% of millionaires will most likely find a way to profiteer through the manufacture of weaponry, and other armaments, so we can’t expect much opposition to a foreign war from them. The Democrats, on the other hand, despite being in the minority in the House and Senate, have a real opportunity to influence public opinion, and change hearts and minds. To date, their lack of leadership, their lack of unity, and their inability “to find a spine” makes me wonder whether they have what it takes to seize the moment. Perhaps it’s time for Michelle Obama to step up and show them how it’s done!
Folks, it seems to me that there is only one solution. We must impeach and remove this “phony president” before he destroys everything we hold dear, and vote the Republican leadership out of office in 2018. It’s becoming clearer by the day that this Republican Party is just bad for America!
Compiled by Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., Research Professor, University of New Mexico
“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion”
“In the end when it’s over, all that matters is what you’ve done”
“Remember, upon the conduct of each depends the fate of all”
2. Diogenes (404-323 BC), founder of Cynic Philosophy
“Of what use is a philosopher who doesn’t hurt anybody’s feelings”?
“When I look upon seamen, men of science and philosophers, man is the wisest of all being; when I look upon priests and prophets nothing is as contemptible as man”
“He has the most who is most content with the least”
” The foundation of every State is the education of its youth”
“I don’t know whether gods exist, but they ought to”
3. Hypatia of Alexandria (355-415 AD). Greek mathematician, astronomer and philosopher. Died at the hands of the early Christians for refusing to accept Christianity
“Reserve your right to think, for even to think wrongly is better than not to think at all”
“Fables should be taught as fables , myths as myths, and miracles as poetic fantasies. To teach superstitions as truths is a most terrible thing. The child mind accepts and believes them, and only through great pain, and perhaps tragedy, can he be relieved of them in later years”
4. Democritus (460-370 BC), Philosopher and theoretician from Thrace
“The world is a stage and life is a journey. You come, you see, you leave”
5. Menander (342-292 BC), Greek poet and comedy writer. He is the author of over 100 works
“Honor old age because it carries with it much suffering” (paraphrased)
6. Pythagoras (580-500 BC), Famous Greek philosopher, geometrician and mathematician. Established the foundations of astronomy
“Be silent unless you can say something that’s better than silence” (paraphrased)
“Rest satisfied with doing well and leave others to talk of you as they please”
“The oldest, shortest words – “yes” and “no” – are those requiring the most thought”
“As long as man continues to be the ruthless destroyer of lower living beings, he will never know health or peace. For as long as men massacre animals, they will continue to kill each other” (paraphrased)
“anything exaggerated is contrary to nature”
“most importantly do no harm”
2. Socrates (470-399 BC) Athenian philosopher and critic
“No one becomes evil willingly”
“By all means get married. If you find a good wife you’ll be happy; if not you’ll become a philosopher”
3. Sophocles (496-406 BC) Dramatist and poet
“When disaster strikes more is bound to follow”
“Love cannot be conquered by warfare”
4. Thucydides (460-397 BC), author of “The History of the Peloponnesian War” between Athens and Sparta
“Two things undermine the making of a correct decision: Haste and anger”
“The whole earth is a tomb to glorious men”
5. Demosthenes (384-322 BC) great orator
“Effort and hard work make everything possible”
“It is more difficult to hold than to acquire”
Compiled by Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D., Research Professor,
University of New Mexico
Copyright (c) 2016 by Andrew Yiannakis
Brief Summary
It is posited in this paper that a specialized form of jujutsu training (known
as the JBSR1 Method) helps enhance psychomotor efficiency by stimulating
and retraining the brain, and by contributing to a superior quality of
movement (among other outcomes).
This approach to training the brain:
(i) Stimulates the growth and enhancement of more Neural Pathways
connecting the various Neural Centers in the brain, and:
(ii) Stimulates and revives Neural Centers (for our purposes
you may view these as processors) which are responsible for
controlling/influencing cognition, motor activity and decision making.
Together, Neural Pathways and Neural Centers make up the brain’s Neural
Network System. Efficient and more vibrant Neural Network Systems
help improve the ability to perceive and process information quickly and
efficiently, enhance various cognitive abilities and improve the quality and
efficiency of psychomotor activity, a key factor in the martial arts.
The sum total of the effects that are achieved with such a specialized form of
jujutsu training may be summarized thus:
Students experience enhanced cognitive and psychomotor abilities that
are characterized by an increased quality of movement; experience an
increased ability to quickly perceive activity in combat situations and
respond effectively with superior timing, fluency, control and reaction
time.
The JBSR Method employs training regimens that challenge students to
develop superior forms of movement quality. That is, Coordination,
Timing, Reaction Time Fluency and Control, among others. This is
accomplished by stimulating the brain and the body to work together more
efficiently in terms of psychomotor coordination, timing and response. This
training process targets, stimulates, and challenges three key processors (or
“chips”), in the brain.
These are:
1. The Cognition Processor (thinking and perceiving processor)
2. The Motor Processor (control of physical movements), and,
3. The Command Processor (executive processor responsible for
decision-making and action).
The JBSR Method contributes to neurogenesis, the stimulation and growth
of neural pathways in the brain, including the three processors referred to
above. While many activities (e.g., dance, chess, tennis, etc.) contribute to
brain neurogenesis, the demands and challenges of the JBSR Method help
enhance psychomotor efficiency by stimulating growth in all three key
“processors” and their connecting neural pathways. That is, the
Cognition Processor, the Motor Processor and the Command Processor.
Key Principles of the JBSR Method of Training
The JBSR method of training challenges participants to think and
simultaneously problem solve by engaging, on the fly, all three processors
referred to above. Other activities such as chess, for example, challenge and help develop the Cognition and Command Processors, only. Further, Working out on a stationary bike engages the Motor Processor (and the body), and very little of anything else.
The point is that the “best” activities that contribute to the growth and
development of all three processors involve the simultaneous engagement of
all three WITH the body.
While many activities stimulate simultaneous growth in all three processors,
their benefits tend to be random, or haphazard, unless the instructor or coach
employs theoretically-driven training regimens. Some examples of activities
that have the potential to stimulate growth in all three processors include:
1. Tennis
2. Basketball
3. Soccer
4. Rugby
5. Most martial arts
6. Martial Sports (e.g., wrestling, judo, BJJ)
7. Table Tennis, etc.
What these have in common is the simultaneous engagement of the body
with all three processors in the brain. That is, they demand that a
participant move and think (problem solve) at the same time, on the fly. The
more a participant is challenged to engage all three processors and the body,
the greater the benefits.
A major strength of the JBSR Method of training in Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu
(unlike most other physical activities) is the fact that we employ
theoretically-guided training regimens, in a systematic and deliberate
way, in order to challenge and develop the brain and the body to work
together simultaneously.
This method of training employs activities and training regimens that
include:
1. Tasks that stimulate psychomotor integration in which both the brain and
the body are challenged to work together in solving complex psychomotor
tasks (problem solving on the fly).
2. Innovation and discovery on the move (we ask students to begin with a
particular technique and then transition, on the move, to several other
techniques of their choosing). In this process, we encourage them to
innovate, experiment and discover. This process of training challenges both
the brain and the body to function in complex ways, on the move.
3. Tasks that demand fluency, continuity and smooth transitioning from
one technique to another (e.g., standing finger and wrist locking sequences)
that continue across different contexts of fighting (e.g., Distance, Close
Quarter and Ground).
4. Tasks that require, and help bring together, superior forms of
coordination, timing and control (e.g., moving from Shiho Nage or Irimi
Nage to a ground sequence of techniques). These change the context of
training and encourage students to think in non-linear ways.
5. Bi-Lateral Forms of Training: Tasks that challenge and integrate both
hemispheres of the brain (these involve training regimens that require
the use of both sides of the body in various complex ways. These
open up more neural pathways and stimulate the formation of new
and more vibrant Neural Systems. Bi-lateral forms of training include:
(i) Bilateral-Symmetrical involves the use of both sides of body in a
coordinated fashion. This method involves the use of both arms or legs
doing the same pattern while moving in the same direction. A double frontal
strike with both fists is an example of bi-lateral symmetrical training.
(ii) Cross-Lateral: Bi-lateral alternating movement patterns where the
limbs on each side of the body perform a coordinated movement
together, as in walking, in which the left arm and the right leg move at the
same time (and of course the same action is repeated on the other side).
One example of this type of exercise involves getting down on all fours and
simultaneously extending the right arm forward and the left leg back. An
example of this in jujutsu involves alternating left and right hand punches.
(iii) Contra-Lateral: This type of movement involves crossing the midline
of the body with the arms or legs, as in touching your right knee with your
left elbow or your left knee with your right elbow (or hand). “Tiger Walks
the Elephant”, an exercise we practice in Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu, is
particularly effective in improving contra-lateral movement.
Contra- lateral movements are extremely important because they challenge
both hemispheres of the brain (more so than bilateral symmetrical and cross-lateral)
to work together in a coordinated fashion.
(iv) Bi-Lateral Independent: Movement involves, for example, patting
your head with one hand and rubbing your stomach with the other. In
jujutsu a parry with one arm and a punch with the other is an example of bilateral
independent form of training.
(v) Pattern Deviation: Establishing a pattern and then unexpectedly
changing it (a type of improvisation on the fly). For example one attack
combination that I teach involves faking a punch to the face and then
following up with a kick to the groin. Improvisation is when we deviate
from the established learned pattern and switch from a kick to the groin (the
already learned pattern) to, for example, a strike to the stomach with the
other fist, on the fly. This happens when the jujutsuka is presented with a
better opportunity and is able to quickly deviate from the established
learned pattern of striking high and then kicking low.
6. Tasks that help develop fast reactions to complex attack situations,
on the move. (e.g., Tori attacks Uke on both the left and the
right side with Jodan, Chudan and Gedan techniques). In the martial
arts, to be able to respond quickly is essential, especially in life
threatening situations. For this to occur all three processors must be
able to work together, very quickly, in a harmonious and integrated
fashion.
7. Tasks that require the application of multiple principles in different
Contexts of Fighting (e.g., sequences of techniques that link
Distance, Close Quarter and Ground forms of fighting.
8. Challenging tasks that are intrinsically motivating (such activities tend
to grab a student’s attention to the full and their successful resolution
is intrinsically satisfying). This helps students avoid boredom and
encourages them to persevere.
9. Rich training environments are more motivating, challenging and
productive in terms of stimulating and reprogramming the brain
(and in achieving superior neurogenesis), than poor ones. Such
environments incorporate many, if not most of the principles
alluded to in items 1-8, above.
In summary, what the reader should take away from this paper is, that
for maximum benefit, the training regimen one employs must be deliberate,
systematic, focused, challenging and theoretically grounded (knowledge
based). Most sports and other martial arts that challenge all three processors
(e.g., judo, tennis, basketball, etc.) do so in a mostly unsystematic fashion,
unless the instructor understands the theory behind the process of brain
stimulation and builds it into his/her students’ training. In Wa Shin Ryu we
have a system that guides how we train, that is based on sound theoretical
principles. This is called the JBSR Method.
Some Benefits/Impacts of the JBSR Method
When a training program is structured based on the principles of the JBSR
Method, the results that we can achieve are not random or haphazard, but
planned for. We know what our training regimens are doing, and how they
affect the brain and the body. Thus, training using the JBSR Method
contributes to:
1. The development of superior levels of coordination, timing, fluency
and control, result in a superior quality of movement, an
essential component in the martial arts.
2. The JBSR Method helps enhance levels of decision-making and
response times, especially under pressure.
3. The JBSR Method contributes to neurogenesis, the stimulation and
building of neural pathways in the brain among the Command
Processor, the Cognition Processor and the Motor Processor. And, this
form of training enhances how the brain communicates with the
body.
4. JBSR training is a more effective method of arresting, or slowing down
the aging process by enhancing key brain functions and neural
connections within the body. It is well known that aging is primarily a
function of cell regeneration (external factors also contribute to aging
such as drugs, poor diet, smoking and stress, among others). And, as
we get older the process of cell renewal begins to slow down,
resulting in what we call aging (genetic factors not withstanding).
However, it is suggested that the process of cell degeneration may
be arrested, or slowed down, by stimulating and enhancing the
brain’s Neural Network System (those centers in the brain, and
neural connections and delivery systems), so that it continues to
function more efficiently well into our advanced years. That is, by
having a healthier and more efficient brain it may be possible to
enhance the cell renewal process and keep us looking, and feeling
younger, considerably longer than what is considered “normal”.
5. By enriching neural pathways in the brain, and enhancing synaptic
activity, the process mitigates against memory loss as one gets older.
6. An enriched and efficiently functioning brain keeps one sharp and helps
enhance the learning process, both cognitively and physically, an
essential factor for the martial arts.
7. The bilateral forms of training incorporated in the JBSR System stimulate
neurogenesis and connectivity between both hemispheres of the
brain, and help the individual to use more of his/her brain
capacity. This process helps make the brain a more efficient and
powerful tool which may be used in more areas of life, not just in the
martial arts.
8. A more efficient psychomotor system, coupled with jujutsu combat skills,
contributes to superior forms of empowerment and confidence.
9. By arresting, or significantly slowing down the aging process, the
JBSR Method enables jujutsuka to continue to remain active in their preferred martial well into their later years, and enjoy more of the benefits of a healthy
lifestyle.
10. In addition to developing increased levels of coordination, timing,
reaction time, fluency and control, the JBSR Method contributes
to cardiovascular efficiency, strength and flexibility, all of which
are essential components of good health, and a major requirement in
the martial arts.
11. By stimulating the brain to function more efficiently, and at a higher
level, the JBSR Method also helps alleviate moderate and mild forms
of depression and anxiety, helps lower blood pressure and contributes
to more efficient blood circulation.
12. A superior quality of movement is a function of efficient and powerful
brain activity; one in which the body, and the three processors
alluded to earlier, are challenged to work together simultaneously in
order to solve complex decision-making problems and overcome
obstacles. In the martial arts, as is the case with most strategy-demanding
sports (e.g., tennis, basketball, soccer, etc.), solving
problems on the fly (e.g., faking a move to the left and then moving to
the right to get past an opponent) require that the brain and the body
work together quickly and efficiently; that is, the martial artist must think
fast on the fly. And it is this method of stimulating the brain and the
body to work together that contributes to neurogenesis and mind-body
harmony. And mind-body harmony is an essential precondition for
developing superior quality of movement in the martial arts.
Finally, it should be noted that physical activities that fail to promote
problem-solving on the fly (for example, training on a stationary bike, and
other activities of a mostly mindless, repetitive nature), fail to stimulate
brain activity, and neurogenesis, and do not contribute to a superior quality
of movement. That is, their benefits are purely of a cardio-vascular nature.
Conversely, activities that only challenge the brain (e.g., chess), while they
contribute to neurogenesis and superior cognitive activity, fail to engage the
motor processor and the body, and thus do not contribute to mind-body
integration and superior quality of movement. Thus, to achieve superior quality of movement and the total range of benefits I’ve discussed in this paper, our training must engage both the brain and the body simultaneously, in problem-solving training
environments (e.g., sparring with a partner or engaging in bi-lateral
forms of training, among others).
Some Applications for Martial Arts Instructors
The JBSR Method helps explain why we train the way we do. It helps us
better understand that desirable specific outcomes in the dojo must be
planned for in ways that tie together methods of training with desired
outcomes. If the principles outlined in this paper are ignored when
developing lesson plans, then the outcomes of training may well be random
and haphazard. Using such a haphazard approach makes it difficult for an
instructor to accurately determine and evaluate the impacts of what is taught
in class.
By employing the principles of the JBSR Method, and using them to help
instructors develop their lesson plans, we are better able to determine (and
predict) how our training regimens impact our students. This approach also
helps us establish clearer connections between what we teach, and the areas
our students respond to the most. That is, we develop deeper understandings
between the principles we employ in our teaching and their impacts on our
students.
Acknowledgment
I wish to acknowledge the contributions of Linda Yiannakis, MS, CCC-SLP, on the topic of bilateral forms of training.
CAUTIONARY NOTE
Excessive emphasis on skills and techniques that stimulate the brain to function at peak levels for prolonged periods can “super-energize”, and hype up students. Such high levels of excitation may last for several hours after a workout is over and may interfere with sleep, and other functions. Instructors should, therefore, employ cooling off exercises at the end of class in order to bring students back down to a more normal functioning level.
v3.6, March 18, 2017
Andrew Yiannakis, Ph.D.
University of New Mexico
8th Dan Jujutsu
6th Dan Judo
A Brief Word About Principles
The term “Principles” refers to the characteristic attributes, laws or assumptions underlying the workings of a system (from principium-beginning, and princeps – initiator). The term may also be used to suggest “source” (something that initiates), or “essence” of a system. Thus, the term principles refers to those essential components which define how a system and its skills/techniques are supposed to work in an integrated and internally consistent manner. They are the “underlying rules” that determine/influence effective technique application, strategies and tactics.
About Transitioning
Transitioning from one fighting context to another is a complex process that requires a superior understanding of key combat principles.
Since in Wa Shin Ryu Jujutsu we train in three Contexts of Fighting (Distance, Close Quarter and Ground), our study begins with an understanding of the principles that govern these three contexts. These principles, however, differ in several ways from the principles that apply in the spaces between Contexts of Fighting, where things often become chaotic. Thus we recognize that we have principles that guide us as we move TOWARD another Context of Fighting (e.g., from Distance to Close Quarter); we have principles that govern our behavior within Contexts of Fighting (e.g., moving from kesa gatame to juji gatame in Ground Fighting); and we have principles that govern transitioning in chaotic fighting environments.
What happens in the space between contexts (e.g., From Distance to Close Quarter) and BEFORE reaching the second context (Close Quarter Context, for example) is the space where the Principles of Transitioning in Chaotic Environments apply. This is the space where things often go wrong and Tori is required to improvise and adapt on the fly.
More specifically, the Principles of Transitioning In Chaotic Environments occupy, and speak to the “space” between the above-mentioned Contexts of Fighting. It is the “space” where things happen extremely fast, often in unpredictable, ambiguous or chaotic ways, and the correct and effective application of transitioning principles in this “space” can determine the outcome of a combative situation.
In summary, we have principles that (i) govern how we move from one Context of Fighting to another; (ii) we have principles that influence how we move within a particular context of fighting (e.g., in Close Quarter Fighting); and (iii) we have principles that help us fight effectively when things go awry.
One key transitioning principle focuses on training jujutsuka to IMPROVISE AND ADAPT ON THE FLY, often by using multiple tactics and techniques, as, for example, in Attack Combinations (or Defensive Responses). In Attack Combinations, taking this process to LEVEL THREE is a first step in our training. However, a key element of this type of training is the ability to adjust one’s tactics and techniques on the fly when the intended Attack Combinations FAIL and things often become chaotic. When this happens it is necessary to improvise and adapt quickly and effectively. The Principles of Transitioning In Chaotic Situations speak to these “chaotic spaces”.
These spaces of unpredictability, if we can call them that, when things basically go awry, are among the most difficult aspects of a combat situation to control. That is why it is absolutely necessary to train students to respond to the ambiguities of such chaotic situations by thinking fast on their feet, and by improvising and adapting quickly. Students who can’t handle such chaotic levels of ambiguity often panic, with potentially ruinous results. Thus, the need to train our students to employ the principles that apply to these chaotic contexts.
The ability to improvise and adapt quickly is an ability that can be developed, for example, using bi-lateral forms of training. One good example is called Pattern Deviation, a concept discussed in greater detail in the author’s paper on brain stimulation (v4.4), under Bi-Lateral Forms of Training, a sampling of which is included below:
” Pattern Deviation: Establishing a pattern and then unexpectedly changing it (a type of improvisation on the fly). For example one attack combination that I teach involves faking a punch to the face and then following up with a kick to the groin. Improvisation occurs when we deviate from the established learned pattern and switch from a kick to the groin (the already learned pattern) to, for example, a strike to the stomach with the other fist, on the fly. This happens when the jujutsuka is presented with a better opportunity (or the established pattern is blocked or countered by Uke) and is able to quickly deviate from the established learned pattern of striking high and then kicking low”.
Improvisation is one of several key principles that apply in these chaotic spaces where specific transitioning principles must be applied.
How do transitioning principles differ from the Principles of Distance Fighting, Close Quarter Fighting and Ground Fighting? In practical terms think of these “in between spaces” as follows:
Tori begins an attack combination four or five feet away from Uke (Distance Context) but fails to move in to Close Quarter Fighting because Uke blocks, or thwarts Tori’s attack. Uke may also counter at this point. A period of chaos or ambiguity ensues with Tori attempting to deal with Uke’s counter by improvising and adapting. That is, Tori engages in improvising tactics to get past Uke’s defenses and move in for close quarter fighting. This is the stage which reflects the space in between Distance and Close Quarter Fighting that requires the application of the Principles of Transitioning in Chaotic Environments. This space is often characterized by chaos, ambiguity and a diminished sense of control of the situation. Recovering quickly and effectively from this chaotic state, and re-establishing control, requires systematic training in how to apply the Principles of Transitioning. Another way of addressing these principles is to think of them as Principles of Survival and Recovery When Things Go Wrong.
Fighting in such spaces requires extensive training, and the ability to think fast on your feet, and to improvise quickly; it also requires the development of a mindset and training regimens that help develop the attributes below:
Some Methods of Training Students to Fight in Chaotic Environments include:
special emphasis on improvisation and adaptability
to get past opponent’s defensive moves and tactics.
physical and/or psychological. Exploit both!
Summary and Questions
What is the “space” between Contexts of Fighting” and how is it characterized?
This is the space that one finds oneself in when things go awry, while moving from one Context of Fighting to another. It is characterized by chaos, uncertainty, ambiguity and, often, a momentary loss of control of the situation. Using the castle analogy (refer to presentation of March 11, 2017), when things go awry, instead of being able to scale the castle walls and take it you get bogged down in the moat surrounding the castle.
These spaces arise when Uke blocks and/or counters Tori’s attack, temporarily creating an uncontrolled, chaotic situation. Resolving this state of uncertainty requires the application of the Principles of Transitioning in Chaotic Environments. These principles are designed to train Tori to successfully move out of this state of chaos and establish control over Uke, in the intended Context of Fighting. The intended Context of Fighting may be a close quarter or ground fighting situation.
Is there a relationship between the Principles of Distance, Close Quarter and Ground Fighting and the Principles of Transitioning in Chaotic Environments?
The Principles of D, CQ and GR fighting assist/enable Tori to move from one Context of Fighting to another. That is, from Distance, to Close Quarter, to the Ground. The Principles of Transitioning in Chaotic Environments assist Tori to effectively manage chaotic and ambiguous situations when moving from one fighting context to another and things go wrong. Fighting in such conditions requires the application of special principles such as improvisation, AND the support of specific mindsets and/or attributes.
(i) Damashi – constant use of deception through combinations and the use of distracting tactics
(ii) Using centered action and maintaining a strong base (this is essential because it prevents Uke from off-balancing you)
(iii) Improvisation and psychological flexibility (yoshin)
(iv) Bouncing back after things go awry (Hanekaeri)
(v) Kime: Decisiveness, or the ability to think and act decisively without hesitation
(vi) Go No Sen
Counters: Tori blocks/deflects/evades or joins and counters after Uke initiates attack
(vii) Aiki: Taking Uke’s energy and re-directing it
(viii) Sen Sen No Sen
Taking the initiative and controlling Uke by luring him/her into following through with an attack – basically setting them up. The key component of Sen Sen No Sen, however, is the fact that Uke is manipulated and controlled by Tori into believing that a real opportunity for victory actually exists, when in reality it’s a set-up
(i) Employ training regimens that stress neurogenesis and enhance the ability of both hemispheres of the brain to work together efficiently
(ii) Engage in activities that focus on bi-lateral forms of psychomotor development
(iii) Stress activities and training regimens that require students to think fast on their feet
(iv) Employ activities and training regimens that require students to engage in problem solving using their brain and body simultaneously. Such activities include traditional jujutsu; basketball; tennis; soccer; table tennis, and the like
(v) Employ activities that demand and stress a high degree of coordination, timing and control
(vi) Stress activities that help develop the ability to improvise quickly on the fly
(For a more complete analysis read the author’s paper on “Jujutsu and Brain Stimulation…” v4.4, forthcoming)