A Brief Description of Kobushin Kai Jujutsu

Kobushin Kai is a martial-art style that teaches self defense using unarmed-combat techniques. Students are taught striking, grappling, throws, and various types of submission techniques including joint locks and strangles. Advanced students also learn how to defend against attackers armed with sticks or knives.

Who can join?

Anyone over the age of 15 can join the Kobushin Kai school at any time. Beginners are taught basics such as stances, basic strikes and prearranged, partnered drills that teach students how to safely work on mats, which are designed to minimize injury. Students are taught at a pace that is most comfortable for them.

Will I have to spar or free wrestle with other students?

Some styles of empty-hand martial arts teach their students techniques without giving them the opportunity to apply those techniques against an unwilling opponent. Kobushin Kai students, on the other hand, are provided the opportunity to safely test their skills. Initially, all techniques are learned as carefully controlled, prearranged exercises. As they progress, students will be required to demonstrate their proficiency in these techniques by sparring and grappling with other students. These activities are done in a controlled manner that is closely monitored by the instructor. Sparring is done with safety equipment, such as foam pads and mouthpieces, and grappling is allowed only after students have demonstrated that they are adept at recognizing the potential for injury and how to prevent it by using appropriate safeguards. SAFETY IS ALWAYS OUR FIRST CONCERN!

Are there ranks, belts or other methods to monitor progress?

Kobushin Kai utilizes the Class/Degree (Kyu/Dan) system for recognizing a student’s progress. This system is the most common form of ranking in the Japanese martial arts. Students begin wearing white belts, and are allowed to test for their first rank after meeting requirements that include training time, knowledge of the style’s history and philosophy, knowledge of technique, and technical proficiency. The first rank a student can earn is Third Class (Sankyu), which is identified by a black stripe sewn on the belt. The next two ranks, Second Class (Nikyu) and First Class (Ikkyu) are identified with additional black stripes. The following rank is called Shodan, which means First Degree, and students who attain this level are awarded a certificate and a black belt. Additional Dan ranks are awarded as certificates. Those students who eventually want to become instructors may also earn teaching titles once reaching the rank of Fourth Degree (Yondan). A dedicated student, who attends class regularly and works hard, can typically achieve the rank of Shodan within two-and-a-half to three years; however, students should not become overly concerned with achieving ranks – focus on training and growing as a student, and you will be rewarded appropriately.

* For more information contact Jason Backlund (Kaicho) at (904) 838-4652