Martial Art Systems: Kokusai Jujutsu  
 
Associated with the Genbukan is the Kokusai Jujutsu Renmei (KJJR).
The KJJR was established by Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura in 1991 for the preservation and transmission of authentic Japanese Jujutsu.
Unfortunately today, very few jujutsu schools outside of Japan practice what could be considered authentic jujutsu.
Having lost the connection with their Japanese roots they have evolved into eclectic arts, so the purpose of the KJJR is to make jujutsu available to those who seek traditional training.
Jujutsu (sometimes called Yawara) can be roughly translated as the yielding Art, and it is one of the oldest Japanese Martial Arts.
It has influenced the development of many other martial arts, including Aikido, Judo and some schools of Karate.
 
Many Jujutsu techniques rely on the principle of striking an opponent to stun him followed by a throw or restraint of some kind.
However, even within Jujutsu there is a vast diversity of styles and methods and two of the schools studied within the KJJR are Asayama Ichiden Ryu and Kukishin Ryu, both exhibiting different strategies for dealing with an opponent.
Asayama Ichiden Ryu's first stage concentrates on Wrist-locking patterns, the practice of which will develop strength in the wrists and the ability to break strong grabs.
Kukishin Ryu on the other hand incorporates many throwing techniques, which rely on breaking the opponent’s balance and making it difficult for him to resist being thrown.
The KJJR follows a standard kyu/dan system and after 3rd dan, the student may specialize in one of the ryu which Grandmaster Shoto Tanemura is the Soke of, receiving scrolls up to menkyo kaiden level.
The following are a few of the ryu from which the KJJR bases its knowledge:
  • Hontai Takagi Yoshin ryu
  • Kukishin ryu
  • Asayama Ichiden ryu
  • Tatara Shinden ryu
  • Bokuden ryu
  • Yagyu Shingan ryu
  • Tenshin ryu
  • Itten Chukai ryu
  • Araki Shin ryu
The KJJR is world wide in scope and encourages the participation of experienced martial artists who exhibit the potential to learn the KJJR system.