Kito Ryu Jujutsu: The art of unbalancing and projecting

Kito Ryu Jujutsu (気当流柔術) is one of the oldest and most respected jujutsu styles in Japan.Developed in the 17th century, this style is characterized by its throwing and sweeping techniques and its focus on using the opponent's energy to control or project them. Its legacy has greatly influenced other Japanese martial styles, such as Judo, becoming an important pillar within traditional martial arts.

Kito Ryu Jujutsu was founded in the 17th century by Takino Kinosuke, a samurai and martial artist in the Edo period. Takino was a scholar of various martial arts and combat techniques, and in creating Kito Ryu he integrated his knowledge of the principles of balance, energy and movement. The name "Kito" (気当) translates as "the way of ascending and descending" or "the way of adapting to energy", a concept that defines his approach and application in combat.

The fundamental premise of Kito Ryu is that victory does not require excessive physical strength, but rather an understanding and skill in the use of movement and the flow of energy of oneself and one's opponent. Thus, Kito Ryu practitioners learn to redirect force rather than directly confront it, a technique that is still considered unique and revolutionary.

One of the most notable aspects of Kito Ryu is its influence on the creation of Judo, the martial art developed by Jigoro Kano. Kano studied Kito Ryu and absorbed many of its principles and techniques, especially its throwing methods. In fact, some judo movements derive directly from Kito Ryu, and the notion of kuzushi (imbalance) and kake (throw) are based on Kito Ryu principles of manipulating the opponent's centre of gravity and controlling his energy.

Kito Ryu Jujutsu is particularly known for its philosophical principles of ki y to. In this style, ki refers to vital energy or "internal force", while to means "to ascend" or "to descend." In practice, Kito Ryu movements seek to harness the opponent's energy to bring him into a state of imbalance, either upward or downward. By understanding these concepts, the practitioner can anticipate the force and direction of the attack and redirect it, making it easier to throw or control the opponent.

The concept of kuzushi is essential in Kito Ryu. Kuzushi, or "imbalance," consists of the ability to manipulate the opponent's center of gravity to destabilize him. In Kito Ryu, kuzushi is the first phase of a throwing technique and is followed by Tsukuri (preparation) and kake (execution). The notion of imbalance in Kito Ryu is not only physical; it also extends to the psychological aspect, in which the opponent is sought to lose confidence and control over his movements.

The concept of riai refers to harmony and synchronization with the flow of combat. This principle encourages a natural and effective response to each combat situation, in which the practitioner does not force the movement, but rather adapts it naturally. For Kito Ryu, harmony is the key to applying techniques smoothly but effectively, without the need for great physical effort.

Kito Ryu is known for his extensive range of throwing techniques. Most of his throwing techniques are based on the principle of redirecting the opponent's force rather than resisting it, thus taking advantage of the opponent's momentum and imbalance to throw him.

Among the most common projection techniques in Kito Ryu, we find:

• Seoi-nage: a throw in which the practitioner uses his back and shoulders to throw the opponent over him.
• Koshi-nage: a hip technique that takes advantage of the opponent's center of gravity to perform a powerful throw.
• Uchi-mata: a technique in which the opponent is lifted using one leg and redirecting his center of gravity.

These techniques require great precision and mastery of balance, which makes Kito Ryu a very technical and fluid art.

In addition to throws, Kito Ryu also teaches various control and submission techniques, focusing on joint restriction and control of the opponent once on the ground. Control techniques in Kito Ryu are used not only to subdue the opponent, but also to minimize the risk of injury in combat situations.

• Gyaku-nage: control and projection technique where the opponent's wrists and arms are manipulated to take him to the ground.
• Kansetsu waza: joint control techniques in which levers are applied to the elbows, wrists and shoulders.
• Shime-waza: strangulation techniques, used to subdue the opponent safely and quickly.

These techniques reflect the essence of Kito Ryu: maximum effectiveness with minimum effort, respecting the concept of harmony in combat.

One of the fundamental practices in Kito Ryu is training through kata, or pre-established forms. The kata allow the student to practice the principles and techniques of Kito Ryu in a controlled context. Each movement within a kata is designed to perfect posture, balance control and energy flow.

• Tachi-waza: standing techniques that emphasize balance and mobility.
• Newaza: ground techniques including control, submission and self-defense.
• Ushiro-waza: rear-guard defense techniques, which teach how to respond to unexpected attacks from behind.

The kata also allow the practitioner to understand and absorb the philosophical principles of Kito Ryu, since the movements are not only physical, but also symbolic in terms of energy control.

In Kito Ryu, the randori (free training) is an essential practice that helps the student apply techniques in a real combat situation. Although randori in Kito Ryu is performed in a controlled manner, it allows one to experience the fluidity of techniques, the ability to respond to the opponent's resistance, and the practical application of principles such as kuzushi and riai.

Kito Ryu not only left its mark on Judo, but also influenced other styles of jujutsu and martial arts in Japan and around the world. Most throwing and control techniques in modern martial arts derive to some extent from the Kito Ryu approach and methodology.

Jigoro Kano, the founder of Judo, studied Kito Ryu Jujutsu and adopted many of its principles and techniques. In fact, in Judo, some of the advanced techniques, such as Uchi-mata and Seoi-nage, are derived directly from Kito Ryu. Kano also incorporated the concept of kuzushi into Judo, making the opponent's imbalance critical to the success of throws. This reflects the profound influence of Kito Ryu on the creation and development of Judo as a modern martial art.

In addition to Judo, other Japanese jujutsu styles and combat systems have adopted principles from Kito Ryu. In many aikido and traditional jujutsu dojos, Kito Ryu techniques are taught as part of the training program. This shows that Kito Ryu principles and techniques have transcended the barriers of time, remaining relevant even in the modern martial arts context.