Kyushin-ryū: The Classic Martial Art That Inspired Modern Judo

Kyushin-ryu (久信流) is one of the Traditional Jujutsu Schools of Japan, known for its emphasis on control, submission and disarming techniques, as well as its hand-to-hand combat strategies. Dating back to the Edo period, this school combines direct combat with fluid movement and principles of balance and energy redirection – hallmarks of classical Japanese martial arts. Over the centuries, Kyushin-ryū has survived thanks to its adaptable approach and dedication to preserving the principles of budo.

In this article we explore the origins, techniques, philosophy and current relevance of Kyushin-ryū, a school that has influenced the development of several modern forms of jujutsu and remains valued for its authenticity and effectiveness.

The Kyushin-ryū school was founded in the Edo period (1603-1868), an era of relative peace in Japan during which many martial arts were developed in response to the need for non-lethal self-defense and control skills as samurai needed to adapt to a less warlike environment. Kyushin-ryū emerged as a response to this situation, focusing on techniques that allowed one to neutralize one's opponent without the use of lethal weapons.

Early records of Kyushin-ryū indicate that its founder, who was probably a member of the samurai class, based his teachings on a practical and adaptable system that emphasized body control, energy redirection, and the use of minimal force. This approach made the school popular among samurai who needed effective techniques to maintain order without causing serious or fatal injury.

As Japan entered the modern era, many Kyushin-ryū techniques and principles influenced the creation of other forms of jujutsu and even judo.Kyushin-ryū was known for its focus on self-defense and manipulating the opponent's balance, skills that would be adopted and adapted by other Japanese martial schools. Today, Kyushin-ryū remains one of the koryu (traditional schools) of jujutsu that has endured, keeping alive its techniques and unique approach to martial training.

Kyushin-ryū is based on fundamental principles that seek to maximize efficiency and minimize effort, which is characteristic of traditional jujutsu. These principles include:

1. Balance Control: Maintaining one's own balance while unbalancing the opponent is a key aspect of Kyushin-ryū. The school teaches techniques to reduce the opponent's stability and cause him to lose his centre of gravity, making it easier to immobilise or disarm him.

2. Using the Opponent's Energy: Kyushin-ryū emphasizes redirecting energy rather than directly resisting it. This strategy allows practitioners to neutralize attacks without having to resort to brute force, turning the opponent's energy into a resource that is turned against them.

3. Efficiency in Movement: Kyushin-ryū movements are fluid and precise, designed to be effective with the least possible effort. Economy of movement allows the practitioner to react quickly and adapt to changing situations while maintaining calm and control.

Kyushin-ryū includes a variety of techniques aimed at self-defense, immobilization and control without excessive damage. These techniques reflect the ethical values ​​of budo, prioritizing protection and control over violence. Some of the main techniques of Kyushin-ryū include:

Striking techniques in Kyushin-ryū are not aimed at causing severe damage., but rather to distract or weaken the opponent before applying control techniques. These atemi techniques are used as part of a sequence in which the initial blow facilitates the execution of an immobilization or a throw.

Kyushin-ryū uses locks to control the opponent without the need for excessive force.These techniques focus on the joints of the arms, shoulders and wrists, and are applied quickly and precisely to immobilize the opponent. The flexibility in the application of kansetsu-waza allows the technique to be adapted to different situations, which is essential in self-defense contexts.

Throwing techniques in Kyushin-ryū take advantage of the opponent's imbalance to throw him to the ground. These techniques, common in jujutsu, are essential to control a larger or stronger opponent, as they allow him to be neutralized without the need to apply blows or violent actions. The combination of nage-waza with control techniques such as kansetsu-waza makes the system versatile and effective in combat.

Shime-waza includes strangulation techniques that are especially useful in self-defense situations., as they allow the opponent to be immobilized quickly and safely. In Kyushin-ryū, strangulation techniques are executed with a high degree of control and care, reflecting the school's commitment to effectiveness and ethics.

Kyushin-ryū is governed by the principles of budo, and although it teaches effective combat skills, the school's philosophy does not promote violence. Kyushin-ryū's goal is to train its practitioners to defend themselves and protect others without the need to inflict serious harm. Students are instructed in the importance of self-control and discipline, developing a mindset that emphasizes conflict prevention and neutralization rather than confrontation.

Practice in Kyushin-ryū focuses not only on physical skill, but also on the development of character. Through training, students are guided to recognize their own limitations and work on personal growth. Humility is a core value in Kyushin-ryū, where it is emphasized that true mastery lies not in defeating others, but in controlling one's body and mind in harmony with the principles of budo.

Training in Kyushin-ryū proceeds gradually, beginning with basic balance and body control techniques. Students practice sequences known as kata (pre-established movement patterns) to learn the fundamentals of each technique and develop fluidity. Practicing kata is essential as it allows the practitioner to perfect their movements in a controlled environment before applying them in dynamic situations.

In advanced stages, students participate in randori, a type of free practice in which students apply techniques in an improvised manner against one or more opponents. Randori allows students to experience combat in real time, developing reflexes and responsiveness without sacrificing ethics and control. Through randori, students gain confidence and improve their ability to adapt to unpredictable situations.

Kyushin-ryū is one of the jujutsu schools that have influenced the development of modern self-defense systems and the creation of disciplines such as judo. Its focus on efficiency and control without violence resonated with martial arts that sought to apply jujutsu principles in less lethal contexts, which remains relevant today.

The practice of Kyushin-ryū offers both physical and mental benefits. Physically, it strengthens balance, coordination and flexibility, while mentally it develops calmness, patience and self-control. These benefits make Kyushin-ryū an ideal discipline for those seeking a complete martial practice and a tool for personal development.

Kyushin-ryū is a school of jujutsu that has endured through the centuries thanks to its focus on efficiency and control, and its commitment to the principles of budo. In a world where violence and conflict are common, Kyushin-ryū offers an ethical and respectful approach to self-defense, prioritizing protection and conflict neutralization over violent confrontation. Through disciplined practice and character development, Kyushin-ryū students find a path to personal growth and the honing of self-defense skills that reflect the true spirit of the Japanese martial arts.