Grappling Club

It is a fact that most fights end up at some point on the ground.
In order to hone the necessary skills required for fighting on the ground, we have formed this specialized class. Members of the grappling club are also encouraged to test their skills as part of our competition team. Classes will focus on these areas of study and practice:
·  Takedowns

·  Mount Offense and Defense

·  Guard Offense and Defense

·  Cross Body Offense and Defense

·  Arm Locks

·  Leg Locks

·  Head Locks

· Chokes

· On the back positions

·  Setups

· Breathing

· Drills
A large part of the grappling training comes from Takagiyoshin Ryu Jutaijutsu. This school which is part is considered the basis for many Jujutsu systems including Brazilian Style Jujutsu.The structure of Takagiyoshin-ryu Jutaijutsu Happo Biken (The high tree, raised heart school) Follows these Basic JuTaijutsu principles:

·  Block and strike on the exact same Kyusho.

· Uses strikes at many Kyusho points.

·  Uses Kiai often, vocal's ("a", "o", "e", "i", "u") on defensive techniques as blocking, and consonants ("ka", "ta" "to" etc.) when striking or kicking. The throws are often done while going down on one knee, using the body weight.

The Kyusho in Takagi Yoshin Ryu was known as Kirigami Yurushi, and was just the first step in learning the Kyusho. It is important to be aware of the relationship between the strike, the weapon, and nature when you use Kyusho. In Kirigami Yurushi there is at least 30 basic Kyusho. When the techniques are applied, it is made as difficult as possible for the assailant to escape by rolling, and break falling. This style of Jujutsu comes from within the buildings, such as castle corridors, or private homes, unlike other styles that originated outdoors on the streets or battlefields. There are no large throws or take downs, the opponent is hold close to the body and thrown right down, and not away. It is important to use the opponent's own balance and weight against him. The school sometimes uses Rensa Sankaku (three sticks), a movement that is a defense against someone with a sword. Takagi Yoshin Ryu was at one time a "Bodyguard-school," consequently the Jujutsu without weapons is very important wether attacked by an opponent with or without a sword. The longer Katana was not allowed to be worn inside a castle or home, however the bodyguards were sometimes allowed to wear the Kodachi, short sword. When grabbed by the lapel, the palm of the hand covering the opponent's hand is often used in the other Bujinkan schools. But in Takagi Yoshin Ryu the hand is often grabbed with the palm towards the chest, and the thumb put pressure on the back of the opponent's hand. The thumb can also be used to put pressure on the opponent's little finger. Another characteristic of Takagi Yoshin Ryu is; when the opponent is pinned down on the floor, the defender is standing up, while he is controlling the opponent with pressure on 2-3 Kyusho simultaneously. The reason for a standing posture while pinning down the opponent is that the defender must be able to react fast if another opponent appears. The technique must also be ended quickly with an immobilization.
 
The training levels in Takagi Yoshin Ryu are as follows:

·    Shoden no Kata - 14 Basic Jujutsu techniques.

·   Chuden no Sabaki Gata - 10 Semi advanced Jujutsu techniques.

·   Chuden no Tai no Kata - 15 Semi advanced Jujutsu techniques.

·   Okuden Gata - 15 Advanced Jujutsu techniques.

·   Eri Shime Gata - 8 Jujutsu techniques (Shime=strangles).

·   Moguri Gata - 11 Jujutsu techniques (Moguri=diving).

·   Daisho Sabaki Gata - 14 Jujutsu techniques while both partners wear the swords.

·   Muto Dori Gata - 14 Jujutsu techniques against opponent armed with sword.