The counters and defences in Goshin Aikijujitsu follow the water principle. As water flows downhill, it never meets an obstacle head on but always flows around or to the side, weaving its way to its destination. This principle enables women and people of smaller stature to overcome much larger and physically stronger opponents.
Goshin Aikijujitsu is a fusion of the Chinese and Okinawan kicking and striking techniques, blended with the throwing, grappling and joint locking of Daito-Ryu and Chinese Chin Na (pressure point and nerve attacks).
History
The origins of Goshin Aikijujitsu can be traced to Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu and Sokaku Takeda. The Goshin style was derived through the teachings of Takeda Sokaku and Kotaro Yoshida Sensei of Daito Ryu Aikijujitsu. Yoshida Sensei instructed Shodo Morita who is known to be the creator of Goshin Aikijujitsu. Master Morita incorporated Chinese fighting techniques into the art along with techniques from his family’s own self defence fighting system. These techniques were blended with the art of Daito Ryu as he instructed his students.
At the SWM and Cabbagetown Budokans we practice the old form of Goshin Aikijujitsu (as opposed to Aikido) as the emphasis is on combative technique and not so much on the spiritual aspects of contemporary Aikido (although those are some of the benefits as well).
Aikijujitsu is one of the oldest Japanese martial arts, dating back more than 500 years to the time of the Samurai. It is the most effective and safe martial art for law enforcement and security personnel, dealing with many controlling and submission techniques, as well as an in depth study of night-stick and other kobudo (weapons).
Sensei Randy Horton holds a 7th degree Black Belt in Goshin Aikijujitsu, a 7th degree Black Belt in Chito Ryu Karate and 4th degree Black Belt in both Kenjutsu (Takeda Ryu Ha) and Muso Shinden Ryu Iaido. He has been honoured by his Sensei, Ric Cameron, to instruct Aikijujitsu and Karate isince 2001. Shihan Cameron holds a 8th degree black belt in Budo, from the Hachi-o-Kai International Budo Federation, Japan; an 8th degree Black Belt in Chito Ryu Karate, a 7th degree Black Belt in Kendo along with other high ranking degrees in Judo and Kobudo.