THE OFFICIAL IKA KOKONDO KARATE
& JUKIDO JUJITSU SITE
THE OFFICIAL IKA KOKONDO KARATE
& JUKIDO JUJITSU SITE
Kokondo Karate is primarily a Japanese style of karate. Founded by Mr. Paul Arel, it uses principles indigenous to the far east. As in the case of most popular styles, it is a compilation of several systems. Techniques are from the most effective karate methods of Japan, Okinawa and China. It is doubtful that any karate style existing today is as pure as the original. Kokondo, however, has borrowed only those techniques known to be authentic and effective!
There are hundreds of styles of karate now being practiced. More than half of these have been developed within the last forty years. Our system is one of these…..but only in name. In principle, Kokondo is as old as the oldest known oriental martial art. In technique, it is among the arts of the ancients.
While the techniques of Kokondo contain the combined influence of China, Thailand, Burma and the Philippines, it is primarily a Japanese style with emphasis on the Shorinji (China) point and circles.
Though Kokondo karate-ka indulge in kumite and other competitive
events at shiai, the emphasis of our art is self defense
and perfection of technique….the original intent of any true
form of martial art. Self defense training must take into consideration
the various methods of attack and defense. This includes: attacks
from the rear and side, attacks with weapons (knives, guns, club
etc.) surprise attacks, multiple attacks, close quarter fighting
and the defense against grabs and holds. Obviously sport karate
cannot, by virtue of stringent rules and regulations, accomplish
this end. We feel that the sport of karate has much merit as an
activity for those who enjoy this type of competition. But we
should not place sport karate in a category that might imply that
it is the art of karate for it is the farthest thing
from it. One must always remember that when rules are applied
to any fighting situation, the fighters ability, versatility and
full effectiveness is hindered. Kokondo's kumite is extremely
realistic and includes multiple attackers.
Kokondo's emphasis places it more in the Jutsu system of martial
arts and should be termed a karate-jutsu system. When the word
is used, it is merely for simplification.
Within the International Kokondo Association, there are two distinct arts: Kokondo Karate and , both of which are traditional Japanese styles that emphasize practical, effective self defense.
As with all modern styles, the kata practiced are drawn from a variety of sources, (such as Shotokan's inclusion of Shorin and Shorei kata.) The primary styles which influence Kokondo are Sankata karate-jitsu, Sanzyuryu Jujitsu, and Kyokushin karate.
Kokondo does include a large number of kata (about 70) including 6 bo, 6 sai, and a tonfa kata. We include 3 Taikyoku, 5 Pinan, 6 Henka, Uke kata, geri kata, 6 kihon kata, konsho, konni, konsan, saifa, basai, kanku, gojushiho, sushiho, niaha, and many others. There are a number of kata which are unique to Kokondo as well as most of the more advanced kata of the Shotokan syllabus and many from the Goju-Ryu syllabus. Bunkai of every Kata is greatly explained since this is where the self-defense are hidden.
There are about 30 kata required by the time one reaches Shodan. Along with the kata, Kokondo emphasizes bunkai, the analysis and application of techniques contained within kata for practical self-defense. Many IKA members train in both Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate which perfectly compliment each other and provide a strong and balanced arsenal of techniques for self defense. They work together in such a way that the techniques, principles, and philosophies of one art do not conflict with those of the other.
Jukido is a Japanese style of Jujitsu. It is traditional in the sense that Jukido's techniques are drawn from many of the oldest Bugei ryu, as well numerous modern Budo styles.
Unlike many modern arts, Jukido, founded Mr. Paul Arel, is not a haphazard conglomeration of a little bit of this and a little bit of that. The techniques are carefully and methodically interwoven so that the techniques and philosophies of one art do not conflict with those of another. One must remember that all Judo and Aikido styles are drawn on the techniques of many classical jujitsu styles. Jukido is based extensively on Sanzyuryu Jujitsu although many of the techniques and practice methods have been modified with safety as a primary factor.
For example, Jukido uses Judo's ogoshi (major hip throw), with
the arm around the belt, rather than the original version in which
the defender threw the attacker by the hair or the ear. (However,
as one progresses through the ranks and becomes a member of the
Jukido Yudanshakai, many of the original, or "old style"
versions are introduced gradually.)
The techniques of ,
Aikijitsu, Kodokan Judo, other jujitsu styles, as well as traditional
kobudo are also included in the Jukido formula.
While many consider jujitsu to be an unarmed system of self defense,
in actual fact the earliest form of the art and the most traditional
modern forms include the practice of weapons systems. In keeping
with tradition, Jukido includes in its practice:
saijitsu, tonfajitsu, bojitsu, yawarajitsu, and jojitsu.
There are perhaps as many as 700 styles of jujitsu in existence.
Each has its own designated name. Some of the more traditional
styles are: Takenouchiryu, Sanzyuryu, Yamatoryu, Kitoryu, and
a host of others. The techniques found in Jukido jujitsu were
founded centuries ago. The system uses the process and standards
(where not injurious to its practitioners) of training and teaching
employed by the old masters. This places Jukido jujitsu among
the most traditional and effective of the jujitsu systems. Very
old ryu use an ancient "anatomy charting" method
which loosely translates as "quartering". This system,
while an integral element of our Jukido, has also been introduced
into our basic style (Kokondo). Few, if any other styles of karate
use this method which is based on the "center-line theory"
(Chushin).
Jukido jujitsu, in keeping with a more traditional aspect
of the original martial art, emphasizes self defense rather
than competition. To explain further the meaning of this, let
us define what is more traditional and what is less traditional.
Jukido, with its emphasis on the old techniques of jitsu, including
weaponry (and their defense), and its tradition of less emphasis
on sport, has the opportunity of gaining world wide recognition
as an art of self defense, not sport oriented, and thus
keep an effective and traditional jujitsu art predominately Bugei.
Jukido is a Jujitsu system designed for maximum efficiency which was born out of the necessity for practical and effective self-defense. The most effective techniques of the old Bushi (warrior) methods are incorporated systematically into Jukido. This Jujitsu system incorporates the most effective principals of Judo, Karate and certain weapons dynamics which makes Jukido truly one of the most versatile systems of self-defense in the world. Certain of these principles can clash within a single self-defense move. However, Jukido Jujitsu makes sure these dynamics compliment each other having organized each move scientifically and systematically. The advance techniques of Jukido Jujitsu incorporate specialized throws, nerve and pressure points.
Jukido emphasizes self defense and safety above all else, although we do have a type of randori similar to Judo which is an optional and very small component of Jukido practice.
The International Kokondo Association sanctions two arts: Jukido Jujitsu and Kokondo Karate, which compliment each other but are distinct with separate ranking systems and test requirements. Many Kokondoka practice both arts but others practice one or the other.
The International Director of the IKA is Shihan Paul Arel and the IKA's National Jukido Director is Sensei Gregory Howard.