Over 30 weapons, hundreds of throws/ joint-locks/ chokes, many different kicks and punches, hundreds of pressure and nerve points, our art also includes muscle attacks and bone brakes. On top of all of these teachings (and more) there are Hanka variation techniques, and these are almost limitless. Without the common principles that are used to tie the art together, one would get lost in technique; the practitioner would spend their training time on “collecting” Ho methods, Waza technique, and Gata forms. It would take decades spent on “collecting” just to get a working understanding of all of the older Japanese derived martial forms. When training Bujutsu and holding the unifying principles of Sogo in constant mind during training, one quickly notices the inherent synchronistic “proper movement” that occurs within each technique; this is the basis behind our art. When “proper movement” (empowered by principles) becomes the focus in training, no longer is the warrior practitioner training one thing at a time. Instead, for every one Waza the practitioner trains, he/she is invariably training a larger body of the martial art’s teachings.
~ Falcaro Sensei
Sogobujutsu
“The integration of all
war concepts, art forms,
and techniques”
Method
The art that we live has a lineage of about two thousand years. It has been battlefield tested for over a thousand years. Any methods or techniques that did not work died long ago in battle along with the men who attempted them.
In ancient times, thousands of men gave their lives in the perfection of this art. It is presented to you in its truest form.
-Falcaro Sensei
Some of the Empty handed Martial Arts that are found within our study of Sogobujutsu
Jutaijutsu: The martial art of locks, throws, strangulation, entanglements
Taihenjutsu: The martial art of rolls, leaps, steps, breakfalls
Dakentaijutsu: The martial art of strikes, kicks, reception Attacks
Koppojutsu: The martial art of bone attacks and breaks
Koshijutsu: The martial art of muscle, ligament, and organ attacks
Aikijujutsu: The martial art of higher order of jujutsu
Shinobijutsu: The martial art of stealth and assassinations
The Martial art form that we practice is derived from many sources. We use the term Sogobujutsu as an umbrella term to encompass all of the forms of Nihon Koden Bujustu (oldworld Japanese derived Warrior arts). This term “Sogobujutsu” is defined as the integration of all martial forms.
For us this integration is depicted inside of every Waza technique; the same motion we use in cutting with a sword or knife is the same motion we use to strike with are hands and arms as well as in throwing a person. For instance, any single Waza technique, can be used with a Tanto knife, Hanbo 3ft staff, Kobo 2ft staff, Tanbo 9in. stick, Kama sickle, Kusari Fundo weighted chain, as well as empty handed.
This ideology was developed over many centuries for the purpose of efficient and effective movement. The Bugei warrior learns one way to do things “the right way”, and every movement in his/her life is fashioned in accordance to this way. We refer to this as “proper movement”.
[When I state “the right way” and “proper movement” I am only referring to the movement of this martial art form. I am not referring to any other martial art.]
Why learn many different martial arts forms?. Many martial arts have a different form for each weapon. In my opinion, this would be a difficult study; it would prove to be even more difficult when attempting to recall the appropriate form for each given weapon in the middle of combat. Instead, Sogobujutsu teaches one efficient and effective movement developed to maximize power and minimize the use of effort.
Bukijutsu the weaponry arts, Jujutsu the Samurai derived art of hand to hand combat, Aikijujutsu the higher order of Jujutsu, as well as Ninjutsu the art of the Ninja, to most people are considered different entities, to us they are merely pieces from the same pie.
Sogobujutsu in short, is quite an impressive study. It is an undertaking that will certainly change your life for the better and can provide you with a strong outlook for life. The teachings can enhance one’s life in many different ways. Because of it’s lessons in efficiency, one will move more easily through life. This will include many common things: walking, running, moving
out of someone’s way, picking something up, standing, getting up from the ground, or sitting down. This art form has a profound method of body movement called Shintaiho. With the use of Shintaiho, one can move more fluently through life. Then, as one puts into practice this natural movement, no matter
what is being done one is training (getting better within the art). Because of its well rounded nature, one will grow and adapt more readily to the stresses in life. Awareness becomes acute as we begin to sense more. This empowerment brings about
feeling more free. Although the Teens, and Adults are broken up and taught as separate classes, both the Adults and Teens are taught Bujutsu. Bujutsu was derived from the feudal warriors of Japan. It is the way of the warrior. The concept is Sogobujutsu: the integrated teaching of all martial strategies.
We focus over about 30 different weapons in our training. Many others can be taught if a student wishes to go in that direction. This is a voyage of empowered self-discovery. It encompasses Mental, Physical and Spiritual training. Many people misinterpret spiritual training as some type of Religious experience. It is not Religious nor is it contrary to Religion in any way. We hold true to the belief that Religion is a personal study and is separate to the training that one receives here. Spiritual training refers to the movement and expression of our true selves (our spirit) in this life; where are we going-- what can we improve upon. It is said that “A warrior must not have any weak sides,” so training must consist on all levels. Our art has been described as the model for intelligent living. The reasoning behind this statement is that it is, in essence, a planned study for moving more efficiently through life. One studies and learns the effects of any action and works toward attaining spontaneous right action. In this way, one will live and express their true selves with ease. The Martial side of are training consists of much more than just self-defense. We have a saying in our Dojo: “To merely spend time on Self-defense is selfish”. What this means is that it does not take long to learn basic self-defense. The warrior believed it to be silly and self-centered. We do focus on the growth of ourselves but the intention behind our growing and learning is to protect those we love and care for. This was and is the true scope of the Warrior.
