Training differs widely but most of the Karate styles emphasize a fairly equal measure of basic technique training (kihon), sparring (kumite), and forms (kata). Forms are stylized patterns of attacks and defenses done in sequence for training purposes.

An art of self-defense as well as a sport, Karate has in recent decades proliferated worldwide. It is one of the most widely practiced of the Asian martial arts, with a large following in the U.S., Japan and Europe.

What is Jujitsu

Jujitsu, often mistranslated as 'the gentle art' actually means something more like compliant fighting techniques. Compliant is used to indicate that the art does not involve resistance against force, but rather redirection of force.Jujitsu is the native empty hand fighting art of Japan. Judo and Aikido are both modern outgrowths of Jujitsu. Karate originates from the islands of Okinawa. Japanese empty hand systems were developed for use by samurai who were caught by surprise or separated from their weapons, and were originally known as Yawara or Taijitsu . During the peaceful Tokugawa period commoners, who were forbidden to carry weapons, began to practice Jujitsu for use in situations such as dealing with drunks, thieves or gangsters. Two streams of Jujitsu evolved during this period; one type being a more classical, formal system usually including weapons, the other styles being more self defence oriented. In the 20th century Jujitsu has fallen into disrepute in Japan, due to association with thugs and the rise of popularity of Judo, Aikido and Karate.

Modern Jujitsu

Jujitsu is almost dead in contemporary Japan. Like many traditional martial arts, there are few clubs and all have declining membership. However in the west, Jujitsu is flourishing. While many western Jujitsu styles have evolved out of Judo, others have preserved traditional Japanese styles, and still others have evolved from mixtures of a wide variety of approaches. Westerners tend to be more questioning than Asians, and this has led to considerable evolution of Jujitsu in many different directions. The Brazilian Gracie brothers and the Hawaiian Wally Jay are two well known examples of modern, eclectic, non-classical Jujitsu.

Kenpo Jujitsu

Kenpo or Kempo can be translated as the 'Fist art'or the 'Striking art. The Jujitsu system we teach has evolved from these traditional forms of combat, taking what is applicable to the modern day world and modern day situations and combining this with modern day concepts from arts such as Kenpo or Kempo providing effective self defense, combat skills, knife defense, stick defense, weapon defense, using striking techniques, pressure points, wrist locks, joint locks, throws and atemi strikes. Our aim is to promote the quality and accessibility of the art of jujitsu and the Kenpo Jujitsu we teach is taught for self defense purposes only.