Martial Arts Articles By Brett Denison

Brett Denison sensei has been a student and practitioner of Traditional Japanese martial arts for almost 30 years and holds the level of Menkyo Okuden in Senshin-ryu Jujutsu. He has also studied Shotokan Karate (earning a Nidan) and holds a Menkyo Okuden license in Katsujin-ryu Bujutsu. Denison sensei is the head instructor of the Mizukan Dojo. (Biography)

Arguably, Jujutsu is the most frequently misspelled word in the martial arts. The words used, vary from “Ju” to “Jiu” or “Jiuy,” and the spelling of “jutsu” is commonly spelled “jitsu.” The non-Japanese speakers use these words interchangeably  regardless of the spelling; Ju meaning gentle, pliable, yielding, flexible, etc. and jutsu meaning art, techniques, or science. (Read Article)

Traditional Jujutsu is considered a Japanese cultural art (as are kado, or flower arrangement; chado, or tea ceremony; and shodo, calligraphy). Traditional Jujutsu systems all have documented and verifiable lineages. It is composed of techniques such as joint locking, throwing, sweeping, reaping, choking, and striking with all parts of the body.  (Read Articles)

Over the last few days I have had a few occasions to discuss what Jujutsu is and what it is not, and in both cases the person I was talking with made a statement implying that Jujutsu is merely a blend of karate, Judo, and Aikido. During the first discussion it was obvious that the other person truly understood what Jujutsu was, but felt this was an accurate summary, and in the latter discussion the person truly believes that if you precede a Judo throw with a strike, it becomes Jujutsu. (Read Articles)

I started reading a martial arts book the other day titled Pressure Point Fighting, by Rick Clark. After reading the introduction, and then the first chapter, I marked my page and closed the book. In doing that I took a moment and looked over the cover--then it hit me--Pressure Point FIGHTING. Are most martial artists engaged in fighting? According to Webster's Collegiate Dictionary, fighting is defined as:
(Read Article)

A black belt is a piece of dyed white cotton, but we attribute many characteristics with the attainment of this object. Martial arts training is a never-ending journey, with many layers and facets associated with the training. (Read Article)

Will simply training the body through repetitive throws and pins also train the mind to be immovable under pressure? Will simply engaging in hard physical exercises develop our characters? What separates budo training for serious athletic training, and how does it differ from mere sport? Will simply training the body through repetitive throws and pins also train the mind to be immovable under pressure? Will simply engaging in hard physical exercises develop our characters? What separates budo training for serious athletic training, and how does it differ from mere sport? (Read Article)