About the Kuhasu System
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Introduction
Kuhasu Jutsu is not a style of Karate, Jujutsu, or Kung Fu. It is a separate form of Martial Discipline developed by Shihan J Patrick Nelson.
Both Okinawan and Japanese Karate emphasize a more Stand Up system of Hand – 2 – Hand combat. Hand techniques are used more and kicks rarely target a range higher than the torso and are not highly developed. Okinawan Karate includes throw and joint lock techniques, while Japanese Karate is more tailored to a tournament flavor.
Jujutsu, in it’s classical sense, is a close range system which was used as last resort should a Samurai lose their weapon. It involved seizing, joint locks, and throws with some select strikes. Modern Jujutsu emphasizes submission sport contest.
Kung Fu is a blanket term which coves a plethora of styles from China, most of which are specialized in specific aspects of combat. Often Taoism or Buddhism is intertwined with the teachings of Kung Fu.
When performed in company of Karate stylists or observed in a Point Fighting ring, Tae Kwon Do is essentially a type of Karate with highly developed kicks.
Hapkido combines grappling, joint locks, and throws with a good range of kicks and strikes. This is the one Martial Art which most resembles Kuhasu Jutsu, although there are still many important differences.
In order to acquire a rounded approach to Hand – 2 – Hand combat, one generally has to study several different styles. Often Instructors will offer several different classes to students to provide this range … and to ensure more tuition. More often than not, the student still will not receive instruction of how to blend these concepts together. Each approach must be considered individually for use on the street.
Kuhasu Jutsu is a single system which combines the entire spectrum of Hand – 2 – Hand Combat and Real World Self Defense into one cohesive unit. This is an American System, developed in America, for a Modern American Culture.
Nine Lotus Discipline
Developing a Martial Art System was never Shihan Nelson’s intention. The Injo – Ryu Taijutsu format was based on addressing 100 different combat attacks with quick and effective responses. Going from Sandan to Yondan, then to Godan, required much cross training of other styles and developing even more responses, tactics, and understanding of Hand – 2 – Hand Combat.
Having been exposed to Choy Lay Fut while in Denver, CO, Shihan Nelson wanted to expand into the circular hand and kicking arts of Kung Fu. He also found a deep allurement to Animal Combat. It was this that led him to investigate Allan’s Kung Fu Academy in Boone, NC. Although there was next to nothing in the way of Kung Fu Hand Forms to be taught there, he was challenged with the array of Staff and Escrima forms available.
At the time a Two Baton style of Escrima was taught. This was dropped in favor of the Doces Pares system, which in turn was dropped to follow the teaching of Modern Arnis and Remy Presas. It gave Shihan Nelson a wide range of introduction, however, which blended well with the Hanbo system used in Injo – Ryu.
It wasn’t until after 1991 that he started seriously trying to unify everything he knew into one cohesive unit.
Changes were made many times, Kata used for a while, then discarded. Then he would create Kata, but they would be too long and complicated for beginners. Then he would discard Kata again. By 1997 he had developed a working system which is now called Kuhasu Jutsu.
The system structure is based on Taijutsu. The temper is not military, however, but domestic. A more military approach is taken beyond Shodan. The Standard Assaults were expanded from 100 to 108 at Shodan, and 36 Tactical Scenarios beyond Shodan. Kicks are added from Chinese Martial Art systems. Beginning hand techniques are based on Wing Chun and English Boxing. Advanced hand techniques are taken from 9 Animal Systems. Weapons are all wooden up to Shodan. The Staff Forms are a blend of Chinese and Okinawan Combat Forms. Escrima is also taught from the beginning. Hand Forms are also blends of Chinese and Okinawan Combat Forms, and not the Tournament Style Kata prevalent in Japanese Karate and Tae Kwon Do.
The system was called Shujo Quan Jutsu until renamed Kuhasu Jutsu in 2001 and documented April of 2002.
Kuhasu Jutsu is literally translated from Japanese as Nine Lotus Discipline. The name is not representative of the Nine Lotus Mountain in China. It represents the 9 Animal & Elemental Systems taught in the Kuhasu Jutsu curriculum. These Animals are Tiger, Dragon, Eagle, Snake, Monkey, Praying Mantis, Phoenix, Leopard, White Crane.
To better understand the full scope and training method of this system, see Building Blocks of Kuhasu Jutsu below.
Building Blocks of Kuhasu Jutsu
Breaking down the Kuhasu Jutsu system structure can be compared to the building of a house.
· Foundation …… Real World Self Defense is the Foundation upon which the house of Kuhasu Jutsu is built. Every drill, exercise, movement, and technique is oriented to legal survival in the ever growing chaos of Modern Day North America. With only minor changes of emphasis, the same training easily adapts to Law Enforcement or Military tactics.
· Floor …… The floor receives more attention than any other part of any building, even if we don’t realize it. We walk upon it, sweep it, play on it, wrestle on it, work on it, store things on it, put furniture on it, etc. The same Center Line Principle emphasized in Wing Chun, Taiji Quan, Muay Thai and Gymnastics is the Floor of Kuhasu Jutsu. All power is generated from the lower torso, hips and thighs. The three primary stances utilized are the Square, Triangle, and Side – Angle Stances. Each allow the back to stay comfortably upright, emphasize bent knees with strong balance on the balls of the feet, and promote a high degree of mobility and fast response with foot and hand. Kicks do not put stress on the knees. All hand and elbow strikes are based on pivoting techniques, not brute strength. Regular practice will tone the body, develop flexibility and balance, build strength and endurance … but is based on leverage and can be practiced by anyone.
· Walls …… The walls of a building protect us from the world itself. The Walls of Kuhasu Jutsu are represented by learning to defend against the 108 Assaults of the Regular Curriculum, and the 36 Combat Assault of the Advanced Black Belt Curriculum. These Defense Solutions are kept simple and are based on the Counter, Catch, Carry system, also called the Tri – C’s, developed by Shihan Nelson. For more on this system see Counter, Catch, Carry below.
· Windows …… To allow light and ventilation into a home there must be Windows. This is represented by a constant state of learning and Open Mindedness to techniques. In order to maintain a level of healthiness, fresh air must circulate to carry away germs and stale atmosphere. Likewise we must ever take in new ideas, evaluate our knowledge and skills, and entertain fresh thoughts. By the same token, Windows can be used well for offense. In the days of the Western, American Pioneer a home was built with a good field of fire for home defense. Walls and windows were intelligently placed to offer a wide and overlapping view of defendable area. The Yard was kept clear for 200 – 300 yards with carefully placed rocks or fence posts to help give defenders aim their rifles with correct range. The Windows of Kuhasu Jutsu also teaches us to study potential scenarios and to prepare Offensive Tactics for when we need them.
· Roof …… We are protected from weather by our roof. Even in camping we use a roof, either in the form of a lean – to or tent, and along with a secure foundation and functional floor is one of the first three elements in personal shelter. A correctly constructed roof redirects the weather from our shelter. Therefore Redirecting Techniques are considered the Roof of Kuhasu Jutsu and are among the first disciplines learned. These techniques are derived from Taiji Quan and Wing Chun disciplines.
· Ceiling …… Once the initial building has been constructed and the roof in place, a ceiling is built to economically hold heat in the house proper. The ceiling is generally flat to evenly distribute the building’s climate control. A floor is often laid on top of the ceiling to provide for an attic or even an additional room or living level. The Ceiling of Kuhasu Jutsu is represented by training in 9 Animal & Element Systems. This training is generally in the textbook studies of Forms & Kata. Study of these 9 Animals & Elements help to emulsify regular training, and sets the base for higher levels of study.
· Heating & Plumbing …… Climate control, water, sewage, and of course electricity provides the Modern American with general living standards to which our society regards as fundamental. This is represented through the cultivation of Chi, the essence of all life. This is practiced through a variety of breathing exercises, stretches, and more through Taiji Gong & Yoga and select other Forms & Kata.
· Furnishing …… A thousand different people could own the same home and each could make it look different. Kuhasu Jutsu doesn’t teach a specific style, but allows each individual person to develop their own.
· Feng Shui …… The principle of Feng Shui is to establish a sort of atmospheric balance in the home, office, etc. Feng Shui in Kuhasu Jutsu is represented by applying balance to one’s life. Everything isn’t about training, and training isn’t just about hitting bags, throwing partners around, or performing Forms to perfection. One needs to stretch, practice correct breathing, calm the mind, become involved in some artistic practice, gain cultural skills, read and acquire knowledge, etc., as well as train the physical body.
Counter, Catch, Carry
This is a Three Stage approach to Self Defense developed by Shihan Nelson.
· Stage # 1 Counter The act of reversing a grab, warding off a strike, or deflecting the intended angle of an assault in order to reduce the potential for immediate personal harm. This action sets up the immediate act of Catching in a Self – Defense solution.
· Stage # 2 Catch The act of Catching an opponents arm, wrist, hand, foot, clothing, hair, etc., in preparation to Carrying Through a technique in a Self – Defense solution.
· Stage # 3 Carry The act of Carrying Through a technique in a Self – Defense solution. This usually includes a throw, takedown, or push which may or may not be accompanied with a strike or kick. Because an assailant may have friends around, the concept of rolling around the ground trying to choke out someone or making them submit is not considered an intelligent option. If choking techniques do prove necessary, the defender learns how to be aware of other assailants while performing the choke.
Sub Systems of Kuhasu Jutsu
Kuhasu Jutsu is not a style, but a specific training system.
If studied in it’s most basic empty handed sense, without Instructional Kata or Forms, and without the range of specific stick weapons training, then the format is recognized as Kizoku – Ryu Taijutsu.
When the regular teaching curriculum of American Nine Lotus Academy is followed, including the Mayuge bo, Junte, and Montana Azule Escrima Form Systems, then the format is recognized as Kuhasu Kempo Jutsu.
Persons who prefer an exclusively Okinawan Style of Kata will learn the same system. But the Forms are substituted for an All Classical Okinawan Kata structure. These kata begin with the Pinan System, and include Seisan, Wansu, Seiunchin, and Passai up to the Shodan Level. This format is recognized as Ryukyushinjo Karate.
Individuals who have their own established Kata Structure, but want to utilize the basic Self Defense System of Kuhasu Jutsu may train under the format of American Karate Jutsu.
Kuhasu Ranking System
The Ranking System is based upon Prof. Kano’s Dan / Kyu system.
There is a minimum time limit of one month for any progressions from the time a student enrolls in the Academy. Afterward, however, there are no time restrictions up to Brown Belt w/3 Tips (Sempai), the Probation Level for Shodan. In order to ensure that a student is a solid Shodan, there is a four month probationary period between the two levels. The Sempai award is a pre – test of the Shodan actual test and marks the beginning of the end of the beginning of ones true journey through Martial Arts.
There are virtually no age restrictions for under belt or 1st – 5th Dan Black Belt ranks.
A Summery Breakdown of the Ranking System is as follows:
· Novice (White, Yellow, Orange Belt Grades) …... Focus on Kihons, or Foundation Kata & Techniques. Comparable to Elementary School, or to paving the ground to build a house.
· Intermediate (Green Belt Grades) …... Introduction to Kaishu, or Advanced Kata & Techniques. Also an Introduction to Classical Ryukyu – Chinese training. Comparable to Middle School, or digging the footers to pour the actual foundation of a house.
· Advanced (Brown Belt Grades) …... More of a Meat – n – Potatoes approach to training. Completes the foundation for serious Martial Study. Comparable to High School, or pouring and finalizing the foundation of a house.
· Sempai (1st – 5th Dan Black Belt Ranks) …… Progression into serious, advanced Martial Study. Comparable to studying for a Bachelor’s Degree (3rd Dan is like unto an Associate’s Degree), or to the structural building of the house.
· Shihan (6th – 8th Dan Black Belt Ranks) …… The Professor’s Arena. Here the individual delves deep into the internal aspects of Martial Discipline & Science. Each of these progressions require a fully developed Thesis. Comparable to acquiring a Doctorate’s Degree, or to applying the finishing touches to the house which becomes one’s home.
· Hanshi (9th – 10th Dan Black Belt Ranks) …… The 9th Dan Progression also requires development of a Thesis, but otherwise these two Ranks are honorary with regard to ongoing service to Martial Science.
· Minimum Time Requirements (not to be confused with Automatic Ranking):
Ø 1st to 2nd Dan …… 18 months.
Ø 2nd to 3rd Dan …… 30 months.
Ø Each Progression thereafter …… 4 years minimum between Ranks.
Ø 6th Dan …… 16 years minimum as Black Belt, 20 years minimum of Martial Study.
Ø 8th Dan …… 24 years minimum as Black Belt, 30 years minimum of martial Study.
Ø 9th Dan …… 28 years minimum as Black Belt, 34 years minimum of Martial Study.
Ø 10th Dan …… 34 years minimum as Black Belt, 40 years minimum of Martial Study.
Dojo Kun
A Dojo Kun is a Code or list of Philosophies & Principles that a given school and/or style strives to exemplify. Generally, a Kun is upheld by the more traditional of schools. The Kun is most often displayed on a plaque or poster where all can see. The number of articles, in this Kun, may range from two or three to more than a dozen. The following is the Kuhasu Kun of the American Nine Lotus Academy.
Kuhasu Kun
Breath is the First step to Life, Therefore let us Breathe correctly
Think not Style, but System. System is the Heart of the Art. Style is the Flourish with which the Art is Performed and will develop Naturally with time and Diligent Training
The Way one responds in Necessity will depend on how one trains in Safety; Therefore train well
It is better to confront an Adversary with One Strong Technique than with One Hundred Weak Movements
Talent is not the Key to Success, but Hard Work and Perseverance
If I strive for Nothing I will surely get it. Therefore I shall ever engage in the Pursuit of Goals
The Fool takes Council with no one. Therefore I shall ever be the Student … yet I shall choose my Mentors with care
I shall ever keep my Past in Perspective and Focus on my Destination
I will be true to my Values, Goals, and the Tenets of my Art
The Key to Greater Learning is through Teaching
The greatest display of Skill is not how Much damage one may inflict, but how Little force is used to achieve the objective
The Highest level of Martial Art is not measured through Destruction, but through Healing
Instructor’s Training Course
Reaching the Adept or Shodan (1st Dan Black Belt) level is not enough to become an Instructor. A good Instructor is more than someone who has reached a certain level of expertise. But is someone who can work with people, relay information in a positive manner, lay out a class plan, and make responsible decisions. Nor is a good Instructor someone who has been forced or required into the position.
At the Academy the position of Instructor is one with the highest honor and level of responsibility. It is not awarded or taken lightly.
The Instructors of American Nine Lotus Academy and the Kizoku – Ryu Kai are developed, not chosen, from those who choose to become Instructors. There is no pressure or requirement to become such.
The Instructor’s Training Course is based upon in – depth study of twelve carefully chosen books. Each book is independently studied by the student and discussed with Shihan Nelson. When the student is ready, a written test is taken. Upon a passing score the student begins the next book in progression. When all twelve courses of study have been completed the student takes an in depth final. A score of 85% is required to pass each exam.
Upon completion of the book study the student then teaches, under supervision, for a prescribed period of time. After this initial period has been satisfactorily completed, the student becomes eligible for recognition as an Assistant Instructor. The final phase includes counseling in solo class plan development and instruction, communications, and more. After these three phases have been satisfactorily completed the student becomes eligible for Instructor’s Certification.
This program may be started at any time after reaching Advanced Green Belt (Intermediate) level. Instructor’s Certification may be awarded any time after reaching Shodan (Adept) level. Those who chose to stay and become part of the Academy’s Teaching Cadre (Professional Instructor) are recognized as an Associate Instructor. Those who wish to head their own school may pursue the title of Sensei.
The title of Sensei may be awarded to Certified Instructors after reaching the Sandan (3rd Dan Black Belt) level, and who have proven themselves as mature, responsible and relatable cultivators of students.
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