What is Goshin Jutsu

The term Goshin Jutsu means “Art of Self Defense”.  This program is a very basic, no frills, no fancy techniques, approach to Self Defense specifically tailored for ladies.   A lot of ladies just don’t have any interest in sparring, learning Forms & Kata, or investing a lot of time in earning Belt Ranks.   They just want the bottom line ability to defend themselves when it is necessary.  That is what this program is about.

What all is involved in Training

• In this class the student will learn to use the Yawara (Kubatan Key Chain), Escrima Stick, the Eyebrow Staff, and the Jo Staff.  They will also learn a variety of joint locks with these tools, Take Downs, Basic Kicks and Strikes, and a wide range of Anti – Rape Techniques.  The Student will learn to defend against the complete 108 List of Assaults as are in the regular class programs.  Grappling and Full Contact Sparring are not part of the program, but Sparring and Performing Disarms with the Escrima Stick and later the staff are.

Is this program part of Regular Class Curriculum

• No.  This program is a “Specialty Class” and is still in it’s Developmental Stage.  When fully developed, this program will be initially offered to the Guardian ad Litem Office and to D.S.S. Workers.   This program will also be part of the Standard Academic Program at the ““Bean Hill Farm ” (Home for Abused Children) and ““Sparrow's Nest ” (Shelter & Halfway House for Battered Women & Teenaged Girls) facilities. For more information about these facilities see “The Instructor ” link above.

Will this be an Accredited Belt Rank System

• Yes, definitely.   And an “Instructor’s Certification” will be available for this system, also.  The Belt Ranking Structure is as follows:
      White Belt … a beginner.
      Purple Belt … Awarded upon demonstrating skill against 9 Primary Assaults, fundamental Strikes & Kicks, and Fundamental use of the Kubatan Key Chain.
      Blue Belt … Awarded upon demonstrating skill with the Escrima Stick, Self Defenses with Key Chain, Empty Hands, Escrima Stick Sparring, Takedowns while using the Key Chain and Escriam Stick.
      Brown Belt … Awarded upon demonstrating skill with the Staff, More Self Defenses and a variety of joint locks and throws.
      Black Belt … Awarded upon demonstrating skill with 108 Assaults, adaptation with various weapons of practical nature, etc.
      Instructor’s Certification may begin anytime after reaching Blue Belt Level.

What kind of background does the student need to have

• The student need not have ANY special background, skills, or physical conditioning.

Why the Development of this particular Program

• Because Shihan Nelson grew up with severe abuse from his infancy, and while Martial Arts are an integral part of his lifestyle today, he well understands the need for a basic Self Defense structure that emphasizes immediate confidence with techniques that actually work.  As an “Abuse Survivor” himself, having worked with many Battered Women, and having provided Free Workshops and taught “Ladies Only” Self Defense classes, he understands just what is needed … as opposed to the many so – called Self Defense Classes offered by sport karate teachers who just want to earn some extra money and teach techniques that only result in the students getting hurt, or worse.
      To better understand Shihan Nelson's background, relevance to abuse, and work with those who have been abused see “The Instructor ” link above.

Who can take this Class Program

• Technically, anyone could take this Class Program.  For now, however, this class is only offered to ladies, as it is tailored as a "Ladies Only" Class.

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 ... in the case of this Class program, a strike with the Yawara , Escrima Stick (or similar tool), or any Staff sized tool. Because an assailant may have friends around, the concept of rolling around the ground trying to choke out someone or making them submit (as is common in Brazilian Ju Jitsu) is not considered an intelligent option. Especially in the case of Ladies who may be wearing dresses, skirts, or nice slacks/pant suits.

Tools of Goshin Jutsu

There are three primary weapons, or Tools in Kizoju - Ryu Goshin Jutsu  Each with a specific purpose.

·        Escrima Stick This is a Filipino combat weapon which may be anywhere from 18 inches to three feet long.  The use of this weapon emphasizes quick, wrist snapping movements and requires no strength whatsoever.  The weapon is easy to learn and adapts easy to any small stick - like object, umbrella, walking cane, tire tool, even a kitchen spatula and/or various sized knives.  In this system strikes to the knees are highly concentrated on, as an attacker with a shattered knee will not attack you again.
    The student will learn fundamental movements with this tool in the beginning.  Sparring with these weapons will be part of the Class Program.

·        Yawara Also called a "Kubaton Keychain", this is another Filipino concept which focuses on the use of small stick weapons about 1/2 inches in diameter and between 6 - 8 inches long.  The use of these draws from initial training with the Escrima Stick and focuses on practical movements with anything from a pencil or ink pen, eye liner, hair brush handle, or a specialized keychain grip.
    This tool is a primary impliment throughout the Class Program and is considered an "Equalizer".
    The techniques learned through this program are not to be confused with the ineffective "Keychain" techniques taught by Law Enforcement and most "Rape Prevention" clinics.  The techniques taught in the Goshin Jutsu Class Program actually work and are cultivated by constant practice in class.

·        Staff It is not likely that a lady in today's world will be walking along with a wooden staff in her hand, however there is the "Broom Handle".  Once acquiring the Blue Belt and reaching "Intermediate Level" training, this program will introduce the use of stick weapons of shoulder and head height.  These weapons are called the Jo and Bo Staff, in Japanese terminolgy.  Training in an actual "Classic Okinawan" Bo Kata will help the ladies to learn control of such a stick.
     Sparring with these weapons will be part of the Class Program.

The students of the American Nine Lotus Academy cordially invites you to check out our school.

From Left to right: Emma Lail (Adv White), Ashton Dempsey (Yellow, Bo Jutsu),

Justin Hizer (Yellow, Kempo Jutsu; Green Ching Sai Do), Zach Blevins (Yellow),

Billy Crowe (Adv White), Mark Crowe (Yellow, Kempo Jutsu; Black, Ling Wood Kung Fu),

Matthew Pennell (Yellow). Kneeling is Hanshi J Patrick Nelson (Head Instructor, 8^th Dan)

Come check us out!!!

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