JUJITSU-JAPAN'S ART OF UNARMED COMBAT

The art of Jujitsu which was forged during centuries of warfare, became formalized in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries and the various styles were created. Jujitsu which almost completely died out in Japan, has now risen again in popularity on the contemporary scene. Jujitsu, can be traced back over 2,000 years to Japan's ancient past. The term Jujitsu (also Jujutsu) is composed of two Japanese characters Ju meaning gentle or yielding and Jutsu developed in response to the scenario in which an unarmed man defended himself against weapons. The idea behind this theory being that weapons such as swords and spears were developed first and that Jujitsu was developed later. Additionally, the classical warrior of Japan was clad entirely in armor. This made the use of atemi or striking techniques with bare hands and feet ineffective. Therefore, it is only natural that the samurai or bushi used his sword at long range as his primary weapon and that close quarter individual combat was characterized by Kumi-uchi or grappling methods. Jujitsu then was originally a secondary system of defense used only after the classical warrior made use of his weapons and then closed with the opponent. Only in the modem era, as the frequency of warfare on the field of battle declined, did ryu or styles specialize solely in empty hand tactics and de-emphasize the use of weapons as a primary combative resource. Jujutsu, as an art of Japanese unarmed combat, developed from many sources within Japan. It also absorbed techniques which found their way to Japan from other Asian countries, mainly China. Chinese Shaolin Temple fighting techniques, especially atemi or striking were incorporated into Jujitsu. Warriors wrists and hands were unprotected by the samurai's armor, so techniques were used against these joints. It is reported that master’s dissected the bodies of criminals and war dead in order to better understand human body mechanics. One  form of Jujitsu that gave rise to Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu, the predecessor of modern Aikido.

"Aiki Jujitsu schools fighting strategy was predicated upon the principle of (ai) harmonizing of (ki) energy. Thus, Aiki Jujitsu or Aiki Jutsu, the technique or art of harmonizing energy. This principle used the reaction to an opponent's attack (attacker momentum) by blending with the force of the attack to execute a throw and an immobilization. In unarmed combat this means blending with an opponent's energy or force as he attacks and thus controlling or subjugating him. Therefore, the Aiki Jutsu fighting strategy is based on pure defense as opposed to offense.

"Jigoro Kano (1860-1938) the founder of Judo (tine way of gentleness) was influenced to some extent as well by the concept of aiki in his studies. Although strategically, Judo is based on the concept of Uju" which translates as pliability, flexibility, suppleness or gentleness. This is in contrast to a jutsu" form which emphasizes effectiveness in combat or self defense and has no regard for the safety of its opponents or any redeeming social value. As such, Professor Kano removed the dangerous individual techniques of Jujitsu in order to make it a safer discipline.

The principle of ju in Judo is regarded to mean adapting to the movements of the opponent and to use his strength (chikara) against him. Kano is often quoted as saying "lf an opponent pushes then pull or if he pulls then push". His thinking was that by giving way or yielding (at certain times) to an opponent one could overcome a stronger opponent. Kano did not agree with many of the Jujitsu masters of the time and felt their interpretation of the concept of ju as well as many training practices which often resulted in a student's injury were wrong. Formerly, Jujitsu schools did not train specifically in ukemi or the art of breaking one's fall. Training in these schools was a rough and tumble affair (literally) and the opponent was often thrown violently to the floor. Surviving the fall without injury was left to chance. Kano devised a systematic method of training in ukemi so that students reduced the risk of injury in their practice. He also introduced the idea of gripping the gi allowing for more leverage in practice.

He further insisted on the Judo method of practicing kata for theory and randori for free practice in order to have a complete and integrated physical education system.

"Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu one of the Ju Jitsu styles taught at Summit Martial Arts, takes its name from the shaolin temple of China, renowned for its fighters. Shorinji Ryu is the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese Shaolin which means young forest temple style. Shorinji Ryu Jujitsu encompasses punching, blocking, kicking, throwing, joint locking, strangulation and grappling techniques. It is a modern eclectic form incorporating techniques of karate, judo and ancient Jujitsu methods. Renshi Riedmiller trains directly under 10^th Dan Hanshi Penland and 9^th Dan Hanshi Alexander.

In 1914, Japanese jiu-jitsu champions Esai Maeda and Inomata arrived in Brazil to help establish a Japanese immigration colony in that developing country. He was aided by Gastao Gracie, a Brazilian scholar and politician of Scottish decent. To show his gratitude, the oriental master taught the basic secrets of that ancient fighting style to Gastao's son, Carlos Gracie.

Carlos taught Maeda's techniques to his brothers: Oswaldo, Gastao, Jorge and Helio and in 1925 they opened the first jiu-jitsu Academy in Botafogo, a district of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Helio went a step further than his teachers by introducing techniques that required less strength than the Japanese style. Led by him, the brothers were driven by a constant determination to find effective ways to deal with every possible aspect of a real fight. Daring to break away from the traditional Japanese style, they began experimenting, modifying and perfecting simple techniques that would be effective regardless of stature. That is how the Gracie family developed this style of Jiu-Jitsu. Though this martial art descended from the ancient Japanese style, the differences are quite apparent. Many of the Japanese facets of the art which depended on physical prowess and stiff motion were tossed aside, leaving only pure technique.

At the age of 17, he first stepped into the ring in Frontao against a boxer named Antonio Portugal where Helio won in 30 seconds. Some of his astonishing feats include the longest fight in history: three hours and forty-five minutes, non-stop with his oldest student, Valdemar Santana; and he was the first jiu-jitsu master in the western world to practically defeat a Japanese jiu-jitsu master: Namiki in 1932. This was the first jiu-jitsu battle of his career and also the first time he wore a gi during a combat fight. Helio ended the fight with Namiki in his guard when the bell rang a few seconds before Namiki tapped out.

Upon defeating Kato, a challenge match was set between Helio and the world Japanese champion, Masahiko Kimura, probably the best fighter that Japan has ever produced. This historical match took place in 1951 and was held in the Maracana Stadium. At this time, Helio was 42 years old and weighed 63kg, and his opponent Kimura was 34 years old and weighed 100kg. The 37kg lighter Helio lost after his brother Carlos threw in the towel.

Helio also challenged boxing greats Primo Carnera and Ezzard Charles, and world champions Joe Louis and later Muhammad Ali, to matches to compare styles. They all declined.

An example of courage and determination, Helio became a national hero in Brazil. After a lifetime of combat, today at 86, he still teaches the art and has the same determination to live jiu-jitsu as his lifestyle. He is recognized as the creator of the style.

After 70 years of mastering the art, Helio Gracie's youngest son from his first marriage, Rickson Gracie, is still keeping the Gracie Challenge alive. Rickson Gracie, the champion of the family for the last 16 years.

Pedro Sauer, Jamie Brewbaker, Sensei Riedmiller, Helio Gracie, Rorion Gracie

Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

If you are looking for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) classes, seminars (held on a regular bases here at Summit Martial Arts), Jiu-jitsu gis (kimonos), or training courses for law-enforcement or military personnel, then you've come to the right place!

The Pedro Sauer Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has one main academy (in Salt Lake City), and some hand picked affiliates across the nation and around the world. Summit Martial Arts is one of only a few select  affiliate in schools in the USA. Professor Pedro Sauer was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where from an early age, he began training in the martial arts. At age five, he began boxing and later took up judo and tae kwon do. At age fifteen, however, his friend, Rickson Gracie, invited him to train jiu-jitsu with his younger brother, Royler, who at the time was only nine years old. The outcome of this experience convinced him that jiu-jitsu was the most effective of all the martial arts, and he began training the very next day.

Pedro Earned his Black Belt from Helio Gracie and Rickson Gracie in 1985. Long recognized for the superior technical efficiency of his jiu-jitsu, he then began his career as an instructor in 1986. He was asked to teach with an organization known in Brazil as Corpo/Quatro (Body of Four). Where he instructed students and continued his training under reknowned jiu-jitsu instructors Alvaro Barreto (who is a red belt master under Helio Gracie), Silvio Behring (his father, Flavio Behring, is also a red belt master under Helio Gracie, and his brother, Marcelo Behring, who is a world-reknowned jiu-jitsu champion).

After moving to Utah in December of 1990, he taught as one of only two non-Gracie black belts under the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy (run by Rorion and Royce Gracie). In October of 1996, he became an official representative Black Belt Instructor under the Rickson Gracie American Jiu-Jitsu Association.

Pedro Sauer is a 5^th Degree Black Belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He has academies in Salt Lake City and Orem, and on May 17, he was named "Best of the Best BJJ Instructor" in a worldwide poll conducted by the renowned Abu Dhabi Combat Club (ADCC). ADCC is widely known for promoting grappling arts, and for hosting the world’s most highly respected international submission grappling tournament. Submission grappling is similar to wrestling, except that one does not win by pinning the opponent, but instead by forcing the opponent to submit (e.g., say "uncle") by applying a joint lock or choke.

"For the last 12 months ADCC forum members have been voting on the prestigious award of `Best of the Best BJJ Instructor.' The contest started with an idea, we wanted to let the fans decide who was the best Brazilian Jiu Jitsu instructor in the U.S. We started with a field of 64 very knowledgeable and very recognized instructors and after four rounds, we had narrowed down to the final eight top vote getters: Carlson Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Romero `Jacare' Cavalcante, Fabio Santos, Mario Yamasaki, Pedro Valente, Pedro Sauer and Roberto `Maguila' Marques.

The final phase involved a great deal more of security, in order to be fair, we decided to eliminate ballot stuffing by making the voters register themselves in the ADCC Forum.

After much counting and sorting of the votes, the winner of the `Best of the Best BJJ Instructor' is . . . Drum Roll Please . . . Pedro Sauer. Pedro is a Black Belt under Rickson Gracie. He has an Academy in Salt Lake City, Utah and is considered one of the most technical practitioners around. He is also a tremendous instructor. As a reward for being the 2000 Best of the Best BJJ Instructor, Pedro will receive an all expense paid trip to Abu Dhabi (at mutually agreed dates) to showcase his stuff. Also Kid Peligro is going to visit Pedro’s Academy in Utah and take some private lessons with the master himself. Renshi Riedmiller trains directly under Professor Sauer. Professor Sauer also makes regular visits here to Summit Martial Arts were top students are invited to attend. Summit Martial Arts is a Pedro Sauer affiliate schools. Check out www. pedrosauer .com