Approach to the Introduction of Nihon Taijutsu, Jujutsu, and Tanbojutsu in Cuba

(June, 2006) Master Eugenio Martí, 6th dan Karate Do and 5th dan Nihon Taijutsu

Professor Ricardo Sanz, 5th dan Nihon Taijutsu and 5th dan Nihon Jujutsu

Seated with a rum at the Torre del Oro and discussing martial arts, Paco and I were approached by Alberto, who asked if we wanted to meet a Karate instructor he knew. That is how the history of Nihon Taijutsu in Cuba began.

In 2001, it was my second trip to Cuba; the first took place during the Special Period and marked the introduction of this martial art in the archipelago – which is not an island – of the Republic of Cuba. Eugenio arrived on a bicycle and, likewise, Salvador, Eduardo, Falcón, and others came with their cart. All the Karate instructors wanted to share with “the Spaniards” a thousand and one stories about martial arts in Cuba. That is how we were able to meet various masters of Shotokan Karate, Judo, Wushu, and Jiu jitsu; we visited about a dozen dojos so that we could be recognized, and we celebrated end-of-course parties.

Below is a chronological overview of the events:

2001

• Presentation of Nihon Taijutsu:
  Held in three courses at the dojos of the masters and leaders of the Cuban Association of Shotokan Karate Do:
  • Dojo “La Casona de Cojimar”, directed by Master Salvador Pérez, 5th dan in Shotokan Karate Do;
  • Dojo of Old Havana, led by Master Pedro Falcón, 4th dan;
  • Dojo Titanes de Regla, led by Master Eugenio Martí, 4th dan.
• Creation of the Cuban Academy of Nihon Taijutsu, presided over by Eugenio Martí.

2002

• Recognition of Nihon Taijutsu by the Cuban Federation of Karate and Related Martial Arts, the only organization recognized by the Cuban Olympic Committee, the National Sports Institute (INDER), and the Ministry of Justice for the organization and development of martial arts in Cuba.
• Recognition of Ricardo Sanz as a foreign technical advisor by the Cuban Federation of Karate and Martial Arts.
• First public demonstration of Nihon Taijutsu at the Coliseum of the Sports City of Havana.
• Passing of Ramiro Chirino, president of the Cuban Federation of Karate and Related Martial Arts, who supported the development of Nihon Taijutsu from the very beginning.

2003

• Appointment of Eugenio Martí as representative of the International Federation of Nihon Taijutsu and D.A. in Cuba; examination and awarding of the 3rd dan in Nihon Taijutsu.
• Appointment of Ricardo Sanz as technical advisor for Nihon Taijutsu, Nihon Ju jutsu, and Nihon Kobudo in the Republic of Cuba.
• Incorporation of Nihon Taijutsu into the official register of martial arts recognized by the new Cuban Federation of Martial Arts, through resolution 3/2003. This Federation encompasses 26,000 practitioners in 903 training centers.
• Appointment of Salvador Pérez as president of the FCAM, who supports the continuity of Nihon Taijutsu within the Federation.

2004

• Creation of the Cuban National Academy of Nihon Taijutsu and its development in various Cuban provinces, such as Pinar del Río, Matanzas, Santiago de Cuba, etc.
• Introduction of Nihon Taijutsu in Curacao through training courses taught by Master Eugenio Martí.

2006

• Certification by the Cuban Federation of Martial Arts, recognizing Ricardo Sanz as the official introducer of the martial art Nihon Taijutsu in Cuba.
• Authorization by the International Federation of Nihon Taijutsu for the awarding of rank titles and teaching, with examinations conducted up to 5th dan in Nihon Taijutsu.
• Authorization by the International Federation of Nihon Taijutsu for the creation of the rank passport of the Cuban Association of Nihon Taijutsu.
• Awarding of the 5th dan in Nihon Taijutsu to Master Eugenio Martí.

2009

• I invite and urge the Cuban Association of Nihon Taijutsu to contact the newly created World Federation of Nihon Taijutsu, so that Cuba can be recognized as a country practicing Nihon Taijutsu in that federation, through the Spanish-speaking countries’ Delegate, Darío Dossio.

Summary of the document sent to the World Federation of Nihon Taijutsu by the Cuban Association of Nihon Taijutsu and the Kodenkan Budo School regarding the events in Cuba related to Nihon Taijutsu:

• Conducting 8 official seminars taught by Master Ricardo Sanz.
• A federated examination with the National Grading Tribunal, with the presence of our advisor, Ricardo.
• National and provincial seminars.
• Participation in galas, festivals, and other events, both martial and cultural.
• Technical advisory services on the island of Curacao and to Mexican, Venezuelan, Colombian, and African instructors who have visited our country.
• Technical exchange with Spanish professor Joaquín Muñiz.
• High-level examinations conducted at Hombu Dojo, with the presence of the FCAM and several masters, and the awarding of 4th, 3rd, and 2nd dans in Nihon Taijutsu and Tanbo jutsu.
• Presentation at scientific conferences of the teaching-methodological program for children, youth, and women, as well as the didactic-technical program for Tanbo jutsu and Tanto jutsu.

NOTES:

In addition to Nihon Taijutsu, I have had the honor of introducing the martial art Tanbo jutsu from the Shintaikan school, directed by Master Pau Ramón Planellas, 6th dan in Tanbo jutsu Yoshin ryu; currently, several black belts and instructors of this martial art teach in Cuba.