Nihon Taijutsu - Self Defense




Introduction to Nihon Taijutsu

The term "Nihon Taijutsu" (日本体術) is a Japanese word composed of two main elements:


Nihon (日本): This term means "Japan" or "Japanese." It emphasizes the cultural and traditional origins of the martial art, underscoring its roots in Japan's rich heritage of hand-to-hand combat techniques.


Taijutsu (体術): This term is composed of two kanji:


· Tai (体): Meaning "body," this kanji highlights the physical aspect of the martial art, focusing on body movements, balance, and coordination.

· Jutsu (術): Translated as "art" or "technique," this kanji signifies a practical, skill-based approach. 


Is a martial art with Japanese-origin techniques that, according to oral tradition, trace back around 900 years to the Daito ryu school. Through various techniques, schools, styles, and names, this generic term describes a method of training used by Japanese warriors, or bushi, employing “body techniques” or unarmed combat to defend themselves when disarmed.


Its closest origin lies in the Aikido Jujutsu teachings of the Japanese master Minoru Mochizuki (1907-2003), which spread in France in the 1950s under the name Taijutsu.


The successful spread of the style in Europe is largely thanks to the efforts of Hiroo Mochizuki (1936), son of Minoru Mochizuki, and to the essential contribution of Jim Alcheick (1931-1962), a Frenchman of Tunisian origin. Alcheick played a key role in expanding the style by founding the French Federation of Aikido, Taijutsu, and Kendo (Yoseikan) in 1958, where he held essential roles in its development and promotion.


A prominent student of these three masters, the French Roland Hernaez (1934-2024), designed, until the late 1990s, a technical teaching method for the Western learning of Taijutsu, which includes different techniques of Aikido and Jujutsu (certified by the Yoseikan martial arts school), Karate and Judo (certified by the French Federation), Nihon Jujutsu (certified by the Kokusai Budo Renmei), and Shorinji Kempo (certified by the French Federation).


Nihon Taijutsu represents the methodical and technical application of bodily movements to control an opponent. It embodies the principles of fluidity, adaptability, and efficient body mechanics, using leverage, momentum, balance, and space-time adequacy to overcome an adversary with an efficient economy of movement and optimization of force usage. It is a versatile and comprehensive martial art, focusing on practical self-defense while maintaining a deep respect for the traditional values of Japanese martial arts.


Since 1993, this method is has been taught to the members of the Seibukan Martial Arts school - International Seibukan Budo Federation (SBIF).


Seibukan Department of Nihon Taijutsu - Self defense


The Seibukan Budo [SBIF] recognizes various martial arts schools that practice the original Nihon Taijutsu of Master Roland Hernaez. This allows practitioners and instructors who are members of the federation to select the approach that best aligns with their training goals and preferences.


This structure gives instructors the freedom to operate within an international organization like SBIF, thereby promoting diversity and continuous enrichment in the practice and teaching of Japanese-origin Taijutsu, Nihon Taijutsu.








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