The Sub-Arts of Karate: Tuidi-jutsu and Kyusho-jutsu

Tuidi (Grab-Hand) “The Grappling Aspect of Karate”
All bodies can be weakened – they all have nerves, vital points, joints, tendons and muscles that will respond in a certain way to certain type of strikes and pressure. The grappling art of karate exploits these weaknesses, so that with an appropriate application of a Tuidi Techniques, a big, strong person may be controlled by a smaller, weaker one. Striking to vital areas that precede the locking techniques is integral to Tuidi.

Tuidi involves knowledge of many diverse disciplines, such as human anatomy, vital points, human nature, mental development, throwing techniques, and of course joint locking techniques etc. It is very important to read your opponent intentions constantly, adapting your techniques according to his movements. The laws of Mind, Breath, and body should be applied. Body alignment and proper hand placement is crucial.

I must emphasize that Tuidi is not ju-jutsu. The body alignment is different and so is the intent. Tuidi can be acquired by studying the classical kata of Okinawan Karate. U.S. Kenshikai offers a very complete system of Tuidi

• Waveforms
• Quadrants Theory
• Yin Yang Relationships
• Five Elements Relationships
• Vibration
• Mind, Breath and Body
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Body Alignment
• Tongue (to roof of mouth)
• Angle of Attack (15°, 30°, 45° & 90°)
• Absorption of Attack ~ Go With Flow
• Proper Grab/Latch Technique ~ “Bite”
• Attacking, Seizing and Digging Into The Cavities of The Body Unprotected by The Skeletal Structure
• Proper Hand Placement
• Push and Pull
• Eliminating All of The Free-Play

Kyusho Jutsu (Vital Points Art)
Kyusho jutsu was and is considered a secret among the old Okinawan masters. This is the most superior form of striking in Karate Jutsu. When properly used against selected anatomical points of the nervous or circulatory systems it will disable the attacker beyond the ability to renew his attack. Here body alignment and precision not strength is the key.

Kyusho jutsu was and is consider a secret among the old Okinawan masters. This is the most superior form of striking in Karate Jutsu. When properly used against selected anatomical points of the nervous or circulatory systems it will disable the attacker beyond the ability to renew his attack. Here body alignment and precision not strength is the key.

US Kenshi-Kai™ organization teaches a complete system of pressure points base on traditional Chinese medicine. We teach theory such as Ying & Yang, Five Elements and Quadrant theory etc. These principles and concepts helps the Pressure Point practitioner evaluate and explain all that happens within the application of a technique and help explain the “whys” and “how’s” and of course the use of the “Players to the game” to help explain and evaluate and add to.

The Meridians
Meridians are pathways, vessels that transport Ki, Chi, Blood, and fluids throughout the body, integrating all the body’s parts into a unified whole.

Note: The 12 Meridians are listed in the order of the Chi, Ki Flow. They are bilateral points, meaning they exist on each side of the body.

2 of the 8 EXTRAORDINARY MERIDIANS

These two Extraordinary Meridians are classically called the Great Central Channel, and are considered the most fundamental of all Ki flows; vital to the well-being of the body and spirit. It balances the entire meridian system.

• Conception Meridian connects with the six Yin Meridians mention above.
• Governing Meridians connects with the six Yang Meridians mention above.

The Five Elements

In ancient Chinese thought, Chi, Ki was said to give the world substance through its manifestation in the five elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. They believed that everything in the universe has one, some or all of the five elements. The five elements represent the process of change, and were an attempt by ancient minds to understand the workings of the universe. This concept is believed to have evolved around 400 BC and to have subsequently spread throughout neighboring regions.

From our studies we know the following;

• There are twelve main Meridians
• There are Five Elements
• Each Element has an elemental pair with fire having two pairs
• Each pair is Yin and Yang
• The Quadrant Theory

The Quadrant Theory says that the further away the strike is from the point of attachment or previous strike, the more systemic and overall damaging the effect. The Quadrant Theory cuts the body from top to bottom and across. It teaches that each Quad is allergic to each other.

We can now begin to add our Five Element knowledge to our Yin & Yang knowledge which also incorporates of course, the Quadrant Theory.

More about the Sub-Arts Guide Book by Luis Morales