The Intersection of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and Danzan Ryu jujitsu are two different martial arts, but they share some similarities. Both arts focus on grappling and ground fighting, and both emphasize the importance of technique over strength. However, there are also some key differences between the two arts. BJJ is a more modern art that was developed in the early 20th century, while Danzan Ryu jujitsu is a traditional art that dates back to the 19th century. BJJ is also more focused on competition, while Danzan Ryu jujitsu is more focused on self-defense.
Despite their differences, BJJ and Danzan Ryu jujitsu can complement each other well. BJJ can help practitioners of Danzan Ryu jujitsu improve their ground fighting skills, while Danzan Ryu jujitsu can help practitioners of BJJ improve their striking, self-defense, and throwing or Judo skills.
Resources
If you are interested in learning more about the intersection of BJJ and Danzan Ryu jujitsu, there are a few resources that you can check out. While each focuses on either art, it's neccessary to know each well before attempting to find overlap between Brazilian jujitsu and Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. The first is the book, "The Authoritative Handbook of the Kodenkan Jujitsu School: Danzan-Ryu Jujitsu as taught by Prof. Sig Kufferath and Prof Tony Janovich" by Prof Tony Janovich . This book provides a comprehensive overview of Danzan Ryu jujitsu, including its history, techniques, and philosophy. The second resource is the website "BJJ Globetrotters". This website has a wealth of information on BJJ, including articles, videos, and forums.
Benefits of Combining BJJ and Danzan Ryu Jujitsu
There are many benefits to combining BJJ and Danzan Ryu jujitsu. Here are a few of the most notable:
- Improved grappling skills: Both BJJ and Danzan Ryu jujitsu focus on grappling, so combining the two arts can help you improve your grappling skills. This can be helpful for self-defense, competition, and other applications. For example Danzan Ryu has techniques such as Koguruma and Tataki Komi that teach principals about blocking a double leg take down. Danzan Ryu also has Yawara a list of small & large joint locks that work no matter where you are. Standing up or while grappling. We teach these at our school.
- Improved ground fighting skills: BJJ is particularly focused on ground fighting, so combining it with Danzan Ryu jujitsu can help you improve your ground fighting skills. This can be especially helpful for self-defense, as many attacks end up on the ground. For example Danzan Ryu's list Shime Te offers a large variety of options to end the fight while taking someone to the ground. These are not sport moves such as Osaegame Jime and shikano Itsusoku Jime. Again, Yawara is always the best addition to any ground fighting arsenal.
- Improved striking skills: Danzan Ryu jujitsu also includes striking techniques, so combining it with BJJ can help you improve your striking skills. This can be helpful for self-defense. Danzan Ryu includes striking later in the art towards the black belt levels. This is because as you develop your locking & throwing game you will start to find places where the movement offers many opportunities to strike. When someone says, "wrist locks don't work." Hit them first and watch it work (Don't actually do this).
- Improved self-defense skills: Both Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Danzan Ryu jujitsu are effective for self-defense, so combining the two arts can help you develop a comprehensive self-defense system. BJJ in my opinion is not helpful when dealing with multiple attackers. However, being able to get up off the ground is a critical skill if one falls (which Danzan Ryu teaches you how to fall without getting hurt). Knowing both Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Danzan Ryu would benefit you greatly in such an encounter.
- Improved overall martial arts skills: Combining BJJ and Danzan Ryu jujitsu can help you improve your overall martial arts skills. This can be helpful for self-defense, competition, and other applications. My first Sensei said, "All arts have blind spots don't get married to an art. Belts don't matter, become a well rounded fighter. When it's time go learn another style." I believe this to be true and is something I encourage my students to do when they are ready.
Conclusion
If you are interested in learning more about the benefits of combining BJJ and Danzan Ryu jujitsu, I encourage you to come check out a class. Set up your video intro today! I believe that combining these two arts can be a great way to improve your martial arts skills and your self-defense abilities.