What is Yawara in DanZan Ryu Jujitsu?

Yawara Techniques, also known as Gentle Arts, are an integral part of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu. These techniques focus on using precise movements and subtle manipulations to control an opponent without causing excessive harm. Yawara Techniques are based on the principles of leverage, joint manipulation, and pressure points, allowing practitioners to effectively neutralize an attacker. You can see an example Yawara technique here: Finger Lock

In Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, Yawara Techniques encompass a wide range of skills and applications. They include escapes from grabs, wrist locks, finger locks, arm bars, and various forms of control and manipulation. These techniques rely on a deep understanding of human anatomy and the body’s vulnerable points, enabling practitioners to subdue opponents using minimal force.

One of the key aspects of Yawara Techniques is their adaptability. They can be utilized in various situations and can be modified based on the specific needs of a given encounter. Whether defending against an aggressive grab or countering an attempted strike, Yawara Techniques provide practitioners with versatile options to effectively defend themselves.

Training in Yawara Techniques requires discipline, focus, and precise execution. Students learn to develop sensitivity and timing to effectively apply these techniques. Through consistent practice and repetition, practitioners refine their skills, enhancing their ability to react quickly and effectively in real-world scenarios.

Yawara Techniques in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu not only provide practical self-defense skills but also promote personal growth and self-confidence. As students gain proficiency in these techniques, they develop a deeper understanding of body mechanics, balance, and control. They also learn the importance of timing, awareness, and mental clarity, which can be applied to various aspects of their lives.

Overall, Hand Techniques/Gentle Arts in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu offer a comprehensive approach to self-defense, emphasizing the use of precise and controlled movements to neutralize threats while prioritizing the safety of both the practitioner and the attacker.

The Yawara techniques in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu play a significant role in permeating the rest of the art, influencing and enhancing the practitioner’s overall skill set. Yawara, also known as Hand Techniques or Gentle Arts, forms the foundation of many other aspects of the martial art. These techniques focus on escapes, joint locks, and subtle manipulations, honing the practitioner’s ability to control an opponent without causing excessive harm, unless desired. The principles employed in Yawara techniques carry over into other areas of Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, such as Nage (throws), Shime (chokes and strangles), Goshin Jutsu (self-defense), and Oku Te (secret techniques). The understanding of leverage, timing, balance, and body mechanics developed through Yawara techniques enhances the practitioner’s proficiency in executing effective throws, locks, and counters. Additionally, the sensitivity and precision developed in Yawara techniques provide a solid foundation for the application of joint manipulations, chokes, and various self-defense techniques. Thus, Yawara techniques serve as a fundamental component that permeates and strengthens the practitioner’s skill set in Danzan Ryu Jujitsu, contributing to their overall mastery of the art.

TechniqueDescription
Katate Hazushi IchiSingle Hand Escape #1 – escape from an outside hand grab
Katate Hazushi NiSingle Hand Escape #2 – escape from an inside hand grab
Ryōte HazushiBoth Hands Escape – escape from a double wrist grab
Morote HazushiAll Hands Escape or Multiple Hands Escape – escape from two hands grabbing one wrist.
Yubi Tori HazushiDigit (finger) Escape – escape from a finger hold/grab
Momiji HazushiMaple leaf Escape – escape from a front choke
Ryo Eri HazushiBoth Lapel Escape – escape from a double lapel grab
Yubi ToriDigit (finger) Technique – finger lock on the sensitive third finger
Moroyubi ToriAll Digit (finger) Technique – come-along all fingers hold
Katate ToriSingle Hand Technique – one hand wrist lock
Ryōte ToriBoth Hand Technique – double wrist lock
Tekubi Tori IchiHand Neck (wrist) Technique One – wrist lock from an outside hand grab
Tekubi Tori NiHand Neck (wrist) Technique Two – thumb lock from an inside hand grab.
Imon ToriClothing Seizure – break hand from a chest push
Ryōeri ToriBoth Lapel Technique – break and wrist lock from a two-handed lapel grab
Akushu Kote ToriHandshake Forearm (curling) technique – wrist and thumb lock from a handshake
Akushu Ude ToriHandshake Arm technique – arm bar from a handshake
Akushu Kotemaki ToriHandshake Forearm (curling) Rolling Technique – arm bar and wrist lock from a
Yawara Technique
Back to Top