SiJ - Shiden'issen Jujutsu: June 2010

Students in the spotlight

Last week, students and instructors of Shiden'issen Jujutsu were in the spotlight for the upcoming SiJ2 video. Now that the majority of Sensei Maza's Grappling footage is complete, the Jujutsuka took center stage and wholeheartedly displayed their skills to the best of their doing.

To stay true to the gritty, up-close-and-personal theme that will echo throughout SiJ2, multiple camera angles were used to capture live training - Randori.

Taken from a scene in the new SiJ2 footage, Sempai Turner (9ineToe) applies an unorthodox foot and knee torque on Damon (Fang), prior to achieving a more dominant position.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

In a No-Gi Randori sequence, fellow SiJ- Dark Mike, attempts to capture an arm to set up a joint-lock submission.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

Assistant SiJ Instructor Tanner Wortham (Tuna), finishes off his partner with a strangulation utilzing his own Gi sleeve, called Sode Guruma Jime. Meaning, "Sleeve wheel choke" in Japanese.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

During another No-Gi Randori sequence, Fang catches another student in his favorite submission - Te Sankaku Jime. Or, "Arm triangle choke."

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

200 plus -pounds of red beef sit atop Fang as he tries to maneuver out of an Osae komi waza (hold down technique) called, Ushiro Kesa Gatame - or 'rear scarf hold.'

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

As precursor to a throw, Kuzushi is applied...as to break one's balance. As seen here during this Randori still.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson- Randori

SiJ student Dion (Disturbed), seen here entangled with another, attempting to submit his opponent.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Randori

Scarlet rolls with the opposition, looking for a sweep.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Randori

AZ Border Patrol agent, Geo trying to send his partner back to the border with some crafty Open Guard technique.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Randori

Only a few remaining students still need to be filmed for this Grappling footage, which will hopefully wrap up late this week. After these segments are complete...time to rock the SiJ Stand-up modus operandi. Stay tuned...

New SiJ details page goes live

In an effort to educate people who are perhaps unsure of what SiJ consists of, a long-needed content overhaul to the Shiden'issen Jujutsu page on the Martial Arts of Tucson website recently went live. This updated informational page goes more in-depth than its predecessor, and gives concise insight into the four aspects of the SiJ martial style: Ground grappling (Ne waza), Throwing technique (Nage waza), Stand-up technique (Tachi waza) and Live practice (Randori). The new content also provides the reader with a brief introduction to some SiJ martial principles and Japanese terminology.

"I wanted to further explain the diversity of this art for new students, or for people simply wanting to know what SiJ is all about." – Sensei Maza

See for yourself

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

SiJ2 - grappling footage part I

Over the last two weeks, SiJ began compiling footage for their Ne-waza (grappling technique) section for the upcoming SiJ2 video. Using two different videographers, the team strived to capture an up-close-and-personal theme, enabling the viewer to feel like they are in the action.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - grappling

First up was Sensei Maza with his Spider monkey legs, rolling around in every which way with SiJ Assistant Instructor, Tanner Wortham, and student, Dion Nutter.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza

"For this part of the footage, we wanted to primarily capture technique against resistance. We simply set up different starting positions, like Yoko-gatame (side hold), inside Guard, etc, and went from there, rolling the dice that we would perform something camera-worthy. Luckily, we did! And a whole bunch of not so much," said Maza.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza

This is the first phase of the grappling footage for SiJ2. Next up, Sensei Maza will continue his display, this time showcasing Gi techniques. From there, the camera will again turn to Sempai Turner and students to perform the same techniques. Finally, competitive Ne-waza Randori will be filmed just as was done with the throwing portion of the video. A long, grueling way to go...

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza

Also captured was the first part of the SiJ Solo Exercises that will be featured in the DVD bonus section. This portion will be geared towards absent SiJ students as it will provide drills one can perform at home to increase dexterity and martial understanding.

Intertwined like a vine.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ne waza - Ryan Maza

Some needed footage of SiJ student, Sean - was captured last week, prior to his departure to Japan.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

More pics are available on the MAOT Private forum for students.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza

More updates coming soon!

SiJ2 filming - update

Martial Arts of Tucson's - Shiden'issen Jujutsu group continued their filming momentum yesterday by recording the first of their Randori footage.

Randori is a term used in Jujutsu (and other Japanese martial arts) to describe free- style practice or sparring. The term literally means "chaos taking" or "grasping freedom," implying a freedom from the structured practice of kata. Randori is typically characterized by one-on-one sparring in which partners attempt to resist and counter each other's techniques.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson -Ryan Maza - Randori

This night’s filming specifically targeted 'Nage-waza,' or throwing technique. The goal of Nage-waza is to use pure skill to cleanly throw your opponent to the ground. Even though the cameras were rolling, the students were able to focus completely on their technique, thus allowing for some astounding competitive footage.

Assistant instructor, Tanner Wortham (Tuna) gazes on to catch Geo perform a nasty throw called O'soto Gari on an unwilling fellow Jujutska.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Throwing practice

Sempai Turner lands a quick, circular foot throw called, Hiza Gurama (knee wheel).

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Hiza Guruma

Dion (Disturbed) and Theresa (Scarlet) clinch up and fight for grip superiority in the beginning off their match. Disturbed is seemingly more frightful of the 'Whipping hair attack.'

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson -

"You see that over there? WRONG."

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza and Brett Turner

Dion hits a counter throw - Ura nage.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

Marcos (Jedi) came out of the wood-works and made a special guest appearance with an epic- Seio nage (shoulder throw) after eating 2 Grande burritos.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

Captured on SiJ2, Sempai Turner performing a teaching segment of a Tachi waza (standing technique).

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson -Tachi waza teaching

Students early awaiting to get their hands on Tuna.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Tachiwaza teaching

SiJ2 will also featuring some class training methods. As depicted here, a line throw - Scarlet reps Tai Otoshi on the 'forgiving mats.'

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - line throw practice

RANDORI - Agent Smith faces off against Tuna.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Randori

Maza and 9ineToe discussing the delicacy of the next SiJ pool party and what RUM to bring.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza

Captured on SiJ2, Sensei Maza teaches students a modified rear mount hold and submission options. Is Tuna asleep here?

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza

SiJ2 is attempting to stylistically incorporate many up-close and personal (macro) cinematography shots.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

The infamous, "..that's what she said moment." -Maza. You'd have to be there.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza

Footage of students drilling the Ne waza technique that was just taught, as Maza and Turner look on in the background.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Student practice

Disturbed showing that, he wants up.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

Teaching footage of Assistant Instructor, Tuna, demonstrating on eof his favorite thorws - Tai Otoshi.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

Closeup of the important Kuzushi principle to set up a throw. Kuzushi is to destroy one's balance. A precursor concept to a successful throw.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

Same as above. Alt. camera angle.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson

Geo lands yet ANOTHER Hiza Guruma throw during the Randori filming.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Randori

When Tuna's attack. Uchi Mata happens.

SiJ2 - Shiden'issen Jujutsu - Martial Arts of Tucson - Ryan Maza - Uchi Mata

Kidding! Tuna is not easy to throw, due to his lower center of gravity and being built like an Ox. That, and he's good too!

More video stills and absurd commentary coming soon, as SiJ2 resumes filming this week - at Martial Arts of Tucson.

Filming started on New SiJ Video

The minds behind Martial Arts of Tucson’s Shiden’issen Jujutsu program are pleased to announce that filming has commenced on their new promotional video, tentatively titled “SiJ2,” the long-awaited follow up to the program’s original internet sensation, “Shiden’issen Jujutsu: Arts of the Samurai.” Like its predecessor, the new video will deliver a thrilling showcase of SiJ’s uniquely diverse core curriculum of throwing, grappling, joint lock and submission techniques. To set it apart, the new video will also provide viewers with some much needed upgrades.

The most notable addition will be an original song, currently in development by composer Rich Katz, which aims to stylishly complement the more dynamic visual approach to the video’s equally intense action. The song will also circumvent YouTube’s stringent copyright policy that left the first video without a score on that site. Although, the original SiJ video can still be seen on the MAOT website.

Among the other updated plans for the video, viewers can expect a more personal focus on the special camaraderie that makes SiJ more of a family than just a class. The audience will also be treated to a clearer picture of how techniques are taught and learned, a rare glimpse of a belt-awarding ceremony, and a more cinematic opening segment that will introduce one by one the dedicated Jujutsuka of SiJ. And to properly memorialize and convey the action, the entire video will be shot in hi-definition.

To date, the original video has garnered over 86,000 views on YouTube. Expectations for “SiJ2” are already soaring above and beyond this soon-to-be modest achievement, so stay tuned.

The following are unreleased, sneak-peak footage of the new SiJ2 video: