This content evolved from Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu and includes Hapkido. The curriculum includes the basic principles and techniques of Striking (Atemi - Waza), Throwing Technique (Nage - Waza), Joint Locking (Kansetsu - Waza), Wrist Techniques (Tekubi - Waza), Elbow Techniques (Hiji - Waza), and Randori. Randori is soft flowing full body power partner practice to execute techniques against a resisting opponent, who is also trying to counter attack. Students will learn the basic 17 Ju Nana Hon Kata (Throwing techniques). Students will learn how to protect themselves with falls and rolls. This training develops your posture and improves your balance. Students also will learn to defend themselves from grabs with Standing Grappling Techniques (Renshu Ho). This Mind & Body conditioning trains the Autonomic Reflex Response, which gives an advantage if surprised by an attack (Ushiro Dori - Training you to respond if attacked from behind or from blindside). Students will learn Vital Anatomy such as organs and pressure points.

What is Tomiki Ryu:

Randori (Free-Style Practice): One distinctive aspect of Tomiki Ryu is the inclusion of randori, a form of free-style practice where one person defends against multiple attackers. This reflects the influence of Judo and introduces an element of live, dynamic training that is not as commonly found in other styles of Aikido.

Competition (Shiai): Tomiki Ryu includes a competitive aspect known as Aikido randori, where practitioners engage in semi-freeform sparring. This competitive element is not present in most traditional Aikido styles, and it draws on Tomiki's background in Judo.

Kata (Prearranged Forms): Like other styles of Aikido, Tomiki Ryu includes the practice of kata, which are prearranged forms demonstrating techniques against specific attacks. These forms are used for training and refining technique.

Blending of Judo and Aikido Principles: Tomiki sought to integrate the throwing and groundwork principles of Judo with the blending and redirection principles of Aikido. The result is a style that retains many traditional Aikido techniques but incorporates a more dynamic and practical approach to self-defense.

Tomiki Aikido Techniques: Tomiki Ryu includes a set of basic techniques, both empty-handed and with weapons, that practitioners study and apply in various training scenarios. These techniques are often categorized into open-hand (toshu randori) and knife defense (tanto randori).

Emphasis on Scientific Principles: Kenji Tomiki, who was also a professor of physical education and a researcher, brought a scientific and analytical approach to the study of martial arts. This is reflected in the systematic way techniques are taught and the emphasis on principles that can be understood and applied.

Judo is a Japanese martial art that primarily focuses on throws and grappling techniques, emphasizing the use of an opponent's force and balance against them. While Judo is traditionally seen as a sport with a strong emphasis on mutual benefit and personal development, there are variations and interpretations that incorporate more combative or self-defense-oriented aspects. Which is key aspect for the Mountain Dragon Aiki-Jujitsu Program.

In Judo, techniques are categorized into throws (nage-waza), groundwork or grappling techniques (katame-waza), and strikes (atemi-waza). The principles of Judo include maximum efficiency with minimum effort and mutual welfare and benefit.

Our program places a stronger emphasis on self-defense applications for real-world situations. In such cases, the training might include elements beyond the safety, and sportive aspects seen in competitive Judo matches. This could involve more focus on escapes, counters, and adaptations of techniques for self-defense scenarios.

Japanese Jujutsu (also spelled Ju-jitsu or Jiu-jitsu) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are both martial arts with roots in Japanese Jujutsu, but they have evolved in distinct ways over time. Here's an overview of our program:

Japanese Jujutsu:

Historical Background: Japanese Jujutsu is a traditional martial art that has its origins in the samurai battlefield techniques of feudal Japan. It encompasses a wide range of techniques, including joint locks, throws, strikes, and grappling.

Techniques: Japanese Jujutsu techniques are diverse and cover various aspects of self-defense. They include strikes, joint locks, throws, and groundwork. The art places an emphasis on using an opponent's energy against them.

Self-Defense and Street Applications: Traditional Japanese Jujutsu often includes training for self-defense situations and scenarios that might occur in everyday life. Techniques are designed to be effective in real-world situations.

Weapons Training: Some styles of Japanese Jujutsu incorporate training with traditional Japanese weapons such as the katana (sword), tanto (knife), and Jo (Japanese staff).

Katas and Forms: Many styles of Japanese Jujutsu utilize kata (pre-arranged forms) as a way to practice and perfect techniques. Katas include a series of movements against one or more imaginary opponents.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ):

Ground-Focused: BJJ places a strong emphasis on ground fighting and submission grappling. The art is known for its effective use of leverage and technique, allowing smaller practitioners to overcome larger opponents.

Submission Grappling: The primary goal in BJJ is often to submit the opponent through joint locks or strangles. Practitioners learn to control and submit their opponents on the ground, using positional dominance and technical proficiency.

We use Strikes: Our Jiu-jitsu include strikes and Pain compliance techniques. The emphasis is on controlling and submitting opponents through grappling techniques which are supported by “Brain Blinks” defined as Pressure Point Strikes to nerves and vulnerable body parts that are not allowed in Sports competition.

Our program incorporates both Japanese Jujutsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

We offer A course for the Bokken / Safety Katana, the traditional Japanese sword, typically covers a range of topics to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the weapon. Below is an outline of our course:

We talk about the Anatomy of the Katana such as the components and terminology. We cover basic Katana handling Grips and Stances. We Introduce proper grips for different techniques along with basic stances for effective Bokken / Safety Katana usage as well as Drawing and Sheathing Techniques.

We teach basic Strikes and Cuts and fundamental cutting techniques as well as, Defensive techniques: blocking, parrying, and evasion. We do partner drills for defensive maneuvers such as Traditional Kata Sword vs. Sword. Students Learn and practice traditional Kata sequences from Slow to full speed.

We care about safety which is why we practice in controlled environments with target materials and safety weapons.

This course structure aims to provide a well-rounded education on the Katana, encompassing the physical and mental skills required for its use.

We also train Using empty hands to simulate the techniques and movements of a Katana which is often referred to as, “tegatana”, "tanto dori" or "toshu randori" in traditional Japanese martial arts. Tanto is a Japanese knife, and dori means to seize or take. Tanto dori involves adapting the techniques designed for the Katana to empty-hand situations, often emphasizing self-defense against an armed opponent.

Our Jo-Jujitsu course combines the principles of traditional Japanese Jujitsu with the use of the Jo, a staff or stick typically about four feet in length. This course aims to provide students with a well-rounded understanding of both empty-hand techniques and the application of those techniques when armed with a Jo. Here's a general outline of our course:

We teach the basic Jo such as, the proper grip, stances, and handling techniques. We teach drills for developing fluidity, power, speed and basic independent hand movements.

Empty-Hand Techniques including strikes, joint locks, sweeps and throws. We have partner drills to practice Jo techniques. We teach various striking techniques using the Jo, focus on targeting and precision of strikes.

Course emphasis on proper body mechanics and timing. Learning and practicing traditional Jo-Kata sequences. Understanding the martial applications embedded in Kata. Adapting techniques for real-world scenarios for practical Self-Defense Applications

Perform traditional Jo-Kata with precision and understanding. This course structure aims to provide a comprehensive education in Jo-Jujitsu, combining the principles of traditional Jujitsu with the unique aspects of using the Jo staff as an extension of reach and modern day training tool.

Our knife training program is centered on Tanto Randori- Japanese Knife fighting, focusing on proficient disarming and neutralization techniques such as striking, throwing and joint breaking against committed knife attacks. We instruct fundamental knife holding and utilization, incorporating partner exercises where one participant wields a knife while the other employs empty-hand techniques in self-defense against a knife-wielding opponent. The majority of our training emphasizes empty hands versus a knife opponent. Students further refine their skills by integrating principles from Tomiki Aikido and Judo to execute effective disarms and maintain control.

Moreover, our comprehensive knife training extends beyond Tanto Randori, encompassing insights from diverse martial arts disciplines. Students benefit from additional knife training inspired by Kali, Ninjutsu, Wing Chun Kung Fu, and Baguazhang, enriching their repertoire with varied techniques, ranges, different sizes of knives and perspectives. We use training / safety knives that mark the opponents body’s when stabbed and/or slashed.