These descriptions are required reading for Black Belts.

Descriptions starts with the basic or open thoughts and continue with quotation marks to represent principles that the student is not aware of. You should try to guide your students to the proper hidden meaning without telling them what they are. If they find them by studying they will appreciate the secrets more.

GREEN BELT - “First line of standing defense from a distance.”

Falls- When you are locked or thrown, to acquire the ability to lower yourself to the ground. “Assume a workable defensive and offensive ground posture, while protecting your centerline.”

Wrist Lock- To learn to move to the outside and blend with power. “To learn 45% forearm control, sticking hand, a rear pivot, a forward pivot, locking power close to your center and far from his for maximum strength, maintaining locking position while he falls and turns, and locking leverage using your hands and legs together. This technique is an excellent example of leverage, learning to control the shoulder to start movement. “This technique is the art in a nutshell. Hide a small technique in large motion.”

Grip escapes- To escape and move to outside. “To learn to stay relaxed and use snaking movement, to position your hands towards an outside wrist lock from any grip, to start long sword hand positioning.” “Draw attacks to your head. This is the essence of technical speed, learning to bait the attacker into your technique without his knowledge.”

Knife Movement Blocks- To move and blend with large motion stepping attacks, while destroying their foundation. “Diagonal V-step forward to close distance, Circular step to maintain distance, different hip positions for a round house and a front kick, forearm movement to represent the long sword movements, the relaxed hand for trapping and locking, center line control and domination, and the 3 main centering pressure points that take the least amount of energy to damage.” “The Roundhouse kick to the shin teaches leg-foot coordination. This kick is used while wearing shoes. The sole of the shoe is directed in and up the shin to scrape the bone. It can be painful to the ball of your foot, when practiced without shoes. To be able to move fast and hard, and to stop just before contact helps the student to subconsciously develop leg-foot coordination. Pain can be a good teacher. Remember you must move away from small, flicking knife attacks to create a large committed attack that you can work with.”

GREEN with BLACK STRIPE - “Second line of standing defense from a closing distance.”

Traditional Throws- To move like an armored samurai. “These two throws represent all variables found in all standing throws.” “Low capture, upper body control (air techniques), High capture, lower body control (sweeping techniques), and forward and rear throwing.”

Modern Throws- Judo offensive style throws. “Relaxed movement, off balancing, total winding from unrestricted movement.”

Evasive maneuvers for modern throws- To prevent a throw. “These two principles prevent a high or low lockup, the beginning of any throw.” “To gain center line control or to gain back control, the two key positions for offensive destruction.”

Locks- To learn the ability to break a joint from a touch. “These locks are the foundation to all locks, variations are unlimited.” “Locks are in the order of movement, from no movement for restricted area combat up to full movement for open area combat.” “All movement increases to the outside or safe area.”

Inside wrist lock- This is the smallest movement lock. “The first lock represents all locking techniques, in that, you control the finger with a lock (a diversion), which guides you to another technique, the thumb lock, which puts the hand under total submission, to destroy the wrist at will. This is a very important lesson, don’t rush in to a finish without immobilizing the intended target, creating a diversion and leaving the attacker defenseless for the kill.”

Outside wrist lock- This is the most painful wrist lock. “The lock teaches you to move your entire body mass in position to reinforce any technique.”

Straight armbar- This lock teaches you to use other body parts, other than your hands to break a joint. “Looking at this deeper, it helps create sensitivity in moving your center to apply a technique since the body breaks the arm with no use of your hand.”

Flexing straight armbar- This is a strong lock and it allows you to focus (literally) on the task at hand, because you can watch the joint dislocate. “This lock teaches the principal of moving the attackers body weight into the break, so that his upper body weight helps to break his own arm.”

Cross bent arm lock- This lock takes the most ground space to accomplish, don’t attempt this lock in a confined area. “This lock teaches crashing or momentum slamming. You completely create the momentum of the attacker and then use the created momentum to crash into the lock, doubling the force. This principal is considered a higher level then the Green Belt wrist lock, which uses your attackers momentum.”

Evasive maneuvers for locks- To learn to slide to the end of your arm where the root of problem is. “To learn the basic reciprocal motion used in all hard blocking styles while cocking your free hand into the most powerful striking position, near your center.”

Strikes- To build hand and body coordination. “To learn to strike without being rooted into the ground, which gives flexibility to your position and allows you to strike at will with greater speed.” “Moving your total mass to strike.”

Kicks- To kick and follow through with your body mass. “To understand which leg to use in a given stance to generate the most power.” “The kicks are in the order of hip positioning, from front position to a rear position.” “To understand the difference between sparring kicks and battle kicks.”

Demonstrate movement blocks- To move while you block. “With hand techniques (short distance attacks), you learn to minimize blocking and emphasize movement and offensive striking capacity. A very advanced principle is found in the -movement block for strikes-. As you move to the lead shoulder during a strike, you should move forward and away. The proper distance is determined by your full leg extension for the shin round house kick. Your entire body should be straight, from your kicking foot to your head and tilted away. As the attacker pulls his damaged leg back, he will swing his center line toward you. You are in a perfect position to use full reciprocal motion by hinging your body towards him for a destructive, centerline attack. The most common mistake is moving to close to his lead shoulder, which puts you in a collision position with his fists and elbows. This will also jam your follow strikes. At this level of training your goal is not to engage in grappling by closing the distance as you pass the attacker.”

“With kicking techniques (long distance attacks, which can also be lunging strikes) you learn to draw long distance attacks from over extension and to destroy foundations, and compress close distance attacks and to be able to reposition yourself to their rear for a kill.”

Demonstrate standing combat- To respond to the four basic attack modes. “To build an automatic reflex around these four basic attack modes so at black belt level your student can build their finish techniques on a firm foundation.”

Demonstrate evasive maneuvers- To recognize enclosing grips and evade secondary strikes. “To recognize all variables in controlling grips and holds, and to escape before the holds become immobilizing.” “To learn that because you think it’s over or safe, danger still can be present.” “After battle tighten your helmet.”

BROWN BELT- “Starts the transition from Standing to Ground Combat.”

Sword attacks- To follow up with second kick after the Roundhouse shin kick. “To learn the correct movement in relationship to weapon length, with diagonal (closing) or circular (constant distance) movement.”

“To learn the ability of reciprocal hip rotation for maximum power.”

“Learn to move away from the initial strike and draw a large committed strike that you can zone to your disarming advantage.”

Vine disarms- To learn disarms for different length weapons. “These four disarms are interchangeable, in reality only one will be needed in empty mind. In addition, all disarms can be accomplished with empty hand, knife, stick or sword.” “Disarms teach the student not to freeze during weapon attacks but to become a moving target.”

Falling branch disarms- To respond to overhead or stabbing motions. “This disarm incorporates maximum leverage while dealing with centerline attacks.”

Branch break- To disarm a threating weapon that is not in motion. “This is a classic chopping disarm, it teaches the foundation to chops for knives, sticks, guns etc. where no committed motion exists”

Kicks- Responds to initial threat of a fighting stance. “Teaches the principle of becoming the aggressor at the beginning of an attack. Prevents the freezing during an initial attack, and also instinctively trains you to recognize different zones, the kicking (long) and striking (short) distances.”

Elbow strikes - To strike at a close distance while moving. “Teaches the basic strike thrusting principles, such as stabbing with swords or knives, kicking and striking, by moving your entire body. It differs from the movement learned for blocking jabs and crosses. This technique teaches to you to move to the attackers rear to finish by staying close to the attackers body. At this level you are engaging in grappling and learning the ability to close the gap during an attack. The Valley Drop is an excellent follow up for this technique, along with the Strangle.”

Strangle- The Sleeper from a push. This technique is the foundation of Yoshin Ryu. “This is the only technique that you can bet your life on during an attack. No matter how strong the attackers is or what drug he is on, this technique will render him unconscious in a matter of seconds. A sleeping attacker can do you no harm.”

Throw - After you are down you bring your attacker down to your level. “Teaches the basic scissors movements necessary for advanced take downs using your legs like hands, the hands are easier to train first.”

Bee stings - The attacker’s gripping hands lead to nothing but trouble, sting to release. “Jujitsu practitioner should be sneaky like a fox, these movements help train small movements hidden in large movements, this is the basis of Jujitsu techniques.”

Locks - Finger and thumb lock pain can move a large person away from you. “A broken joint creates the same shock of pain whether it is an elbow or a finger, a finger will break easier. A small joint can be broken with very little movement on your part, this makes it ideal when you are trapped and over powered on the ground.”

Cross armbar - This is the strongest armbar break in Jujitsu. “Using both arms, both legs, and your entire body as leverage, this technique is the essence of locking.”

Cross armbar from a guard - This is the beginning of grappling in Yoshin Ryu. “With this technique, you will learn to master your legs and feet as you have mastered your arms and hands, this is the secret to grappling, you fight with four hands.”

Cross armbar from the mount - This is superior position and a superior lock. “Teaches to gain total control of the situation before engaging in a lock. The joint must be guarded from the beginning of the technique if you want it under your control at the end.”

BROWN BELT with BLACK STRIPE - “Study this board to become a grappling Master.”

Sword drills, 6 count drill - This series develops your sword fighting ability. “This technique demonstrate “EMPTY MIND” more than any other, the secret to empty mind is repetition. Many techniques are to painful to practice thousands of times on a training partner, but this series is enjoyable for both parties. Therefore, you will see empty mind movements on this technique before any other.”

Foundation kicks with disarms - When you are close to finishing your disarm don’t give up - kick. “This technique helps to develop the dominating spirit mentality, follow through, don’t quit, focus on your goal. The other principle is, a person with out a foundation can not fight as effectively, your feet and legs must learn to carry out a separate battle as your hands are engaged in an upper battle.”

Strangle from 7 angles - You must learn to apply this strangle from any position, “This strangle is the key technique in Yoshin Ryu, it destroys the control center of the attacker and leaves him at your mercy. Why 7 angles? The answer is simple, this technique must be learned thoroughly, the key is repetition. When you practice this technique one time, you automatically repeat it 14 times.”

Escape from finger lock - Teaches leverage in a small movement. “The principle in this technique is not actually as it appears. This technique is a small picture of KI energy control. Just as the circular pulse starts from the shoulder and moves to the fingers, all techniques start from the center and move outwards toward the attacker. This is the most importance lesson to learn.”

Hold downs - This is where aggressive grappling begins in your training. “Both the scarf and the cross hold downs are examples of grappling toward a goal instead of grappling to see what you can get. These techniques teach you to gain control of the opponents limb that you want, while moving him into a weak position for the finish. These two techniques also show how to eliminate any weak holes from the transition from standing to grappling, to remove airspace.”

Grappling Locks - Cross armbar (face down), teaches the armbar entry while grappling on your back. “This technique teaches several grappling lessons. When you are in subordinate position, bring your attacker down to meet you (at your level). Use your arms and legs to position the attacker for the lock. Use your legs to compress the attacker to a level below yours, in this case the lock itself, in other instances a reversal of positions.”

Calf lock - Teaches the use of locks to destroy obstacles while entering the attack. “This is a subtle lesson, what appears to be the easiest path or entry, will usually end in your own destruction. Meaning, while it may appear that you should secure the calf and roll straight back into the lock, this will give your opponent a chance to counter you with the same technique or an ankle lock. The lesson is, when grappling maneuver to secure the attack while minimizing the opponents ability to stop you or counter you.”

Ankle lock - When a person keeps you away with his feet, destroy his ankle. “This technique teaches overpowering total body commitment for every attack. Even though the ankle joint is small, you are attacking it with both hands and arms, a leg and your entire body weight, against such as small joint seems like overkill but this is the commitment of a warrior.”

Grappling Strangles - Front scissors - Use your body weight and superior position to reinforce the strangle. “The main strategy of Yoshin Ryu is to create the allusion that the attacker is choosing his movements by free will, such as keeping your hands down and drawing the strikes towards your head. This strangle is painful but not totally secure, which leads to your real goal, the rear entanglement. When your opponent rolls in either direction to free his neck, snake to his rear while apply the rear entanglement. This strategy should be used throughout all your training, lead the attacker to his own destruction without him realizing it.”

Rear strangle - Teaches a basic neck crank and ends with a strong strangle. “This technique teaches how to clash power to your advantage, this principal can be used on many different techniques. As your opponents motion is accelerated forward it is abruptly stopped by the rear entanglement, which places his own body weight and momentum against his own neck.” “The second principal is that all techniques must be studied to the level that a standing technique can be used on the ground while grappling, (as this technique mentioned above) and a ground technique can be used while standing. When this ability starts to emerge you know you are on your way to mastering the art.”

Demonstrate evasive maneuvers for modern grappling techniques starting at Hold Downs-

In this series you are countering modern throws into modern hold downs. “By learning modern throws and hold downs the students vision of Martial Arts is increased and also hopefully his understanding of Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu.”

STUDENT BLACK BELT- “If you master one technique board, this is the one.

This board is the most aggressive, destructive and all encompassing board.”

Come-a-longs, Straight finger- straight arm- This is the initial come-a-long and the next technique feeds naturally from this one. “This finger lock demonstrate structure domination by twisting the fingers to the attackers leg locking the wrist joint, eliminating the way of escape. Think as in terms of CHECK.”

Straight finger- bent arm- This is the strongest come-a-long. “This take the previous principle a step further by eliminating the next joint up the arm. This is the ultimate finger lock, it controls the fingers, wrist, elbow and shoulder leaving no escape route. Think in terms of CHECK MATE.”

Spinning wrist lock- This is the type of Jujitsu lock that spawned Aikido. “This lock teaches not only total domination but also multiple destruction. You destroy the elbow, wrist and shoulder all in one swift motion. By now you should start to recognize these common principles of Yoshin Ryu.”

The Ice throw- Your attacker should feel like he slipped on ice and broke his arm.

“This technique teaches more principles than any other. Block while you move, with your blocking arm relaxed (soft), while you strike and grip the neck with force (hard). All techniques contain GOJU or hard and soft. Lever the head to throw. A person will always follow their head. Sweep (Throw) after the attacker starts to fall (this is pure off balance at its best). Control the neck driving the head into the ground for a concussion (the most powerful strike, their body weight combined with the momentum of the throw and speed of your hand driving their head into an immovable object , the ground). Controlling the neck until you are in position break the arm (this strategy is the foundation of Yoshin Ryu techniques). Using your entire body, both legs, both hands and your center to dislocate one joint (The strongest of all locks).

All of these lessons should be mastered, they will help your other techniques mature.”

Pressure points - Throat and Groin- Everyone can relate to the pain caused by these two points. “There are hundreds of pressure points throughout the body, so why these two? Some pressure point can be struck, others pressed, others grabbed and still others maneuvered for come-a-longs. Pressure points can cause pain, disorientation and loss of balance, change in blood pressure and breathing, nausea and vomiting, immobilization, unconsciousness and of course death. Many pressure points can only effect one reaction. The throat and the groin are the only two pressure points that can encompass all the necessary effects, determined by how you attack them. The other advantage is that both points are located on centerline. As an attacker moves or pivots, centerline remains stationary and all points move around the center making it ideal to target.”

Knife attacks- block inside and wrist lock outside and stab- You should be the one with the weapon at the end of knife and gun attacks. “There are several important lessons hidden in this technique. The most important and also the most elusive lesson is the first block. In the Green Belt knife attacks, we discussed drawing the attacker out for a large motion attack. At that level it was by stepping back and avoiding a fast small flicking cut and forcing the attacker to make a larger zoned swing so you can react. At black belt level we take this principle step to a higher level. For short fast knife strikes you should inflict pain on the attacking arm by striking the pressure point on the forearm. If the attack strikes 10 times with small movement attacks, you must destroy the forearm 10 times. Never use a large motion defense against a small motion attack. Yoshin Ryu’s most important lesson is to draw the attacker out (while destroying limbs with strikes) forcing him to commit with a large motion attack that you have forced. You predetermined the large attacking zone. This knife lock shows this example better then any other technique.

The second lesson is the amplification of a technique. In Green Belt you learn the wrist lock in its basic form. Now at Black Belt, you learn a more lethal application. The threat determines the amount of devastation that you are going to inflict.

As you capture the wrist and pivot, you lean back, as the pivot runs out of momentum. This breaks the arm. This does two things it relaxes the weapon hand and it allows you to rotate the elbow joint during the wrist lock.

The third lesson is immobilizing the weapon hand. After the lock you apply shin pressure to the nerve on the shoulder and lever the weapon out against your leg. This is the most damage you can inflict to the weapon hand, you broke the elbow, broke the wrist and pinched the shoulder nerve of the same arm, while maintaining control of the weapon throughout the technique.

Gun attacks- Trigger guard, finger lock and wrist lock- Gun and Knife disarms should be taken very seriously in training, there is no room for any margin of error or fancy theatrical movements. “Gun disarms teach a unique principle, how to act when you are attacked. For the element of surprise in combat it is important that you act simple, confused and non threating. In other words slightly touched in the head. If you want to be superior in combat you must act humble and combatively incompetent. If you really need an edge and are overwhelmed, act mentally retarded.”

Emphasize motion during all techniques- A black belt is judged on how he moves not on how many techniques he knows. “Look for upright balance in motion. All techniques start, move and finish with your center.”

FIRST DEGREE BLACK BELT- “The technique application belt.”

Traditional Throws or “Samurai Throws”

Sweeping hip throw- Blend with his energy. “The technique teaches maximum efficiency by controlling the outside of the circle. To apply the principle, you control his head and sweep his ankle to furthest connection points of a circle.”

Inside reap- Clear the attacker after a strike. “This principle is total center line control and domination. Removing his center from his location and replacing it with yourself. This Jujitsu principle is where Sumo Wrestling came from.”

Shoulder Throw- Builds a reflex for a half clinch. “This technique teaches a compressing circle (a spiral). Pivoting at a distance from the adversary, drawing him in, then sinking as you circle to throw. This concept creates speed for any throw. This is one Jujitsu principle that Judo was founded on.”

Circle Throw- This is an example of a sacrifice throw. “This technique has a well hidden secret. If you know what it is, you are close to Mastering the concepts of Yoshin Ryu.

This technique deals with controlling your attackers mind, which is the ultimate weapon in your arsenal. You appear to slip and fall directly in front of your attacker which will apparently leave you very vulnerable, flat on your back with your centerline open. This builds the attackers confidence as he move down on you for a kill. In a fraction of a second the tables are turned and his confidence is shattered, and you are in a superior position. This mind game should be applied to all techniques.”

Valley Drop- This throw works great against punches to the face level. “The principle in this throw was used extensively by Dr. Jigoro Kano in his creation of Judo. All of his original throws used this simple Jujitsu principle. He understood that the foot is designed to resist forward off balance but is very susceptible to rear off balance because the leg bones are lined up over the heel. All of his throws were originally applied over the back rear corner of the foot. Once you are in position for a Valley Drop, your throw will be successful. When Judo was introduced, this is why it dominated all Martial Arts competition. As opponents became aware of this principle it was easy to counter, this is when forward throws were introduced. They were an after thought because opponents would try to lean forward to stop from being thrown.”

Evasive maneuvers for modern Judo throws (classical throws)- Learn to counter throws.

“The following techniques represent different styles and principles that can be interchanged with any throw.”

Sweeping hip- This is the riding throw. “This teaches how to absorb forward energy and use it against the attacker.”

Inside reap- This is the corner dash throw. “This teaches how to absorb rear energy and use it against the attacker.”

Shoulder throw- This teach how to move your center to stop a throw. “It also teaches how to utilize techniques such as a strangle, when your hands are in a convenient position for a kill.”

Circle throw- This teaches how to take advantage of a forward sacrifice throw. “This technique teaches how to remove the strongest principle in a throw, which will collapse the attackers attempt do dominate you.”

Valley drop- This teaches how to take advantage of a rear sacrifice throw. “When a foot steps and moves around you (forwards or to the rear) , always use the advantage to sweep the attacker to the ground. This principle is very important in the art of Judo.”

Demonstrate combat escalation- As a black belt your must show your ability to dominate the attacker in any given situation and finish, if possible, with the Sleeper Strangle. “This drill is the ending to the Green Belt drill that you mastered early in your training. First you applied an automatic reflex (Green Belt) to a given attack and now you apply spontaneous follow up techniques until the attacker is unconscious (Black Belt).”

Demonstrate understanding of the following Classical Martial Arts Games:

Kumite- Contest of sparring using only strikes with your hands and feet . This game is played by Karate practitioners. No Contact is allowed. “This game teaches coordination, balance, speed and opportunity (creating openings).”

Randori- Contest of sparring using only throws, takedowns, holds, arm locks (on the elbow joint) and strangles. No striking is allowed. This game is played by Judo practitioners. “This games also teaches coordination, balance, speed and opportunity both in standing techniques and in grappling.”

Shiai- Contest of sparring using all of the above, plus locks to every major joint. “This is a new game. Originally Jujitsu fights ended in severe injury or death and were not considered a sporting game. For this reason in 1882 Judo was founded, which is a very limited form of Jujitsu. Brazilian Jujitsu has made gaming Jujitsu popular. Brazilian Jujitsu is also a limited form of Jujitsu with more emphasis on control and position domination rather than maiming and killing as Jujitsu was originally designed. Japanese Jujitsu grappling differs from Brazilian Jujitsu grappling in that work on the ground is fast and destructive with a small emphasis on control. As a warrior art, eighty percent of Japanese Jujitsu combat should be standing. Envision how a Samurai Warrior fought on the battle field, he used what he practiced- Jujitsu.”

Stick sparring- Contest of sparring using wooden sticks or bamboo swords. “This game teaches speed, zoning and coordination. This form of Jujitsu gaming is where the art of Kendo originated.”

Knife sparring- Contest of sparring using wooden or rubber knives. “This game teaches speed and body movement. This is the only game that should be mastered at this level. All games must be understood and demonstrated, but the knife is the weapon of our era and must be mastered. By learning this game you will be able to recognize the threat of the blade more readily.”

Demonstrate Willow Jujitsu against- Kumite, randori, shiai, stick & knife fighting, boxing & wrestling.

By learning the Classical and New Games (Boxing & Wrestling) , the Yoshin Ryu practitioner can develop strategies from their trained motion to destroy the players. “You must remember that you are studying what that Samurai Warriors would have considered [Basic Training]. You should have the knowledge of lethal warfare to destroy any one playing a martial arts game. You have trained in reality, a dimension with no rules or attacker logic. Games limit proper initial reflexes necessary in actual combat by the use of rules that protect the players in each individual game. Many of the necessary rules of a game are the aspects and principles that are required in combat. As a Yoshin Ryu Jujitsu Practitioner you must limit your time allotted to martial art game playing. If you play more than you train (repetition of the basic requirements) you will become like a sword that was polished with a rag, not ground with a stone. You will look good but you will be worthless when your life depends on it. For this reason you must experience the different games but master only the Art.”

When you have studied up to this level and have tested for First Degree Black Belt, you will have just started you Martial Arts training. “Always look for the hidden secrets behind each of these techniques. The requirements from Green Belt to 1st Degree Black Belt and the descriptions that you have just read only scratch the service of this great art. Once you mastered the techniques, and more importantly yourself, you will be taken in under one of the Masters of the art. At that time you will learn what each technique and movement really is and what each application really means. You will advance to a higher plain then you thought possible. All Traditional Warrior Arts teach a basic version to the populous. The selected and dedicated Warriors are taken to the higher level. Someday I hope you will find yourself there. The secret of being excepted at this level is the development of the Budo spirit. If you say you have mastered all of the techniques and you know you are ready, you are not even close to enlightenment.”