The first publicly recognised Ju-Jitsu Ryu was formed by Takenouchi Hisamori in 1532 by the war lord Takenouchi Nakatsukasa Daisuke Hisamori and consisted of techniques using a sword, jo-stick and dagger as well as unarmed techniques all designed to be lethal and often finished off their opponent with a dagger. The Takenouchi-Ryu may be regarded as the primal branch for the teaching of arts similar to that of what we call Ju-Jitsu.

It has been estimated that over 675 to 750 systems of Ju-Jitsu were in existence in Japan from 1603-1868. The branches of Ju-Jitsu grew during the feudal period were the various systems honed their skills and techniques not only in practise, but in battle and skirmishes.Atemi was developed in Asia thousands of years ago. The early exponents and teachers spent many hours researching the human anatomy in a bid for perfection. Immersing themselves completely in this research committing to memory this secret knowledge, refining and keeping their secret knowledge of their Atemi to their families or clans.

During the 15th century, the samurai began to assimilate Atemi strikes into their systems of battlefield in unarmed combat now known as the martial arts. The samurai was able to use Atemi strikes that would require no elaborate movements, more swift and decisive action. Delivering a possibility of a fatal or disabling strike rendering the opponent helpless with “minimal power, maximum effect”. Bushido was a strict code that demanded loyalty, devotion, and honour to the death.

The earliest memories in Jujitsu were with Tony Smith Sensei and Reg Beakman Sensei, both were similar and different at the same time with Smith Sensei’s teaching more devastating and painful Atemi Jujitsu in the techniques. Some could argue that Atemi Jutsu/Jujitsu that was taught could also be deemed by purists that it is more of a Gendai budō “modern martial arts” and I am not going to argue the point.

Bleakman Sensei’s taught Atemi Jujtsu from 1954 until 1991, after which there were a number of notable instructors who carried the teachings on and some had numerous clubs.

Bleakman Sensei’s style of Atemi Jujutsu is firmly designed to give both mental and physical strength to the student who is faced with a dangerous situation remaining in control, calm and confident in order that they can then defend themselves effectively. 

After speaking to many students  of Bleakman Sensei,  I believe that Bleakman Sensei had taken inspiration from and also incorporated elements of ‘Kime no Kata’. Also seeing a good opportunity to teach the business man a simple self defence system. The kata is a set of twenty movements dating back to the 16th century which was originally called ‘Shin-Shobu-No-Kata. The kata is still practised within some Judo organisations. The kata is very much a self-defence kata using both tanto (knife), katana (sword), kicks, punches from both standing and sitting positions. It required a lot of skill to perform this kata well and gives a snap shot into history and the dangers samurai could have faced.

My brother and I early beginnings of Jujitsu began with Smith Sensei teaching techniques of striking at key vital area of the body. Including nerves and nerve endings, arteries running close to bone, organs, vulnerable joints like elbows and knees, fingers, wrists and sensitive regions such as the eyes, ears groin and throat. Using all manner of strikes with the open hands, arms, elbows, feet, or knees are employed, even using everyday objects such as keys, pens and even a newspaper.

It is based on our common principles. Other much older styles of  Jujitsu was developed in Asia thousands of years ago as stated earlier and was developed for fighting opponents in armour be it bamboo or metal; the strikes had to penetrate the weak points in of armour, which also mirrored the musculature and areas required to bend, twist, turn and manipulate one under the armour.