JAPANESE JIU JITSU

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu in NYC

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is a traditional martial art focused on joint locks, throws, pins, and control techniques. Rooted in samurai-era Japan, it emphasizes leverage, timing, and using an opponent’s energy rather than brute strength.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is the foundation from which modern grappling arts developed. Judo evolved from classical jiu-jitsu systems in the late 19th century, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu later emerged from Judo.

At Kokushi Budo, our system is specifically rooted in Kokushi Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, a style developed by Nobuyoshi Higashi. This method preserves classical Japanese principles while organizing them into a modern, structured curriculum.

How Our Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Program Is Different

  • Curriculum-based progression with clear technical benchmarks

  • Practical application focus — techniques are trained for real-world function, not sport-only rules

  • Structured partner training emphasizing control and safety

  • Discipline and body awareness rooted in traditional budo values

  • Direct lineage instruction through Kokushi Ryu

Training includes standing techniques, throws, joint controls, and foundational grappling concepts that form the technical base of both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Students develop precision, balance, timing, and composure under pressure.

Whether you are new to martial arts or cross-training from another discipline, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu offers a technically rigorous and historically grounded system of training.

Kokushi Budo
331 Riverside Drive
New York, NY 10025
Upper West Side, Manhattan

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A young girl and a man in martial arts uniforms, wearing face masks, sit in a martial arts gym. The girl is sitting cross-legged on a black mat, smiling at the man, who is seated on a chair and holding his white belt. The girl has a bento box in fron
A collection of various medals hanging on a wooden wall, with ribbons of different colors and patterns.
Group of judo practitioners in gis and training gear posing on a mat in a dojo.