HISTORY OF SMALL CIRCLE JUJITSU
Small Circle Jujitsu™ History and Development
Origins of Jujitsu
Jujitsu, a Japanese martial art with origins dating back 2000 years, served as the foundation for samurai combat techniques, complementing their sword skills. Its history, initially preserved through oral traditions, became formalized during the Edo period. Over time, countless styles (ryu) emerged, eventually leading to adaptations and innovations worldwide, including the creation of Small Circle Jujitsu™.
Influence of Professor Henry S. Okazaki
Small Circle Jujitsu™ finds its roots in Kodenkan Jujitsu, developed by Professor Henry S. Okazaki in Hawaii. Okazaki, a pioneer in integrating multiple disciplines, combined classical jujitsu styles (Yoshin, Kosagabe, Iwaga) with karate, knife fighting, lua (Hawaiian martial art), boxing, wrestling, kung fu, and other techniques. Breaking with tradition, he introduced jujitsu to non-Japanese students and inspired future innovators like Professor Wally Jay.
Professor Wally Jay’s Contributions
Trained by Okazaki and other instructors in boxing, weightlifting, and martial arts, Prof. Jay earned his black belt in Kodenkan Jujitsu in 1944. Dissatisfied with certain limitations in classical jujitsu, he began integrating concepts from various disciplines, particularly leveraging judo techniques learned from Sensei Ken Kawachi. Kawachi’s mastery of wrist leverage and his success despite a smaller stature profoundly influenced Jay’s development of Small Circle Theory.
Small Circle Theory and Innovations
Prof. Jay’s Small Circle Theory emphasized:
- Wrist Leverage: Maximizing control through subtle wrist actions.
- Transitional Flow: Seamlessly shifting between techniques to counterattack efficiently.
- Economy of Motion: Using precise, small movements for maximum effectiveness.
Combining his multi-disciplinary experience, Prof. Jay refined traditional jujitsu into a more fluid, adaptable style, emphasizing biomechanics and practical application. His methods gained credibility through success in competitive arenas, leading to his recognition as a top coach in judo and jujitsu.
Modernization and the Birth of Small Circle Jujitsu™
In 1978, Prof. Jay co-founded Jujitsu America alongside Willy Cahill, John Chow-Hoon, and Carl Beaver. This association sought to modernize jujitsu, departing from traditionalist Hawaiian-based Kodenkan teachings to incorporate techniques suited to contemporary needs. By 1987, Small Circle Jujitsu™ was formally recognized as a distinct martial art style, gaining prominence following coverage in Black Belt Magazine.
Legacy and Continuation
Small Circle Jujitsu™ became renowned for its smooth, functional techniques and adaptability across martial arts disciplines. Professor Jay officially passed the title of Grandmaster to his son, Professor Leon Jay, in 2002. The style continues to evolve, blending traditional jujitsu with innovative concepts to address modern combat realities.