Striking in Jujutsu

There are many people that think that there is no striking in Jujutsu, unless you add it in from another style - kickboxing or karate. In all actuality, it has been there all along.  In some older Jujutsu arts, especially those that focused on the softer side of Jujutsu, it was required that you had a black belt in a hard style of martial art first.  In other styles of Jujutsu, it is in there from the beginning, but taught later after you learn the basic principles of leverage and joint locks.

Many people limit their understandings of striking to only their fists or feet.  In Jujutsu, you use your whole body and what is readily around you.  With standing joint locks, for example, you can apply them slowly (compress them) to control or subdue an attacker.  When you apply this quickly in a snapping motion, you are striking or breaking the joint.  With throws (nage), you throw your opponent to the ground.  You are striking their body into the ground.  You must be open to think in different ways in which you apply your Jujutsu techniques to see the striking throughout Jujutsu. 

Speaking for for Danzan ryu Jujitsu that I teach, I find it takes time to develop the proper technique and leverage.  Basic punches or kicks are more than enough to enter into close range and apply the locks and throws needed to finish the fight.  There is always more to learn in striking, but solid basics serve well.  What is important to understand is that you are not boxing an opponent.  You are not trading punches, but entering into your Jujutsu technique with direct intention.  You block, parry, or stun with your hands or feet and strike with your Jujutsu technique.   

My recommendation is to go back to Yawara and see where you can naturally fit striking into the techniques. You will find the openings to apply your kempo or striking. Let's say you have katate hazushi ich. The guy grabs your wrist same side. Begin to use leverage to release, pivot and then grab his wrist. Back-hand strike or chop him in his face, or solar plexus (depending if your hand is immediately above or below uke's arm) and then apply your standing arm lock.   You can apply this throughout your Jujutsu techniques and they may appear similar to katas from Karate or Kempo.

If you focus is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, it will be more similar to your self defense.  Your strike is a stun or distraction, to enter and finish with your BJJ technique.  But following the understanding of Jujutsu striking mentioned above, you can see that you striking from a broader point of view, relying on striking with your Jiu-Jitsu techniques. 

Whatever your Jujitsu stye, you begin to look less and less to kickboxing and karate for what you already have.