It consists of blocks, kicks, strikes, joint locks, and throws. Pressure points are used to cause pain yet not injury and off-balancing is used to control the attacker. We choose to respond to an attack in a manner which will cause the least amount of harm, while successfully defending ourselves.
Our system also includes a healing component. Students learn Shiatsu finger pressure to provide a wellness treatment. Learning the details of Shiatsu also enhances the student's understanding of and ability to learn advanced techniques.
This martial art cannot be learned from reading a book or watching a video. It is said that the techniques cannot truly be learned from seeing them, they must be felt. Only with devoted training can one master the techniques and develop a deep understanding. Abukawa, eventually attaining the rank and title of Shihan in November making him at that time only the 5th American to be awarded this title.
In Mr. Palumbo was requested by Soke Okuyama to return to the Hombu for advanced training but was unable to attend because of Air Force duties until almost 10 years later. The HMAF is an organization dedicated to furthering the study of Hakkoryu Jujutsu and passing its teachings throughout the world. In June of , Mr. Palumbo returned to Japan to undergo training and testing by Soke Okuyama.
He was awarded the titles and ranks of Renshi and then Menkyo Kaiden. In the summer of he was awarded the title of San Dai Kichu, the highest possible ranking in Hakkoryu Jujutsu.
