The name 'Liikan' is composed of two words, Lii and Kan which are the names for the 'I Ching' (Chinese Book of Changes) symbols, Fire and Water. This also reflects on the nature and sources of our core system, Japanese Jiu Jitsu (Ju Jutsu) and Chinese Kung Fu. In the Finnish language, Liikan has a different meaning implied, hence the use of a hyphen (Lii-Kan) when writing in Finnish. For more info, see 'What's in a name'.
Ju Jutsu with a Taste of Kung Fu and the Touch of Kyusho
Shorinjitsu is a martial art, primarily derived from Japanese Jiu Jitsu and augmented by Chinese Kung Fu, hence the oft-applied description, 'KungFu-JiuJitsu'. For more info about Shorinjitsu, its origins and lineage, go to About us.
Nowadays, Shorinjitsu has also been further influenced by and, incorporated aspects of several other styles, in particular Kung Fu systems such as Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Praying Mantis and Shaolin White Crane. A third tier of imported expertise comes from Kali/Escrima, Kyusho Jitsu (Vital/nerve Points) and Katori (Japanese Weapons System). The effect (result) is to create a much more flexible, flowing and natural style of movement and action than most other Ju Jutsu schools that makes it easier to learn, personalise and hence as efficient as it is effective.
The system has also been modernised with the inclusion of modern disciplines and knowledge systems from psychology (e.g. Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) and sports psychology), to criminology, security and risk management. This includes modern security guarding and supervision skills drawn from work experience.
In a nutshell we can say that...
-
The original system and forerunner of Liikan Jitsu was created by the Chief of the Japanese police force using his practical job experience. (see article: School History & Philosophy)
-
The Liikan style utilises foot and hand strikes, throws and lock-holds and includes ground fighting and Close Quarter Combat in general.
-
Training includes both unarmed and armed defence against both unarmed and armed assailants. Senior level training includes use of convenience weapons, knives, sticks and other major weapons.
-
The Liikan style includes 'Chi Kung' energy practice for both health and fighting applications.
-
We train both indoors and outdoors for different situations and according to the conditions. Winter Training / Summer Training
-
The system includes practical physical and psychological approaches and strategies for risk management and conflict resolution. Specifically the A.A.R.M. courses emphasise prevention, containment and management procedures using SAP (Stress, anxiety & panic) management and communication skills.
-
A large variety of practical training methods are used for conditioning the student for coping in different types of circumstances. We are NOT a kata based system, instead preferring to utilize skill and flow drills, Waza (technique) sets, Scenario Seminars and other practical training and conditioning methods. These training methods include the more common corner stones of: sparring (kickboxing), Randoori (Judo Throwing), ground fighting (Gatame Waza), Chi Sao (Trapping Hands), SAP (e.g. Stress) Training and Bio-Energy Training (BET), e.g. Chi Kung / Qi Gong / Yoga or whatever else you want to call it.
-
The training provides a great way to keep fit and healthy whilst at the same time learning useful skills within a friendly workshop environment provided by the Liikan Jitsu Club ry, and its many activities.
Lii-Kan Jitsu is clearly NOT a cultural antique, nor a combat sport. Neither is it a crude and clumsy quick-fix, half-baked partial art with self-defence tack-i-ons. Lii-Kan Jitsu is a personal security and risk management system that was conceived and designed to be true to Martial Art ideals, in that it remains consistent with traditional martial ways of war, but, in keeping with real street-life and moderated by modern pedagogy.
It is a Personal Security and Risk Management System in which, modern-day self-defence, conflict intervention, security and risk management are fully integrated as part of the main style and training programme along with various other supporting activities we call 'Side Arts'.
Not a sport or just another hobby but, 'Life Skills For Life'.
