The History of Kyusho Jitsu

The History of Kyusho Jitsu is very controversial, and in fact Kyusho Jitsu is the most controversial martial art of modern times. Kyusho Jitsu is a child art of Dim Mak, a discipline that will be explored in detail in a future lesson. It is important to note that there is much controversy surrounding Kyusho Jitsu, with many mistakenly crediting George Dillman as the founder, which is untrue. If we are to credit anyone as the founder, it would be Hohan Soken, as he was the first to use the name.

Grand Master Dillman is responsible for bringing Kyusho to the mainstream. The name Kyusho Jitsu was given by Hohan Soken (1889 – 1982) and means in Japanese: “One second fight” or ending the fight in one second. The addition 'Jitsu', in Japanese, means "discipline, skill". It is an additional aspect of martial arts in which vital or sensitive points on the human body are targeted to temporarily or, if necessary, permanently eliminate the opponent.

Kyusho Jitsu is based on the acupuncture theory, which suggests that if one affects the flow of energy true the meridians, it will have some influence on the general or specific state of the body. While Kyusho Jitsu primarily focuses on the neurological aspects of the body, with some energetic aspects to disable an attacker, Dim Mak is a more extensive discipline that includes attacking the cardiovascular systems of the body. In essence, Kyusho Jitsu can be seen as a modern version of the ancient Chinese martial art discipline Dim Mak, which originated in the 13th century and serves as the foundation for what we know today as Tai Chi Ch’uan.

Kyusho Jitsu is the study of acupuncture pressure points. It incorporates the principles of acupuncture and applies them to martial arts. By targeting specific points on the body, Kyusho Jitsu practitioners aim to manipulate the flow of energy and disrupt the opponent's balance, control, or even cause temporary or permanent physical harm.

• Controversial martial art with a rich history
• Child art of Dim Mak
• George Dillman popularized Kyusho Jitsu
• Kyusho Jitsu means "One second fight" in Japanese
• Based on acupuncture theory and utilizes pressure points
• Dim Mak is the broader discipline that Kyusho Jitsu is derived from
• Kyusho Jitsu is a study of the acupuncture pressure points, primarily focusing on neurological aspects

History of Kyusho Jitsu - George Dillman

Grand Master Dillman is perhaps the most controversial martial artist of modern times. Many attack and attempt to discredit him and they only make themselves look bad.

I know GM Dillman personally and he is an outstanding martial artist and a brilliant Kyusho teacher. Most of all, he became controversial simply because he has a "take no prisoners" attitude and has ruffled many feathers over time in the industry. Modern Kyusho is credited to George A. Dillman, who is one of the most prominent figures of the American martial art era.

Dillman was one of the most successful competitors in his time, having won more than 300 prestigious fighting and form competitions. Most importantly, he has also done the most in the promotion of Kyusho Jitsu and created Dillman Karate International [DKI].

Most of all, he met Hohen Soken (1972) and Seiyu Oyata (1980) from Okinawa, who launched him into studying Kyusho Jitsu. These men changed the direction of his martial art career. There are many who try to claim he was not a student of either men. However, this is once again an example of the political theater of the martial arts world, and I have seen the proof myself.

After 15 years of strenuous studying, practicing with the greatest masters, and medical-anatomical research, Dillman founded the system of modern Kyusho Jitsu, bringing back the original interpretation of the martial arts' techniques. Dillman is an important man in the history of Kyusho Jitsu.

History of Kyusho Jitsu

In the realm of martial arts, Kyusho Jitsu is a widely recognized form that specializes in the use of pressure points for self-defense and controlling opponents. To truly understand the background and origins of Kyusho Jitsu, it is important to delve into its history and the key figures who have contributed to its development.

Who is the founder?

When discussing the founder of Kyusho Jitsu, there are two prominent names associated with its inception - Hohan Soken and George Dillman.

• Hohan Soken: Hohan Soken is often referred to as the "Father of Kyusho Jitsu." He was a prominent martial artist from Okinawa, Japan, who dedicated his life to the study and practice of various martial arts. Soken's expertise in the art of pressure points and his teachings greatly influenced the development of Kyusho Jitsu.
• George Dillman: While Hohan Soken laid the foundation for Kyusho Jitsu, George Dillman is widely recognized as the founder. Dillman, an American martial artist, extensively studied pressure point techniques from various sources, including Hohan Soken. He integrated his knowledge into a systematic approach to Kyusho Jitsu and played a crucial role in popularizing the art globally.

It is worth noting that there are differing opinions on the linage and founder of Kyusho Jitsu within the martial arts community. Some practitioners choose to disassociate themselves from Dillman and attribute their training to other sources. This discrepancy has resulted in a certain level of controversy within the Kyusho Jitsu community.

Despite the differing perspectives, it is essential to acknowledge the numerous practitioners and influencers who have contributed to the growth and development of Kyusho Jitsu over time. These individuals have added their unique insights and expertise to shape the art into what it is today.

As with any martial art, the history of Kyusho Jitsu demonstrates the impact of politics and personal dynamics within its community. It is unfortunate that such factors can sometimes overshadow the true essence and intentions of the art. Nonetheless, Kyusho Jitsu remains a valuable discipline for those seeking practical self-defense techniques and mastery of the human body's pressure points.