Sōsuishi-ryū Jūjutsu involves formal practice in empty-handed grappling as well as grappling techniques with a number of weapons. These include the kodachi and bokutō. Components of the curriculum focus on technique designed to be used in armour, with others focused on civilian settings and scenarios. Tai sabaki, atemi, strangulations, joint manipulations, throwing and falling techniques, pinning techniques, restraint and removal techniques, weapon disarms and weapons retention techniques are embedded within the kata.
The syllabus extends to supplementary exercises, and a form of free practice that interweaves with the more codified elements.
Koshi-no-mawari, or iai-jutsu practice, is centred around use of the katana, with broader implications arising from the concepts contained within.
The names Sōsuishi-ryū and Sōsuishitsu-ryū are alternate pronunciations of the same Japanese kanji and are used interchangeably. In the west, the former is more commonly seen.
Apart from the rare and historic forms of grappling and sword, Sōsuishi-ryū is distinctive in that it maintains the menkyo grading/licensing system. This system, which can differ significantly across the various ryūha, predates the dan-i grading system created by Jūdō’s founder, Professor Jigorō Kanō. It is conceptually different to dani-i, despite its apparent similarities.
Sōsuishi-ryū uses the Shōgō (称号), or honorary teaching titles, of Kōshi (Lecturer), Kyōshi (Teacher), Shihan-dai (Assistant Shihan) and Shihan (Master Teacher), which are awarded at Shitama Sensei’s discretion. They are not conferred in every case.
Sōsuishi-ryū’s grading system is as follows:
Shomokuroku
Nimokuroku
Sanmokuroku – Kōshi may be conferred
Yonmokuroku – Kōshi may be conferred
Gomokuroku – Kyōshi or Shihan-dai may be conferred
Rokumokuroku – Shihan-dai or Shihan may be conferred
Shichimokuroku – Shihan may be conferred
Menkyo (License)
