Birth of different jiujitsu disciplines and merit system

The basic forms of jiujitsu disciplines were formed in Sengoku Era (between 1477 to 1573) and were further modified in the early stages of the Edo era (between 1600 to 1650). Such forms of disciplines (ryu) included Sekiguchi-ryu, Takeuchi-ryu, Youshin-ryu and Kitou-ryu and were widely utilized by different clans in the Edo era and were continued to the Meiji era (around 1868). These disciplines are considered the main original forms of jiujitsu. Master Jigoro Kano whom established the Kodokan in 1868, studied Tenshinmayo-ryu and Kitou-ryu which are a branch form of the Youshin-ryu, and from these two main disciplines he was able to learn the essence of jiujitsu.

Ryu-ha (form of disciplines and group) is a formal organization and its main purpose is to access technique. Conditions for existence of such organizations can be described as; (emergence of genius like expert or master), (techniques are systematized), (practice methods between teacher and student are established). Also the head of such a ryu-ha must obviously be a master in his technique and ability. Where disciples are to be ranked (ranked and documents issued) the disciples ability were considered first. (other than ability, other considerations were given to age, blood relation, obligation, contribution and donations)

The basis for selection under ability has basically ascended from the prior years of war between the different clans when actual battle did take place and where actual fighting ability was highly regarded as the basis of bujitsu. In addition, the originators of such disciplines as the Sekiguchi-ryu and Takeuchi-ryu, as well as the other original discipline groups had always traveled throughout the country in search of the best talent and through such actual battles were able to further formalize the ryu-ha involved. As such, ability being the center of focus was natural.

Free competition between the different disciplines (ryu-ha)

Throughout the mid-Edo era, several ryu-ha/s were formed into organizations as well as several branch disciplines. The social dynamics of the time for such an event to take place is said to be the structure of Bakuhan (Shogunate-Clan structure). Under this structure, the clan's military power was under control and supervision of the shogunate, however such military strengths and methods were kept highly secret. As such, each clan was able to choose the discipline type of the bujitsu form, and the selected discipline was considered as belonging to the clan and not the individual. In addition, agreements of the bujitsu master and the clan were for only one generation and there were no guarantees that the clan would continue to use the same discipline after the agreement was fulfilled. In such conditions it was impossible for one type of discipline to spread throughout the country and for the most part, one clan - one discipline was the norm and this trend spread rapidly. Reportedly, fifty-eight clans and the type of discipline utilized, found that eighty percent of the clans were the sole users of one type of discipline from the sixty-eight types available at the time.

The clan leader obviously searched for a highly skilled master (teacher) for his clan, and the jiujitsu master had to market his technique as original and superior to others. It is considered that as a jiujitsu-master being contracted by a clan had the most monetary stability and status and such a position was sought out by most jiujitsu masters of the time.

From such climates free competition between different disciplines occurred and from the original few types of discipline that were available in the early Edo era (1600-1650), the number grew to approximately 200 discipline types by the end of the Edo era (1800-1868). It is said that over 750 discipline types existed for Kenjitsu (sword display). Reportedly, most of the new disciplines were for one clan only, however, all the new disciplines were bi-products of the original discipline and its influence was obvious. Where they did not give such discipline the original name and rather gave it a name of its own as well as its own structure is an example of the jiujitsu climate of the time, where the original discipline was modified due to free will or by necessity.

As a matter of fact, frequently a dissatisfied highly ranked disciple would move away from the original discipline studied and take up a new discipline or make a new discipline and undertake action on his own. Especially during the mid Edo era, there were many jiujitsu experts whom would study two or even three types of disciplines.

As for the masters of the several different disciplines, they always attempted to keep their form of discipline (technique and spirit) a secret and would force the discipline to secrecy as not to teach outside the discipline group. However such attempts would be only in form, and were not able to be actually enforced. Even on a personal level, the merit system would be in place and made the free competition flourish further.

Signs of consolidation of disciplines in the later stages of the Edo era

On the other hand during the mid to late Edo era, known as the ""tahei no yo"" period, most bujitsu starts to depart from the actual fighting scene and would become more of an art form. Each group started to exemplify the need for spiritual principles, and for a short time enters a more extreme and self-satisfying era where technique-based ability was less important.

However, in the later part of the Edo era, due to the threat from overseas and several riots from the farmers, the shogunate itself started to promote bujitsu and the discipline groups would start to reflect it's own actual fighting capabilities once again. In such climate, inter-discipline matches would become popular. At the time, the technical contents of the jiujitsu disciplines were basically taught and passed on by ""Kata"" (form). ""Kata"" was based on actual fighting techniques and were patterned and served well in the teachings between master and disciple. ""Kata"" utilized were dependent on the level of the disciple and for the advanced, a high level ""kata"" could be taught and the master could know how far the disciple has progressed with this patterned ""kata"" method. In addition, this method was suited to leave such information to later generations in its original form. However, at times where ""beauty"" was pursued it became more artificial and this was considered dangerous as it would distance itself from the basic requirements of bujitsu which is actual fighting capability. As such there were no alternative methods to determine which disciplines were superior other than the inter-discipline matches.

Many of the discipline groups had sworn their students not to engage in fighting with other discipline types. However, this only exemplifies the fact that there was lust for fighting other disciplines among the students. They would like to know their true capability by fighting other discipline groups.