Hoshinjutsu
(Hoshin Jutaijutsu)

Hoshinjutsu is a martial art based on American, British, French, Russian, Indonesian, Chinese and Japanese combat traditions. It exists as a standardized set of martial arts techniques useful for self-protection. Hoshin budo includes the most efficient methods of meditation for chi development and spiritual awakening. Founded by Dr. Glenn J. Morris, Soke

The unarmed combat method of the art is called jutaijutsu (majick body skills). Ju usually refers to soft, while in Hoshin it means energy (chi) use. The kanji used by Dr. Morris on his dan diplomas were different than the typical ju which means soft or flexible. This is usually associated with grappling and throwing arts. Hoshinjutsu includes many modern and ancient weapons training such as sword, knife, rope, chain, short and long stick and staff work. Modern weapons such as firearms use and disarming techniques are also part of the training.

Belts are not of singular importance in Hoshin. They are reflections of accomplishments and knowledge and are based on the godai of ninpo and the chakras of esoteric yoga. In this art, one's white belt is earned through willingness to learn. The novice belt is white, after which the belts follow the chakra colors (red, orange, yellow, green, blue) for the kyu grades and then 10 degrees of dan or blackbelt.

A standard black gi is worn by students with split toed tabi shoes. Red stripes are used to indicate dan rank. The senior instructors (5th-10th dan) are recognized by a different colored patch and 8th-10th dan may choose to wear a dark blue gi top. To achieve a belt a student must pass a written and verbal test as well as demonstrate physical mastery of the associated skills and techniques. Each belt requires a higher level of esoteric and combatic ability.

The books Path Notes of an American Ninja Master and Shadow Strategies of an American Ninja Master by Glenn J. Morris are the main two books for the system. There are many books that the student will find interesting and are given in appropriate order within the system.

WHITE BELT

The white belt symbolizes the first rank of the student. It is a belt of transition indicating willingness to learn. Prior to receiving the white belt, the student is not required to wear a black gi or badge of the Hoshin budo ryu; however, once the white belt is given, the student has been formally accepted into the ryu. S/he has displayed competence in the godai attitudes, dojo etiquette, safety procedures, basic breath and mental discipline, basic individual strategy and the Hoshin tradition. The kohai (beginner) wears the white belt until he or she completes and passes the test for red belt. Although it is a novice belt in many sport martial arts, in a warrior/combat tradition it means the wearer is humbly willing to sacrifice his or her ego to learn. White represents pure energy without intention – sometimes referred to as virtue. All levels and ranks may wear the white belt when attending seminars from masters of other systems to show respect. A battered white belt is a sign of a real martial arts scholar. You should keep your white belt for seminars even after you have progressed to higher levels. Soke Morris wore his white belt on and off for close to nine years.

RED BELT

The red belt indicates the student has mastered all aspects of dojo conduct, knows how to fall, understands the safety signal and is able to execute basic kicks, blows, throws, holds and locks, as well as basic physiology and general principles of combat. The student also understands basic applications of breath techniques, meditation, massage and first aid. The holder of the red belt has demonstrated competence in various aspects of the base chakra and its root associations.

ORANGE BELT

The orange belt indicates the student has mastered the concepts of avoidance, strategic body placement, defensive maneuvering, emotional control, basic healing theory and applications of more advanced meditation and breathing techniques. The student will have performed exercises for opening the second chakra for higher level energy work. The orange belt is expected to lead the class in exercise when asked by the senior instructor and will carry out sempai (senior) duties as relative to his or her status and the request of the sensei.

YELLOW BELT

The yellow belt has demonstrated thorough understanding of the theories and applications of the Hoshin Dim Mak strategy and tactics, use of intention, offensive maneuvering and combinations of attacks. The yellow belt has developed depth in meditation, offensive chi and mastery of at least two weapons. Yellow belts have all walked fire.

GREEN BELT

The green belt in Hoshin is the equivalent of brown in other systems and a senior green belt in ninjutsu. The holders of this rank are considered assistant instructors and act directly in the name of the ranking instructor. Training at this level is concerned with teaching skills to others, analyzing and penetrating other martial arts systems, advanced anatomical techniques and unorthodox weapons.

BLUE BELT

The blue belt indicates that the student has gained significant control over his or her esoteric abilities. The main focus of this belt is the continued mastery of meditation. The advanced use of intent, Psionics, Hoshin Tao Chi Kung, knowledge of the body’s meridians, fighting with energy and an array of other esoteric practices are also studied in more depth. The student is encouraged to continue their inward journey and is tested by the sensei to prove the development of these abilities.

.

BLACK BELT

The black belt is awarded to students who have demonstrated their knowledge of and ability to teach all techniques from white through blue belt. The black belt continues to study interpersonal psychology and communication skills, combat psychology, classical Chinese medicine, use of terrain, humor, compassion, camouflage, deception, chi transfer and attack & defense with weapons. A black belt in Hoshin has mastery of meditation, punches, kicks, throws and joint locking techniques and is comfortable with an array of weapons, both traditional and modern. S/he has also accomplished the lesser Kan and li (opening of the microcosmic orbit) and is knowledgeable of the ryu healing traditions.

Click here for training and testing fees.

Hoshin Jutaijutsu Long Distance Learning Options may be found here.

Explore hoshin awareness skills in Hoshin Games, by Dr. John Porter