Yoshukai karate is a branch discipline of the Japanese/Okinawan martial art,
Karate-do, or "Way of the Empty Hand." Yoshukai, while it includes several kicking techniques
such as round house, hook, and jumping kicks, is mainly defined by its wide range of hand/palm/elbow techniques.
Kobudo study and kata are also integrated into Yoshukai training. The three kanji (Japanese symbols) that make up
the word Yoshukai literally translated mean: Training Hall of Continued Improvement.
Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force
of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. The aikidoka (aikido practitioner) "leads" the attacker's
momentum using entering and turning movements. The techniques are completed with various throws or joint locks.
Judo, meaning "gentle way", is a modern Japanese martial art (gendai bud?) and combat sport,
that originated in Japan in the late nineteenth century. Its most prominent feature is its
competitive element, where the object is to either throw one's opponent to the ground,
immobilize or otherwise subdue one's opponent with a grappling maneuver, or force an opponent
to submit by joint locking the elbow or by applying a choke.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and especially
ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position and using joint-locks and chokeholds to
force an opponent to submit or be knocked out depending on what submission method is used.
It promotes the principle that a smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique
can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant.