THE GAVEN-RYU

• Original styles: Tenshin-shinyo-ryu and Kito-ryu (Japan)
• Existing style: Gaven-Ryu
• Original Sensei: Seishi Teppi (Cape Town 1928)
• Soke: Professor Chas. B. Gaven - Grandmaster, Judan Ju-Jitsu, Yondan Judo (member of Kodokan 1960-2001)
• Inheritor: Nigel. D.G. Sessions - Sensei, Rokudan Ju-Jitsu, Ikkyu Judo, Member World Head of Family Sokeship Council
• Senior instructors: Graham Hart, Giles Embleton, Mark Smith, Brandon Treger, (Guy Taylor – Canada)

In the early forties, when Hanshi Gaven started martial arts, only “waza” were taught. There were no basic principles, no systemised syllabus, no mechanics, no Judo and little or no Japanese terminology.
Subsequently over the last 50 years, the Gaven-ryu has made use of all foregoing and existing Ju-Jitsu knowledge to assemble a highly developed martial arts system which ensures a thorough education of basic Judo and Ju-Jitsu and the many facets contained therein.
The Gaven-ryu is a unique style of Ju-Jitsu with a refined syllabus of techniques and kinds of combat, but also one that has its own unique methods of education and teaching.
The first feature of the Gaven-ryu is the use of Judo as a training method. Differences between Judo and Ju-Jitsu have already been explained. The Gaven-ryu uses the non-lethal Judo sport to teach the basics of movement, co-ordination, balance and Nage-Waza, allowing for randori or free practice. Using limited Judo contests helps to build self-confidence and team spirit and gives a level of enjoyment.
The second feature of training under the Gaven-ryu is what we refer to as the 'process of learning'. Briefly, this is a process by which any technique is broken down into component parts and then assimilated into a dynamic motion. It is stressed that the basics must be clearly understood and rigidly followed throughout all phases of instruction. The basic principles cannot and must not be altered.

In Judo this leads to Randori and ultimately contest, while with Ju-Jitsu this leads to the pupil being able to dovetail the technique into a composite self defense aura. This “dovetailing” is the third training/teaching method that distinguishes the Gaven-ryu.

The final broad distinction in the Gaven-ryu system is the incorporation of Ju-Jitsu’s classical roots, particularly the use of classical kata and weapons. These are valuable additions to the training for self defense, and also impart a host of other benefits for the pupil, improving co-ordination, self discipline, awareness, reactions and so forth.

In conclusion, the Gaven-ryu system is more than just a teaching methodology and more than just a modified syllabus. The system has at its core a powerful and unvarying body of knowledge. This means that the pupil must understand the theoretical basis as well as the practical. The deeper a pupil delves into the complexities of the system, the more obvious it becomes that the theory side of the system is also of vital importance. The net result is a discipline that allows for the building up of a realistic, dynamic self defense aura, while giving immense scope to the growth of the individual.

DOVETAILING

Dovetailing is one of the most essential elements of the Gaven-ryu Ju-Jitsu syllabus. It is in essence the linking of all elements of Ju-Jitsu into one comprehensive defensive aura. There are three basic aspects to dovetailing:

• Firstly techniques used to assist a main technique, for example a strike (atemi-waza) used to soften up an opponent before entering for a throw (nage-waza)
• Secondly there are techniques used when the primary technique has failed, where the second technique follows logically from the first.
• Thirdly there are techniques that are used as a follow up to the primary technique for example kicks used as a follow up to a throw.

The study of dovetailing, named after the dovetail joint that one finds in carpentry, is one that will take the Ju-Jitsu practitioner many years and is something that must be developed rather than taught. Dovetailing can be seen as the cement that links the bricks of the various techniques together, building up a wall that is your Ju-Jitsu.

The Ju-Jitsu practitioner should practice all three types of dovetail with every technique he learns. It is vitally important that you try to interlink all the techniques in your current syllabus. As you progress, through the grades you will find that most aspects of Ju-Jitsu logically flow into each other. Dovetailing is also something that is unique to each person. Thus a tall man may find certain techniques dovetail well together that would not necessarily work well for a short person.

Only through constant repetition will your dovetailing become reactive. And to be reactive in your technique is essential to effective self-defence especially in a situation of extreme stress. It is very important that you understand the mechanics of any technique when you devise a dovetail for it. Thus for example if you are going to attempt a nose-push and you wish to soften your opponent up, a punch to the solar-plexus of the stomach is not a good dovetail, as this will cause your opponent to double-up forward against the direction of the nose-push. If you have any doubts about a dovetail, discuss it with your instructor.

TOKYOKAI BU-JITSU AND ASSOCIATED CLUBS

The Tokyokai Bu-Jitsu club founded in 1960 by Professor Gaven and is currently the home of Gaven-Ryu Ju-Jitsu operating a number of clubs in and around Cape Town. The headquarters dojo is situated in Tokai.
The University of Cape Town Ju-Jitsu club is taught by senior members of the Tokyokai Bu-Jitsu club.