Combat Construct: V

Unlike some styles of martial arts, in Shorinji-kan Jiu Jitsu padding up to have sparring matches just isn't really done. The style of jitsu is such that one of the key principles is to finish the fight quickly with a decisive technique. In order to promote this style of defence the 'V' is used.

What is a V?

The 'V' is so called because the jitsuka must face off against two lines of attackers that form a 'V' shape. The apex of the 'V' points towards the jitsuka and at its head is a controlling grade or instructor. The controller should be an experienced jitsuka for reasons of safety and to help keep things moving at the correct pace. The two lines meet at the controllers shoulders and as he taps each attacker on the shoulder they run out and attack the jitsuka facing them.

The jitsuka must defend themself quickly against the attack but with a high level of control. If the attacker was brandishing a wepoan this should also be disarmed. Every attacker must finally be convincingly finished off. As the jitsuka finishes each attacker off, the controller sends out another attacker from the 'V' alternating the attacker from each line. Once defeated the attacker rejoins his line in the 'V'.

The attacks begin at a relatively slow pace (relative to the grade defending from the attacks), and gradually the period between attackers being sent out to attack is reduced. This is continued until the attacker cannot effectively defend himself any further, a time limit is reached, or the attackers are proven not to put the jitsuka under enough pressure to be worth continuing. The controller may also vary the speed of attack for safety and to allow the defender to deal with more difficult situations - e.g. sword attacks, two attackers.

So why bother with a 'V'... why not just a line? Well if its a line (or two lines) filing straight away from the jitsuka then not everyone can see what is happening with the jitsuka. Students often learn a lot by watching one another and so if they were unable to see what was happenning, they would be losing out on a valuable learning opportunity. Secondly there is a safety aspect to this as well. With everyone watching, carelessly disarmed weapons can be avoided if thrown, or retrieved by a member of the 'V' if the original attacker is unable to recover it (thus removing a hazard).

The V: How to Win

The 'V' is an opportunity to put a jitsuka under pressure and see how they and thier jitsu copes with the situation. So here's the golden rules of the 'V':

Confidence - this is imperative, so practice until you are confident in your 'V'
Finish Off - make sure the attacker knows they can go by finishing them (nothing too complex though)
Control - speed is nothing without control and you're not there to hurt people so take care
Speed - try to dispatch your attackers as quickly as possible, the next one's not far away
Move - move, move, move, move out of the way; the attacks are fast & frequent, they'll hurt, so move!
Adapt - when (not if) a technique goes wrong carry on and try another technique
Disarm - always disarm any weapons the attacker has

...or ...CFC's Mad

Overall its enough to survive but its better to win. This may seem impossible, but if you think of it as a big computer game. The controlling grade is the big boss of the level and he'll keep sending his minions to get you until you get to him. So that should be your aim - get to the controller. After all if he's unconscious then there's no one left to tap the attackers on the shoulder and get them to attack! But be careful because as the distance to the 'V' is closed, the quicker the attackers are in range and the less time you have to spot any tell tale signs of their attack.

Last Modified: