History of Jujitsu
Vee Jujitsu
Florendo M. Visitaction– better known as “Professor Vee”—was born in the Philippines in 1910. He began training in Arnis (Filipino stick fighting) at age ten and continued to practice Filipino martial arts throughout his life. He joined the U.S. Army during World War II and became intrigued by the officers’ hand to hand combat course, which represented a combination of styles from different countries. The idea of integrating techniques from a variety of martial arts appealed greatly to him.
In 1955, after devoting many years to the study of different fighting styles, he founded Vee Jitsu. In 1966, the American Judo and Jujitsu Federation awarded Vee the title of “Professor” and made him a 10th dan in his own art.
Grandmaster Florendo Visitacion departed on January 4, 1999
Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu
Doctor Moses Powell was born in 1941. He is a member of the Black Belt Hall of Fame and the World Karate Hall of Fame, and was the first martial artist invited to demonstrate his skills before the United Nations. He was the first black man to instruct the Secret Service and the F.B.I. The Benin Empire of West Africa awarded him the International Benin Award in 1972 for his community work and efforts throughout the world.
In 1959, Powell founded Sanuces Ryu Jujitsu, a style stressing survival by simplicity and the practicality of street applications—it is known as the “eye-to-eye, heart-to-heart” style of Jujitsu. Sanuces Ryu aims to use the powerfulness of Karate, the agility of Boxing, the speed of Arnis Stick Fighting and the nerve attacks and joint locking of Jujitsu.
“…Sanuces Ryu teaches the “Art”: the movement of an intelligent mind, controlling a disciplined body in a display of speed, form, technique, power and gracefulness…” – Moses Powell
Doctor Moses Powell departed on January 22, 2005.
Kumite Ryu Jujitsu
Kumite Ryu Jujitsu literally means “Sparring Style”, is more often called “the School of Survival”. It is a style of jujitsu characterized by fierce fighting, grappling and self-defense. The Kumite Ryu Jujitsu School of Survival was founded in Harlem, NYC, by Soke Li’l” John Davis.
Soke Lil’ John Davis is the founder of Kumite Ryu Jujitsu, in which he is a 10th Dan. He is also a 10th Dan in Sanuces Ryu, which he studied directly under the late Doctor Moses Powell. He also has extensive experience in Judo, Aikido, Karate, and Arnis. Soke has over 40 years of martial arts training and is a member of the Martial arts Hall of Fame. He is one of the most feared competitors on the east coast. Soke is a Technical Advisor and member of the Board of Directors of the World Martial Arts Center. Soke has been an outstanding technician and is the creator of unsurpassed martial arts training of tactical techniques. He is on the cutting edge of realistic and applicable-tested and proven-self-defense skills. Though hard work and dedication, Soke has more than proven his commitment to providing superior martial arts training and has dedicated much of his life to teaching anyone who is willing to learn.
Kumite Ryu Jujitsu is a descended from the eclectic jujitsu lineage of Vee Jitsu and Sanucus Ryu Jujitsu. It contains the “Te” forms and broad range of integrated techniques found in Vee Jitsu, as well as the simplicity and survival mentality of Sanuces Ryu. Hence the combative triology of this style is known as VSK.
Kumite Ryu Jujitsu makes use of both “hard” and “soft” techniques. Its movements flow smoothly, combining power, simplicity, and grace. The system is characterized by its practical applicability to the street through a systematic approach to blocks, strikes, holds, grapples, locks, throws, falls, and kicks, and by its “follow-through” style.