HISTORY OF NOKIDO JU-JITSU   

no-ki-do (pronounced: no-key-doh) (Japanese) literally translates in English as "of spirit way" which means "the way of the spirit".

ju-jit-su (pronounced: joo-jit-soo) (Japanese) – noun -  a method developed in Japan of defending oneself without the use of weapons by using the strength and weight of an adversary to disable him.

While the true origin of Ju-Jitsu (or jujutsu) is not clear, the practice of Ju-Jitsu methods can be dated before Christ.  Many different theories exist about Ju-Jitsu originating in India, China, and Japan.  Japanese Ju-Jitsu grew during the Feudal era of Japan and was expanded by the Samurai Warriors.  There are hundreds of different Ju-Jitsu styles that have been documented and are practiced even today, one of which is our style of Ju-Jitsu, Nokido Ju-Jitsu.  Ju-Jitsu has also produced many other styles of Martial Arts including Judo, Aikido, Aikijutsu, Russian Sombo, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.  Ju-Jitsu, the Samurai’s Martial Art is said to be the father of all Japanese Martial Arts. 

For a more in depth look at the history of Ju-Jitsu check out the article on Wikipedia.

Nokido Ju-Jitsu can be traced to the Nokido Shrine in the town of Kamo-Cho located in the Okayama prefecture, just as the Shinto Yoshin Ryu style of Ju-Jitsu can be traced to the Shinto Shrines.  It is currently unknown how long Nokido Ju-Jitsu has been in existence.  

Sensei Andrew Gruenwald was the Director of Nokido Ju-Jitsu in the United States until the year 2000 when he passed away from a brain tumor. Sensei Gruenwald studied the Martial Arts while stationed in Japan serving in the U.S. Army Special Forces. Sensei Gruenwald made frequent trips back to Japan to continue his studies after returning to the United States to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. Sensei Gruenwald opened two Martial Art schools in the Chicago Area. Sensei Gruenwald was a Hachidan, (8th Degree Black Belt) in Nokido Ju-Jitsu and Isshin –Ryu Karate and a Shichidan (7th Degree) in Judo. Sensei Gruenwald improved Nokido Ju-Jitsu by blending the best techniques from all of the different styles of Martial Arts that he studied.

Before Sensei Gruenwald passed away, he advised his top student Shihan Earl DelValle that it would be up to him to continue the teachings of Nokido Ju-Jitsu in the United States.  At that time Sensei DelValle was a 5th degree black belt and had learned most of the Nokido system from Sensei Gruenwald.  Unfortunately much of the Japanese history of Nokido Ju-Jitsu was lost upon the passing of Sensei Gruenwald.  Since 2000, Sensei DelValle has continued to improve Nokido Ju-Jitsu by adding effective techniques from the different styles of Martial Arts he has studied such as Judo, Aikido, Shito Ryu Karate, Defensive Tactics and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

In 2001 Nokido Ju-Jitsu was certified by the United States Ju-Jitsu Federation and International Ju-Jitsu Federation.  Since 2001, Nokido Ju-Jitsu has produced many Judo and Sport Ju-Jitsu champions.  Nokido Ju-Jitsu continues to move forward through its students and teachers.  As they progress and improve, so will the style of Nokido Ju-Jitsu, “The way of the Spirit”.

Pictures of the Nokido Shrine and the town of Kamo-Cho.



1. The “Tori” or gate to the Nokido Shrine.
2. A Samurai on an old “ema” in the Nokido Ju-Jitsu Shrine in Okayama Japan.
3. Observation tower on top of the hill which over looks Kamo-Cho.
4. Town of Kamo-Cho from hillside view (Population of 6000).
5. Close up view of Kamo-Cho.
6. Panoramic view of Kamo-Cho.

Nokido Ju-Jitsu
1000 Innovation Ave   (Map)
North Port, FL 34289  USA
Phone: 941.228.9029
Director: budobug@gmail.com
http://nokido.net

Site Last Updated: 01/27/11

Nokido Ju-Jitsu 2008-2009