Combat Ju-Jutsu

Meant to be a guide to the Miyama Ryu school of Ju-Jutsu (the parent art of Kempo Karate, Judo, and Aikido), Combat Ju-Jutsu opens with a "bonus" interview of Miyami Ryu founder Shinan Pereira that lasts a very long 25 minutes (virtually half the tape), and was clearly conducted by a devotee. Pereira discusses the history of the Miyama Ryu school from his training in Japan to deciding on what colors to use for the belts in his school. Although the interview is occasionally broken up by a historical still or film clip, it still runs way too long. In the second half of the tape, a series of falls, strikes, and escape and defensive techniques are shown. With the exception of some brief commentary about striking, the demonstrations are shown without accompanying instruction (except for off-camera comments like "very good"). No real use is made of the video medium beyond some experimenting with the title cards (and this seems to have been inspired by the 16-bit Nintendo game Super Mario World). A companion tape, Advanced Combat Ju-Jutsu (also $49.95) opens with the same 25-minute interview, includes the same instruction on striking, and adds some new falls and defensive moves--particularly against knife attacks and being held at gunpoint. Again, no voice instruction, just demonstrations. Needless to say, the second tape is downright dangerous, and the first tape is not recommended. (Available from: Modern Bu-Jutsu, Inc., 4001 N. Grant, Westmont, IL 60559; (708) 971-3201.)