What is Drum Jutsu

Drum Jutsu is a training regimen combining rigorous percussion instruction and practice with stick fighting arts from a variety of disciplines. Notably, we use filipino stick techniques and hanbojutsu, covering strikes but leading to pain compliance and locks, chokes, holds, and submission methods.  Korean cane techniques, long staff (Bo Jutsu Kukishinden Ryu) and other lineages add to the training.  These and the integrated Jiu Jutsu methods pioneered by Grandmaster Brian Adams are the core of the martial curriculum. Founder Spencer Bolejack has discovered that musical mastery and martial arts fluidity share many traits in approach and result. Additionally, martial arts training benefits from the rythm study, timing, speed, endurance, and dexterity produced in drumming. Hand drumming conditions the hands and kit drumming builds cardiovascular health as well as speed and precision of aim and coordination. Furthermore, in a society suspicious of weapons and tools of self-defense, drumsticks make a natural tool for striking, locking, and choking. Seasoned hardwoods are virtually unbreakable in common use and can disarm an opponent quickly. Drum jutsu focuses on core rudimentary techniques for playing, and associates these with fundamental stick techniques for combat. Practices include alternating turns playing and training, with each member of the club drumming for the others, creating a lively and open atmosphere. Sparring practice is akin to playing music with another person, finding the spaces, matching and breaking the timing, and seeing and sensing without use of the eyes alone. Advanced methods include applied rudiments to the full kit, odd time signatures, polyrythms, and live performance. For stick techniques we strive for a fully integrated system blending all previous experience into a fluid and spontaneous, creative fighting art that is effective and fun to learn.