Wei Tai Jutsu is a self-study martial arts system created by Alex Hutchinson in 1992. His intention was to design a methodology where martial artists could adapt moves from different styles to their practice through use of a dynamic long form kata. This kata is aided with monthly sessions with other martial artists. Plus the core code of Wei Tai is to discover and develop - The Mighty Five. a handful of techniques that are specific to the individual. Wei Tai has its own philosophy and suggested belt rankings.
What does Wei Tai Jutsu mean? Wei is from Wu Wei (Taoist concept of Effortless Action) and Tai Jutsu is a Japanese synonym for body skill or technique. Essentially Wei Tai Jutsu means effortless technique.
Who is Wei Tai Jutsu for? It is not for true beginners. It is recommended that a practitioner have at least one year of study at a martial arts school before attempting Wei Tai. This system is for martial artists who either prefer to train alone or do not have the time or money to continue to attend a school. Think of it like a Crossfit athlete who joins a gym (Box) to learn the WODs (Workout of the day) but then after learning the basics, ultimately decides to train at home.
Is Wei Tai Jutsu similar to Jeet Kune Do? Yes. In many ways Bruce Lee's JKD is the inspiration for Wei Tai Jutsu. Bruce Lee wanted to create a system for individual students to learn martial arts without being confined to traditional styles. However, JKD ended up becoming a style in itself. In Wei Tai Jutsu every student has a unique study system and individual kata. It is a methodology of pure self-exploration.
How does it work? Students set their own schedule and write their own classes. The goal is to create a master kata, add roughly two new moves to the kata with each class and perform class three times a week. Maintain an emphasis on perfecting the new moves using repetition and intensity while focusing on form. Students should also interact with other martial artists once a month by attending a free class, a seminar or by sparring a better athlete.
Can I get a Black Belt in Wei Tai? Yes. The requirements are simple. To achieve a Black Belt the student must build, memorize and master a 500 move kata in no less than two years of practice. A second degree Black Belt is also possible. This can be achieved by mastering a 1000 move kata with an additional two years of practice. The 2nd degree Black Belt is the highest rank in Wei Tai. In the clip below is 200+ upper body moves from one such kata, the clip is of Alex Hutchinson from the film All American Kumite.
Does Wei Tai have any secrets? Yes. One purpose of learning the 1000 move kata is to try the widest variety of moves in order to discover - The Mighty Five. The Mighty Five are the five moves that a student has determined are their very best moves. These are the moves that a student can count on in a fight or life threatening situation. Once they have been discovered, they are to be maintained with practice. The Mighty Five, once discovered, should remain a secret known only to the student.
Is Wei Tai Jutsu a legitimate martial art? That is up to the student. Each student will come from a different background with different levels of training. Each student will apply their own passion and intensity to their studies. Wei Tai is merely a methodology for self-study. It could be adopted by a second year karate student or a person who tries multiple arts over many years. It could be used for fitness, self-defense or even for demonstrations as seen in this clip of Alex performing in the movie All American Kumite.
Why did Alex Hutchinson create Wei Tai? Alex began his martial arts journey when he was 13 years old. There was no dojo in his town so his parents had to drive him to different cities in order to train. By the time he was 15 he had been to three martial arts schools and couldn't afford to attend anymore. At this point he started developing self-study methods to learn additional styles. He took free classes, sparred with friends and held backyard matches to test his skills.
At 17 years old Alex realized that he was having trouble remembering all of the things he had learned at different dojos so over the course of two years he adapted all of the moves into one kata. This was the birth of Wei Tai Jutsu. Once he determined the purpose of the kata, the number of moves required and best way to practice, he spent the next four years reaching the pinnacle of the system. At 23 years old he passed his self-observed 2nd degree Black Belt test with the 1000 move kata and perfected Mighty Five.
Click here to read a detailed article about The Birth of Wei Tai Jutsu.
What is his martial arts background? Alex has trained in multiple martial arts and combat sports. His primary areas of study were in Isshin-ryu karate, Goju-ryu karate, Chung Moo Quan and Wing Chun. In addition he has taken classes in Tae Kwon Do, Shaolin Kung-fu, Kenpo Karate and Judo. He was taught self-defense in the U.S. Army. He was an amateur boxer and backyard wrestler. Alex worked on several low-budget martial arts films doing writing, directing, acting and choreography.
Combat Statistics:
Street Fights - 9 wins, 9 losses
Submission Wrestling - 12 wins, 1 loss
Amateur Boxing - 11 wins, 1 loss, 1 draw, 3 KOs (1991 Street Boxing Champion)
Point Tournament Bouts - 10 wins, 0 losses (1996 Cobra Challenge Winner)
Backyard Wrestling - 32 matches (1999 EBA Intercontinental Champion)
Martial arts Cinema - 11 films (Star of All American Kumite)
Does Alex accept students? He has taught a handful of students over the years but in general his lifestyle as an adventure writer keeps him changing sports and moving on a regular basis. When Alex does teach he places an emphasis on mediation, kata, self-defense and sparring. He encourages his students to do their vertical punches and kata on a daily basis. He also suggests that they add some type of strength and conditioning training to their routine.
* The Student should have at least one year of martial arts training before using the Wei Tai Jutsu system. They should also have an understanding of Kihon, the fundamental moves of an art which are an important base to build from.
* The Student needs to live the Wei Tai Jutsu philosophy of peace through purpose. This clarity is achieved by seeking to Focus the Mind, Strengthen the body, Express the Spirit and Unburden the Soul. This is done using Meditation (For reflection and focus), Repetition (For strength and skill) and Confirmation (Proof that the moves work).
* The classes should take place roughly three times a week. Each class should add two moves to the kata. This allows a student to reach 500 moves within 2 years.
* If a student wants to use a belt system, keep it simple. White belt for beginners, Yellow belt upon mastering 100 kata moves, Orange belt for 200 moves, Green belt for 300 moves, Brown belt for 400 moves and 1st degree Black belt for 500 moves. Do not rush your way through the ranks. The goal is to achieve mastery of your moves, not just to hold a Black belt.
* The most difficult part of the system is keeping count of your kata. It is easier to make it dynamic and sectional. One section per art or combine two arts that flow well together for a certain number of moves. If you know the count per section, write them down or video your kata, this also helps with perfecting techniques.
* Once a month the student should interact with other martial artists, whether it be taking a free class, attending a seminar or sparring with better athletes. Sparring, wrestling, boxing or any full or partial contact competition is the best way to achieve confirmation that the moves work.
* During the path towards the 1000 move kata, the student should actively test techniques that might become part of their Mighty Five. These most effective techniques should have real world applications. Completion of the 1000 move kata plus the realization of Mighty Five earns a 2nd degree Black Belt, Wei Tai's highest rank.
* Alex has always incorporated strength and conditioning training to his routines. Whether it be running, crossfit, bodybuilding, highland games or obstacle courses, Alex has tried them all. He believes that full body physical challenges enhance an athlete into becoming a better martial artist.
* The Student should use whatever study materials are available to enhance their knowledge and understanding. There are countless books and videos available. Below is a list of recommendations for further study.
Books
* The Tao of Jeet Kune Do by Bruce Lee
* Zen in the Art of Archery by Eugen Herrigel
* Beyond the Known by Tri Thong Dang
* Book of Five Rings by Miramoto Musashi
* Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman
Martial Artists on YouTube
* Sensei Seth - Martial arts content you didn't know you needed
* Jesse Enkamp - The Karate Nerd
* Michael Jai White - Martial Arts Movie Star
Comments
Post a Comment