As the sport of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) continues to add new rules for safety, it grows further away from the traditional martial arts. The traditional martial arts were designed for life and death struggles and therefore many of the techniques are not allowed in sport fighting. Fighters must work within the rules of safety to find an edge. The fighters these days are bigger, stronger, faster, better conditioned, and more technical than ever. For the most part, we are seeing more and more close fights. There are no guaranteed victories. With so much parity among today’s elite sport fighters, the slightest technical advantage could prove to be the deciding factor. This is where the Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu system comes in.

Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu is a system that was initially developed as a self-defense system but has evolved with the sport of MMA. Renzoku focuses on combative techniques designed for the practical application of hand-to-hand sport combat. Renzoku teaches multiple submission techniques not only from the guard, but focuses heavily on the mounted position. This system has evolved to take advantage of the ever-changing rules and styles in the current MMA scene. Stand up submission techniques are also prevalent in this system. Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu has been tested and proven in multiple open tournaments and continues to evolve under tournament conditions. As the sport of MMA continues to skyrocket in popularity the Renzoku system will continue to advance with it.

I had the opportunity recently to have a conversation with its founder Soke John Cozatt. Sho Dai Soke John Cozatt has been training for over 30 years. He began his Martial Arts training at age 11 with James McGlucas, a Black Belt in Judo. Soke holds Dan rankings in Aiki Jiu-Jitsu, Goshin Ryu Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, and Kenpo. Soke also holds Kyu rank in Yoshitsune Jiu-Jitsu and a Brown Sash in Pai Lum Kung Fu. In the year 2000, he was named Founder of the Year by the EUSA International Black Belt Hall of Fame. This was done in honor of the Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu system he founded. He also founded, and currently presides over the Shintai Ryu Martial Arts Association and the International Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu Association.

MAW: Please tell us a little about Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu.
Soke Cozatt: I developed Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu in 1993. Renzoku combines traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu with some of the more effective ground fighting strategies made so popular by the Brazilians. Techniques flow seamlessly, one to the next in a continuous motion. Each technique can end up in a submission, or set up a submission.

MAW: Here’s the 10 million dollar question… How is Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu different from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Soke Cozatt: I get that question a lot. The Brazilian style is amazing. They are masters of the guard. Renzoku places more of an emphasis on advancing the top game, whether from the mount, or stand up. I feel there is an opportunity for a competitor to really excel in that aspect of MMA and submission tournaments.

MAW: How has Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu evolved since 1993?
Soke Cozatt: We have put together an additional program specifically covering the critical basics you will need if considering MMA competition or submission tournaments. In addition to that, we are nearly finished with a companion program that is once again geared for MMA and submission tournament fighting. This program has a heavy focus on advanced techniques for guard escapes, passes, takedowns, transitions, and submissions from the top.

MAW: Do you offer these new Renzoku Jiu-Jitsu programs at your dojo and on video?
Soke Cozatt: Yes, we do.

MAW: One more question. What’s your philosophy?
Soke Cozatt: One should train hard, like you mean it. Train like it’s real. This way you don’t get surprised in a real life situation. Use proper training gear and always keep the safety of yourself and your training partner in mind. Always remain open minded to new approaches to old situations.

View a Quicktime of a wrist grab defense called “Looking Glass”

For more information or to contact Soke Cozatt go to www.shintairyu.com or call 1-888-949-2743.

©2007 Martial Arts Way Magazine, LLC