The official web site of Shinjido inventor Danny Da Costa

Shinjido for MMA

Shinjido has much to offer exponents of MMA particularly in the grappling department. I often watch MMA contests on TV, while being impressed by their conditioning, I am surprised that the techniques are quite limited. As far as grappling is concerned, it seems mainly double or single leg grab followed by grounding and pounding. Three ground work techniques are prominent; the straight arm bar, bent arm lock referred to as Kimura and a neck lock.

Because Shinjido was originally designed for martial art, take downs and throws are always preceded by strikes, avoidances or blocks. It differs from Jui Jitsu as power is not generated by lifting or driving to throw or take down. Shinjido uses gravity assisted power – GAP which is extremely efficient. (see GAP in the Judo section) There are also turn overs and locks that you will not find in Jui Jitsu or Judo.

Shinjido attacks are made from a variety of directions with an emphasis on getting behind or alongside the opponent. Strikes are used not just for the damage they can cause but also to disguise a take down move. The Shinjido style will naturally pass the opponent’s guard and completions or submissions are very fast.                                           

I am still rather surprised that fighters with a Judo background are hardly featured in MMA. This could be due to a longstanding prejudice that denigrated the idea of fighting. In my day we were referred to as “judo players.” In fact way back in 1967 I got into hot water with the BJA for challenging 2 professional wrestlers.

When I think about it, it was due to professional wrestlers that I first took up Judo. Our family had moved from Walmer in Kent to Eastbourne. I was 16 years old. One day I visited my uncle at the same time as a professional wrestling promoter. He was planning events for the Town Hall. I was introduced as a schoolboys boxing champion and the promoter asked if I would like to be a second for the fighters. I would get some pin money and see the wrestling. The first occasion was unremarkable but the following week proved quite eventful.

I was acting as second in a light weight bout and my man billed as the Light Weight Champion of Scotland turned out to be “the villain” He ended the contest by throwing his opponent out of the ring much to the consternation of the audience who were booing vociferously. I am very sensitive to atmosphere and the crowd seemed quite threatening. My man was not in the least put off as he strutted around the ring. I thought it was time to get him out so I offered him his dressing gown. He ignored me so twice I offered it again, while the crowd seemed to be getting angrier. On the final occasion he turned on me with his hand raised as if to strike. I acted on instinct and landed a stiff left jab. In my short boxing career my contests were all won by K.O. because if the left lead landed the right cross followed immediately. He was on the ropes when the MC intervened. The outcome was “If you want to fight, then do it properly at a future date in the ring.” This was quite a shrewd move. It would give them some publicity if nothing else. Although out weighed by at least a 14lb and vastly inexperienced I did not want to back down so I accepted the challenge. In the event my head master forbade me to go through with it but meanwhile in preparation, I took up judo at the local YMCA.

Fast forward to 1967, I was older and wiser. I recognised that the professional wrestlers were great athletes but their game was entertainment rather than contest. I had just returned from a multi national tournament in East Germany where I had won the lightweight category. The British Team did not warrant a single line of press. Watching the Eamon Andrews show I was intrigued that it included a professional wrestler, (one of the villain variety) apparently he had a grudge against another well known villain and surprise surprise he was in the audience. The challenge was made and it all looked very serious. My response was to immediately telephone the TV company and issue my own challenge – to fight them both on the same night, any rules they liked. Apparently the broadcast went out 30 minutes after the event but my challenge was passed on.

Hence I was commanded to appear before the BJA executive committee and their lawyer. In the event my challenge was not acknowledged and the BJA accepted the explanation of my conduct. It was also helpful that I had Western Area support and was accompanied by Jerry Hicks. Advocacy is just one of his many talents.

Shinjido is based on sound principles. It was designed for fighting as opposed to sport Judo. It could be readily tailored for MMA use and add another dimension to this growing sport.