History of Ju-Jitsu Butokukai

The Butokukai, the Japanese imperial academy of martial arts until the end of the second world war, brought together the Grandmasters of 11 of the most important schools of ju-jitsu.

They were given the mission, by order of the Emperor, to work out a synthesis of the most effective techniques of their schools. This synthesis was known as the ‘supreme method’, since it was intended to be the best method of self-defence ever conceived.

Particularly effective and structured, it was taught only to a particular elite who refused to teach it after 1945, in accordance with their traditional ethics.

Following a series of exceptional circumstances, Grandmaster Stefano Surace, 10th dan Menkyo Kaiden, remained the only holder of the secrets of this art, and some other high-level authentic Japanese martial arts.

From 1988 he started bringing it out of the shadows, by spreading it through the world, to prevent it falling into oblivion, since it is part of mankind’s universal heritage.

In December 2006, three of his pupils started teaching ju-jitsu in London. In 2007, they decided to set up a charity firmly to establish their activity.