The Tsugiashi Do Ju-Jitsu system is an innovative evolution of several traditional oriental martial arts. Dr. S.R. Cohe has been proclaimed by his students as "Soke Sensei" of the system. The term "soke" refers to the heart or center of the family. It is a patriarchal title as compared to rank.
The literal translation of "Tsugi" (again), "Ashi" (foot), "Do" (the way), reveals the major emphasis of the style. It is indeed, "The Way of the Following Foot."
Dr. Cohe began his martial arts studies in the early 1950's with Korean Tae Kwon Do and then drifted to Japanese Shotokan and found that the "hard style" systems did not fulfill his image of the magical aura of the oriental martial arts. Trials with "soft style" systems of Tai Chi Chuan did not seem physical enough at the time. Later study and practice of Tai Chi Chuan did fill in the many gaps of understanding. Both karate and Tai Chi are much in evidence in the foundation of Tsugiashi Do as it continues to evolve.
Introduction to traditional Japanese Ju-Jitsu, bridged the gap between the soft and the hard styles. Dr. Cohe eventually achieved "Menkyo Kaidan Shihan" (master teacher) rank. Dr. Cohe increased his knowledge through the study of several ju-jitsu and weapons systems. A major influence was the study of Hakkoryu Hombu Waza. A career highlight was a visit to Hakkoryu Hombu Dojo in Omiya, Japan. Concepts inherent in these styles were included as part of the birthright systems of Tsugiashi Do.
The search for the "magical image" of oriental hand-to-hand combat persisted. After many years of teaching ju-jitsu, Cohe, Soke Sensei developed a method of stepping and evasion for close-in taninsu gake (multiple attack). Building upon the Hakkoryu hombu hand and wrist kansetsu waza; the Yoshitsune tachi-one defense kata; the karate punching-kicking-blocking; and the "block-soft, strike-hard" concept of Tai Chi; Dr. Cohe has devised a systematized hand-to-hand combat training curriculum of stepping and body positioning that is the essence of Tsugiashi Do.
Dr. Cohe considers Tsugiashi Do a delivery system. "If your feet can get you where yo need to be, it becomes easy to use the techniques you already have in your arsenal." Many black belt students from other styles enjoy studying this system to enhance what they already know and do.
The system follows traditional Japanese terminology and Dojo Courtesy. Dr. Cohe does not believe in violence and has designed this as a "soft style" control system. A statement that he has used at many of his seminars and demonstrations tells it all:
"You do not have to swat a fly with an atom bomb."