Seibukan Jujutsu stands as a bridge between ancient samurai combat techniques and modern self-defense needs. This martial art has roots in traditional Japanese fighting systems but has evolved to address contemporary challenges. Here's the story of how this unique martial art came to be.
The history of Seibukan Jujutsu begins with its founder, Julio Toribio. Born in Puerto Rico, Toribio's martial journey started at age 13 in 1968 when he began studying Kyokushinkai Karate-Do. This was just the first step in what would become a lifelong pursuit of martial knowledge.
From 1969 to 1975, Toribio trained in Okinawan Kempo Karate-do under David Martinez and Narciso Bultron in Puerto Rico. After moving to Fort Bragg, North Carolina, he continued his karate training under Owen McDonald until 1982, achieving the ranks of Shodan and Nidan (first and second-degree black belts).
Toribio's martial education expanded significantly when he began studying Aikido in 1980 at the Aikido of Monterey Dojo. Under the guidance of instructors Tom Gambell, Dennis Evans, and Danielle Smith, he progressed rapidly. His dedication led him to travel to Iwama, Japan in 1981 to study directly under Morihiro Saito Sensei, a direct student of Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.
The most pivotal development in Toribio's journey came in 1981 when he began studying Hakko-ryu Jujutsu under Brian Workman. Over the next decade, Toribio would rise through the ranks of this traditional Japanese system, eventually traveling to Japan in 1989 to train at the Hakko-ryu Honbu Dojo under the second grandmaster Ryuho Okuyama and senior instructor Yasuhiro Irie.
By 1991, Toribio had achieved the title of Menkyo Kaiden Shihan Sandaikichu in Hakko-ryu Jujutsu – the seventh and highest level in the system. This made him only the fourth Hakko-ryu teacher with this title in the United States at that time.
Toribio's extensive training in multiple Japanese martial arts – including Karate, Aikido, Hakko-ryu Jujutsu, Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu (Ninjutsu), and Enshin Itto-ryu Battojutsu – gave him a comprehensive understanding of combat principles. Combined with his military experience as a US Army Airborne Ranger where he taught hand-to-hand combat, Toribio possessed unique insights into both traditional and modern fighting methods.
However, Toribio recognized that the strict rules and traditions of ancient Japanese martial systems sometimes limited their application to modern self-defense situations. The challenges faced by people today differ significantly from those encountered by samurai warriors centuries ago.
This realization led to the creation of Seibukan Jujutsu in the early 1990s. The name itself reflects Toribio's philosophy: "Seibukan" means "the house of correct martial arts," while "Jujutsu" translates to "flexible art." This flexibility – the ability to adapt traditional techniques to modern situations – became the hallmark of the system.
Toribio designed Seibukan Jujutsu around three fundamental principles:
The system also employs three forms of action to address different situations:
After establishing the foundations of Seibukan Jujutsu, Toribio opened the Monterey Budokan in California in 1993. This became the original headquarters (Honbu Dojo) for the system and served as the primary training center until 2016.
In those early years, Toribio refined the curriculum and ranking structure of Seibukan Jujutsu. The system includes twelve levels of study – five preliminary Kyu levels and seven Dan (black belt) levels. Each rank has specific techniques, principles, and development concepts associated with it.
As word of this effective and practical martial art spread, more students were drawn to Toribio's teaching. Some of his earliest students who reached senior ranks began opening their own dojos, expanding the Seibukan Jujutsu network.
The International Seibukan Jujutsu Association (ISJA) was formed to maintain standards and foster communication between growing numbers of affiliated dojos. Founding members included instructors like Bear Roberts, who would later establish Seibukan Jujutsu of Mendocino and the Modern Warrior Arts Academy in Vallejo, California.
In 2016, Toribio made a significant move by relocating the Seibukan Honbu Dojo from Monterey, California to Nagoya, Japan. This relocation symbolized both a return to the Japanese roots of the martial arts that influenced Seibukan and an embrace of international growth.
The Nagoya Honbu Dojo became headquarters for both the International Seibukan Jujutsu Association and the International Enshin Itto Ryu Battojutsu Association, both under Toribio's leadership.
Today, Seibukan Jujutsu is practiced around the world, with dojos throughout the United States and in several other countries. The system continues to evolve while maintaining its core principles and effectiveness.
Twice yearly, Seibukan practitioners gather for major events – Budo Gasshuku (training camp) and Taikai (gathering). Historically held at the Monterey headquarters, these events now take place in various locations internationally, bringing together students and instructors to share knowledge and strengthen the Seibukan community.
One of the unique aspects of Seibukan Jujutsu is its integration with healing arts. Toribio's background in medical fields – including combat first aid, physical therapy, nursing, and Koho Shiatsu – informed his development of Seikendo, a healing art practiced alongside the martial techniques.
This holistic approach recognizes that the true warrior's path involves not just combat skills but also the ability to heal and restore. Many advanced Seibukan practitioners study both the martial and healing aspects of the system.
Toribio has also worked extensively to make martial arts accessible to diverse populations. He co-developed the Model Mugging self-defense program for women and founded the Action Self-Defense Program. He has created training methods for law enforcement officers, children, and individuals with disabilities.
Julio Toribio Kancho continues to guide the development of Seibukan Jujutsu today. The system exemplifies his belief that martial arts must evolve to remain relevant while still honoring their traditional roots.
The success of Seibukan Jujutsu stems from its balance of tradition and innovation. It preserves the depth and wisdom of ancient Japanese martial arts while adapting techniques for today's self-defense needs. The emphasis on awareness and assessment rather than merely physical techniques distinguishes it from many other systems.
As Toribio once expressed, "By bringing awareness and freedom of individual expression through the path of Seibukan Jujutsu, each person has the opportunity to reach their highest potential and achieve self-mastery."
This philosophy ensures that Seibukan Jujutsu remains not just a collection of fighting techniques but a comprehensive path for personal development – a modern warrior's way adapted for today's world while honoring the martial traditions of the past.