The self-defense practices are taught through principles and concepts rather than particular techniques.  Instead of trying to learn and memorize a thousand different techniques (which can be very difficult), Freedman's Method presents the principles and allows the student to create a thousand variations on his or her own.  By training in this manner, the student becomes sensitive to every possible situation and creative in adapting to it. 

It’s worth emphasizing that if a principle, concept, or technique does not enhance our ability for urban combat defense it is generally not incorporated into Freedman’s classes.  With that mind-set it’s imperative that we remain honest with our training, realizing that the street can be a hostile environment where the ground is often comprised of concrete, broken glass, and jagged rock.  Moreover, our opponents can be numerous.  We must never assume during an encounter that there will only be one attacker or that the attacker will be unarmed.  In the street assailants often bait their victims by making it appear as though they are alone.  Once the victim takes the bait by entangling their bodies around their assailant and taking the assailant to the ground to choke him out or dislocate a limb, it’s already too late.  From there the assailant’s eager accomplices emerge with their steel-toed boots, knives, and baseball bats ready to stomp, cut, and crush their prey. 

This survival concept of “sacrificing the one”  is not exclusive to the street.  In the wild the powerful anaconda can feast on a lone jaguar, but the giant snake doesn’t stand much of a chance against a pack.  Once the anaconda would begin to dominate, smother, and wrap itself around its “prey,”  the other cats could strategically ambush the vulnerable reptile, encircling and striking from all sides until the would-be predator is overcome and devoured.

Nature has and always will be one of humankind’s greatest teachers.  Many martial art techniques and strategies that thrive in the dojo or in the ring can sometimes be problematic when employed outside of a controlled environment.  Knowing when certain tactics are effective and when they are not effective in the street is crucial for self-preservation and survival. 

Undoubtedly, we must strive to prepare ourselves for the known and ready ourselves for the unknown and unforeseen.  We must learn to defend ourselves when standing, when sitting, when kneeling, and when lying on the ground to be able to defend against as many attacks as possible.  Even while defending ourselves on the ground the importance of mobility and not becoming a prisoner to our opponents is key for our survival in the street.  There is little room for error when defending against weaponry and multiple attackers.  A comprehensive and deep understanding of martial science can make all the difference.

Some basic topics covered in Freedman's Method Ketsugo Jujutsu:

* Body Movement (tai sabaki)

* Awareness Training (menriki)

* Sensory Training (ninshiki waza)

* Striking (atemi)

* Grappling (katame)

* Joint Locking (kansetsu waza)

* Pressure Points & Nerve Attacks (kyusho)

* Choking (shime waza)

* Escapes (nukewaza)

* Unbalancing (kuzushi)

* Throwing (nage waza)

* Rolling & Falling (ukemi)

* Ground Fighting (ne waza)

* Multiple Opponents Training & Sparring (randori)
       * Breath-work (kokyu waza)
       * Meditation (zazen)
       * Healing (reiki)
       * Weapons Training (kobujutsu):

       * Impact Weapons (stick, bo, tonfa, baseball bat, kubaton, pen, etc.)
       * Edge Weapons (sword, machete, knife, etc.)

       * Flexible Weapons (rope, chain, belt, jacket, scarf, handkerchief, etc.)

       * Projectile Weapons (objects that can be thrown)

Although weapons are taught, they are merely an extension of the body. Anything done with a weapon can be done with the body.  When you begin learning Jujutsu, you practice exercises using various instruments.  As you become comfortable and aware of your body's movements and apply and understand the purpose of the techniques, you move further away from the instrument and closer to its source of strength -- namely, yourself.  In Jujutsu, or gentle art, physical strength or size is not important.  Seeing yourself as the source of power and being able to apply that power through the learned principles and concepts are the underlying purpose of Freedman's Method Ketsugo Jujutsu.