Mizu-do

Mizu-do means "the way of the water", and is a martial art developed by Crane artisans. also known as Umi-do, "the way of the sea", the artform focuses on defensive kata that are used by courtiers and artisans to defend themselves, and even sometimes used as routines in plays. The first Mizu-do sensei Kakita Merao once said; "The softest thing in the world overcomes the hardest; a thing without substance enters where there is no room. The stiff and unbending is the disciple of death - the gentle and yielding is the disciple of life." On both mental and physical levels Mizu-do is and art, focusing on throws and joint locks with inspirations from kenjutsu. It does not incorporate kicking or punching, but rather using their own opponents energy against them. When performing Mizu-do as an exibition the movements are exaggerated, and the performers are taught special rolls to avoid taking any serious damage. (Crane p. 112)

Teaching
Most samurai schools have little or no respect for the practicioners of Mizu-do, and the Crane have never tried to popularize the art. Teaching involves no weapons training, as the student is expeced to rely on himself rather than his equipment. The techniques have almost no foot techniques other than sweeps and general movement, as the discipline focuses on the use of hands. The two main techniques of Mizu-do are the joint locks and the throws. The joint lock can be used by a small man to restrain even the largest samurai, although the application of the technique does not injure the target it can cause injuries if the target struggles against the lock. Mizu-do techniques are rarely taught to anyone but Crane. (Crane p. 113)

Bend Like a Reed
The Bend Like a Reed technique is a form of feint whi can be used to escape a direct attack from a sword or staff weapon. (Crane p. 113)

Catch the Shadow
The Catch the Shadow technique is commonly used to escape other hand-to-hand grappling attempts. It is difficult, but can be done successfully if practiced alot and the practitioner has sharp reflexes. (Crane p. 113)

Dragon Claw
The Dragon Claw technique is one of the joint lock techniques of Mizu-do. It is a nerve hold which relies on the sensitive nerve positions on a persons body. It causes them pain and prevents further attacks. (Crane p. 114)

The Farther You Fall
The Farther You Fall technique is a throw technique is one of the most effective of the Mizu-do school. It uses the force of the opponent to hurl them a sizable distance from the practitioner. (Crane p. 114)

Flight of Dragons
The Flight of Dragons technique is a throw designed to shift the position of the opponents body so they will trip over their own momentum. (Crane p. 114)

Hammer of Earth
The Hammer of Earth technique is one of the more dangerous throws. It has the greatest chance of success, but leaves the practitioner open for a possible attack from the opponent. (Crane p. 114)

Thumb Wrench
The Thumb Wrench technique is a painful and suppressive joint lock that uses the opponents strength against them to force them into a motionless position. A skillful practitioner of Mizu-do can hold even the strongest samurai with a minimum amount of effort. (Crane p. 114)