-
Step 1
Get the basics of Japanese body movement down by studying tai sabaki, the approach to whole body movement in self-defense and combat situations. You should also get familiar with principles like Aki, which teaches martial arts students to flow with their opponent in order to lead the opponent into submissive stances and positions.
-
Step 2
Study one of the specific martial arts styles that heavily integrates practical and theoretical aspects of taijutsu. You can start with a Japanese grappling style such as jujutsu or you can focus on a more striking based style like ninjitsu or aikido.
-
Step 3
Integrate the taijutsu essentials of taihenjutsu, which teaches posturing and positioning to dominate your opponent by placing your body in an advantageous position relative to his. As part of taihenjutsu, you should learn how to fall correctly so the fall doesn't disable or disadvantage you. Then move on to jutaijutsu, which allows you to study throws and joint locks in depth, and finally dakentaijutsu, or striking moves.
-
Step 4
Contact a Japanese dojo or fighting studio that offers Japanese martial arts taught by an expert and ask how closely the training focuses on elements of taijutsu. You should also find out whether or not taijutsu is taught implicitly or if it's laid out explicitly in the martial arts classes.
