The underlying philosophy of Kumo Jiu Jitsu is that one should not have to use strength to defeat an opponent, but rather, like the spider, a smaller individual should be able to defeat a larger opponent, through the use of distraction, to "set up" their adversary, take away the means of using their strength and ultimately subdue them.

The style is based on redirection of force and the use of an opponents strength against them.

In keeping with this philosophy, many of the techniques taught in this style, do not require strength to execute. Sensitivity to an opponents weight distribution, as well as an awareness of what is possible from a given position, are key to the anticipation and countering of an opponents actions. In fact, once it is realized that an opponent has very limited options, it is relatively simple to position oneself to counter those movements, in what would appear to be an instantaneous response.