name that style

I'm looking into the history of a kind of martial art. I'v heard it called a 'Japanese family style,' refering to a subset of clan. Additionally, the same style was called Japanese style Aikido. Anyone heard of such a beast?

I don't quite understand your posting, but I'll give it a go. First off, their is no 'Japanese Style Aikido,' Aikido is Japanese. As for a family style of martial arts from Japan that is similar to Aikido, is Daito Ryu JuJutsu that has been said to be one of the primary influences of O'sensei's Aikido. Although at that time it is called Daito Ryu 'JuJutsu,' it is described as being very 'dynamic.' Hope this helps.

All is one, Jared