Jujitsu is a martial art which reflects the movements of the attacker back upon him or her. It has been practiced in
Japan since the sixteenth century, although Jujitsu has its origins in
Chinese martial arts. Jujitsu uses a series of joint locks,
small weaponry, and defensive tactics in combination with conserved energy to neutralize an attacker. Many other martial arts such as Judo and Aikido have their roots in Jujitsu. The word “Jujitsu” means the practice of gentleness, and in addition to learning the moves associated with Jujitsu, students also make changes in their characters. Jujitsu is supposed to focus and calm the students, with the
aim of making them better martial artists and more refined individuals as well. The movements of Jujitsu are efficient, flowing, and circular, and it is a distinctly beautiful martial art to watch. Jujitsu is also usually practiced within a very
small circle, and many Jujitsu moves have been refined for close quarters fighting. Jujitsu reached its heyday during the Tokugawa Shogunate, when weapons were forbidden to most
Japanese citizens. Jujitsu incorporates joint locking and arresting movements which are extremely useful in hand to hand combat where neither warrior has a weapon. When used correctly, it is also possible to disarm with a joint
lock. Grappling, take downs, throws, and strangulation also
play a role in Jujitsu.
Most schools of Jujitsu also teach techniques with canes,
short swords, and use of ropes. Defensive techniques against modern weapons such as
guns are taught as well, with a strong focus on neutralizing an opponent without harming him or her. Some students of Jujitsu also learn healing techniques including massage, while other schools also place a
heavy value on the
study of spiritual and philosophical concepts. Jujitsu is differentiated from other aggressive martial arts like Karate because it is not an offensive martial art, but a defensive
one. Jujitsu students learn the arts of surrender, patience, yielding, and efficiency. Jujitsu is also highly effective, integrating fighting techniques for a variety of situations, with or without weapons. Jujitsu techniques are often taught in self defense classes for women, because it is possible to neutralize an attacker quickly and escape using Jujitsu techniques. In the twentieth century, Jujitsu was brought to the West by a variety of masters, and became a very
popular martial art. In 1977, the
Ju-Jitsu International Federation was formed, with the idea of organizing and regulating international Jujitsu competitions. In competition, the Federation recognizes
two types of entries. The fighting
system opposes single members from different teams who spar for points. In the duo
system,
two athletes from the same team demonstrate defensive techniques on the mat.
