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A brief History of Ju-JitsuJujutsu or Ju-Jitsu as it is more commonly known in the West, is a martial art, which is based on the empty-hand self-defense techniques of the Samurai warriors of ancient Japan. It is considered to be one of the oldest martial arts in the world. No one knows exactly where or how Ju-Jitsu started but historical records show that it is at least 2500 years old. Although it has its origins in ancient Japan, it is also believed to be of Chinese origin as well. Ju-Jitsu is the parent martial art of Aikido, Judo and Karate. The martial art of Ju-Jitsu began to grow during the period of clan warfare in Japan, from the 8th to the 16th centuries, when Japan was provincial and ruled by nobles. During this time of constant civil war, the different styles of armed combat were undergoing continuous revision and refinement on the battlefield. The weaponless style of Ju-Jitsu was integrated into the training of the Samurai during this time. However, the Samurai also need empty-hand techniques, in case they were attacked when not carrying their sword, or when they lost their sword in the battlefield. Thus, they developed a huge array of techniques, for dealing with armed and unarmed attackers Ju-Jitsu is called the "art of flexibility" because it does not rely on strength to defeat the opponent. It is opposed to rigidity, which leads into using strength against strength. Instead, a Jujutsuka would rather employ cunning strategy, that is, to lure the opponent to attack first. By utilizing the principle of flexibility, the Ju-Jitsu stylist will make the opponent lose balance, then he will counter the attack with a throwing technique, striking technique or a joint locking technique. The main weapons of the Samurai are the bow, spear and sword (Katana). Thus, they developed a huge array of techniques, for dealing with armed and unarmed attackers. While there are many styles of empty-hand arts which bear the name "Ju-Jitsu", and there are literally thousands of techniques which are employed by the art of Ju-Jitsu, the basic principles are usually the same. In the modern world, Police officers and military personnel are the ones who benefited the most from Ju-Jitsu techniques. Ju-Jitsu gave the option to either kill the opponent or simply arrest him. Ju-Jitsu is also equally effective for civilian self-defense. And Ju-Jitsu is also an excellent form of physical exercise. Many civilians have discovered the joys of learning the arts, both as a physical exercise and as a means of self-defense. Almost all countries in Europe, America and Asia have Ju-Jitsu schools. After WWII, Ju-Jitsu schools became rare and forgotten, while the more modern martial arts of Judo, Aikido and Karate gained prominence, but some individuals still preserve the original art, and in some cases even refined and enhanced the art to fit modern situations. Ju-Jitsu is a circular, hard and soft, external combat style. The basic techniques of attack includes throws, locks, hitting and striking, thrusting and punching, pinning and immobilizing, strangling and joint-locking, with strong emphasis on throws, locks, and defensive techniques.
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Last modified: 07/31/07 |
