Jujitsu is considered a soft art.  It uses balance, leverage and momentum against an attacker’s opponents.  This is different than hard methods, such as karate.  Hard methods tend focus on power, speed and strength.  When learning jujitsu in a class, there are similar factors that apply:

• The students learn traditional jujitsu methods by looking at the instructors and doing what they do.

• Atemi can focus on weak parts of the body.  It breaks up a balance for a lock, throw or a take-down.

• The body of the defender can take full advantage of the weakness of their opponent.  In the meantime, they can choose to use some openings or weak spots.

• An attacker’s momentum is increased to put a joint in a difficult position.  For a take-down or a throw, the balance is broken.

Jujitsu has a lot of different compartments.  It is the catalyst for different styles.  When instructors implement new methods than the original ones, they end up creating their own.  Some of the original material has been changed that it is not considered to be a jujitsu style.

Some martial arts that have been affected by jujitsu are:

• Bartitsu

• Judo

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu