Before this Japanese martial art developed into what we know as Jujitsu today, there were many other Japanese combat techniques such as Kogusoku, yawara, kumiuchi, and hakuda etc, also collectively known as Sengoku Jujutsu. Traditions finally gave rise to the modern Nihon Jujutsu we know today, which is classified under Edo Jujutsu – the true unarmed Japanese combat system.

Jujitsu gained prominence during the reign of Tokugawa in the 1600s but was soon alienated when Emperor Melse regained power. However, towards the mid-20th century, the ban on Jujitsu in Japan was lifted, following the Meiji restoration, and the combat art form began to be widely practiced.

The Philosophy:

Jujitsu revolves around three basic states of mind – Zanshin, Mushin and Fudoshin. The proper combination of these elements gave the power, preparation and potential to the practitioner to excel in the Jujitsu art.

1. Zanshin – “remaining spirit” – connotes the readiness for anything at any given time.

2. Mushin – “no mind” – Its spontaneity permits instantaneous action without conscious thought.

3. Fudoshin – “immovable mind” –during times of confrontation.

Basic Methods:

Jujitsu is a circular, hard and soft, external combat style. The basic techniques of attacks 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. In-fighting and close work are also focused upon.

Even though Jujitsu is basically an unarmed fighting system, small weapons like the Jitte (truncheon), Tanto (knife), or Kakushi Buki (hidden weapons), which include the Ryofundo Kusari (weighted chain) or the Bankokuchoki (a type of knuckle-duster) may also be used in combat.

Competition Systems:

Conventional Jujitsu can be dangerous, or maybe even fatal if its fundamental techniques were to be applied. So, in order to make the art a safer sport for the competitive arena, systems and rules have to be introduced. That is why most of the competition methods have incorporated “Half-contact”, which prohibits serious attempts to knock out an opponent.

1. The Fighting System: This is the most popular method, divided into three phases. The first is for striking only, the second for striking, grappling and throwing, and the third includes ground-fighting such as chokeholds.

2. The Practical System: According to this rule, two defenders are surrounded by four attackers from four corners. Highest points go to the best defender judged upon effectiveness, oversight and control of the situation.

3. The Duo System: In this system, contestants are randomly chosen and awarded points for effective defences. The attacks are divided into four groups of five attacks each.

4. Combat Jujitsu: The most recent system developed in the United States. Victory in the competition is based on submission. The combat round between the two opponents lasts for not more than two minutes.

With the jujitsu system, there is more attention paid to pinning, throwing, choking and strangling techniques.  This is different than other systems of martial arts like karate.  Even though jujitsu is originally a Japanese system, there are some jujitsu schools that use some Chinese moves.

The danger of jujitsu is that with training, some of the moves can be fatal.  Students that have jujitsu classes are usually taught in an environment that is not competitive.  Because of that, there is not a lot of risk.

With jujitsu, you will find five main sectors, otherwise known as the arts of training.  The five sectors are:

• The Art of Blocking (defend against attacks)

• The Art of the Fulcrum Throw (used in judo)

• The Art of the Non-Fulcrum (throws that have very little contact)

• The Art of Escaping (used in different jujitsu styles)

• The Art of Striking (do not have body armor)

How To Martial Arts

There are different ways that people do jujitsu.  Some of the techniques used include, holds, throwing, trapping, biting, gouging, striking and kicking.  At one time, there were self-defense schools that taught their students how to use weapons, but that is no longer the case.

Jujitsu is practiced all over the world, including being used in sport form.  It has been used in the Olympic Games competitions.

Other methods of combat with jujitsu include:

• Striking (kicking and punching)

• Throwing (body throws)

• Restraining (pinning, wrestling)

• Defense moves (evading, blocking, escaping)

Sport jujitsu has many forms.  One of the most popular is judo, which has been implemented into the Olympic Games.  Mixed-style competitions are the ones that are most seen at these Games.  With these competitions, there are throws, strikes and holds in order for the competitors to get points.

• 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