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What is
Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu Video
 Jiu-Jitsu loosely
translated means "science of softness" or "gentle art"
and is applied to many schools of unarmed and
hand-to-hand combat. The soft grappling style was
intended to help unarmed soldiers to fight against armed
enemies in any way possible, using the least amount of
force necessary. Jiu-Jitsu was the primary unarmed combat
method of the Samurai. Aikido and Judo are both modern
day descendents of Jiu-Jitsu. Several techniques used are
similar to Karate, Aikido and Judo.
Jiu-Jitsu
emphasizes turning an attacker's own force against him
or herself, putting them off balance. Jiu-Jitsu also
emphasizes certain grappling moves and strikes to vital
areas. A Jiu-Jitsu student is expected to learn how to
gauge the force of an opponent's attack and use it
against him, evade attacks, use leverage against an
opponent and how to attack nerves and pressure points.
The main goal in Jiu-Jitsu practice is to
cultivate a person's mind and body: not to use it as a
means to vent one's anger, frustration or emotional
problems. The use of force is condoned only in
self-defense or in the defense of those who are
defenseless.
The Origins of
Jiu-Jitsu
The origin of
Jiu-Jitsu is not clear, however the first publicly
recognized Jiu-Jitsu Ryu was formed by Takenouchi
Hisamori in 1532 and consisted of techniques using a
sword, jo-stick and dagger as well as unarmed
techniques. The Takenouchi-Ryu may be regarded as the
primal branch for the teaching of arts similar to that
of Jiu-Jitsu.
Several hundred years later there
was a general shift from the weapon forms of fighting to
weaponless styles. These weaponless styles were
developed from the grappling techniques of the weapon
styles and were collectively known as Jiu-Jitsu.
Fukuno Schichiroemon of Temba started the
Kito-Ryu in the middle of the 17th century. The Kito-Ryu
gained great prestige and popularity with its "Art of
Throwing" and "Form Practice." In close connection with
this branch was the Jikishin-Ryu, whose founder was
Terada Kanemon, a contemporary of Fukono. They
established two separate systems of Jiu-Jitsu. These two
systems appear to be the oldest of all the varied
systems of Jiu-Jitsu.
It has been estimated that
over 750 systems of Jiu-Jitsu were in existence in Japan
from 1603-1868. The branches of Jiu-Jitsu grew during the
feudal period. The art continued in various provinces in
Japan until the later part of the 18th century, when it
began to decline with the impending fall of feudalism.
Kano Jigoro opened his first Kodokan dojo in the
early 1880's in Tokyo. Kano used his knowledge and
experience of Jiu-Jitsu to create Judo. During the
Kodokan's years, Judo almost completely smothered the
prevailing Jiu-Jitsu traditions of the area, perhaps due
to Judo's success in direct competitions with various
Jiu-Jitsu forms.
The
United States Jiu-Jitsu Federation (USJJF) was founded in
1971, and is the National Governing Body for Jiu-Jitsu in
the United States with the Jiu-Jitsu International
Federation (JJIF).
The United States Sport
Jiujitsu Association (USSJA) is the governing body for
Sport Jiu-Jitsu in the United States, acting as a member
of the International Sport Jiujitsu Association (ISJA).
Sport Jiu-Jitsu transcends other forms of martial arts
competition in that it encompasses all fighting ranges.
It challenges fighters not only to develop hand and foot
speed, but also to have the versatility and skill to go
into grappling using takedowns, throws and submissions.
There is a U.S. National Championship that takes place
every year in the fall, and a World Championship is held
every two years.
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