Brief History and Background of Japanese Jiu Jitsu

Japanese Jiu Jitsu or Jujitsu, Ju-Jitsu, Jiu-Jutsu (roughly meaning Ju=gentle, Jitsu=art) is a close quarters Japanese martial art. Many of the techniques associated with Jiu-Jitsu can be traced back many many centuries through India, China and Japan and then later developed by Samurai for their unarmed combat fighting requirements. The art uses mainly joint locks, chokes and throws using the attackers own force against them.

The first Ryu Jiu-Jitsu school was started by Hisamori Takenouchi in 1532. His system was developed to help immobilise warriors with grappling and short weapons on the battlefield, as striking systems were found to be ineffective against those wearing armour.

As with other martial arts, there are many different systems which have developed over a long period of time. Some of these systems employ striking techniques and weapons use, while others concentrate on non-striking moves. Many can be clearly traced and recognised as being Jiu-Jitsu based, such as BBJ and Aikido, while others such as Judo concentrate more on the throwing/grappling aspect of the art.

The art has been and still is very popular with both the military and police authorities throughout the world and is now a very popular addition to hybrid fighting systems for mixed martial arts.

Some of the organisations include:
Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF), All Jiu-Jitsu International Federation (AJJIF), Jiu-Jitsu Federation of Japan (JJFJ), Australian Jujitsu Federation (AJJF), American Judo and Jujitsu Federation (AJJF), United States Jujitsu Federation (USJJF), World Ju-jitsu Federation (WJJF), British Ju Jitsu Association National Governing Body (BJJAGB), Combat Ju-Jutsu International Federation (CJJIF).

Japanese Jiu Jitsu Training

The goal in Japanese Jiu Jitsu is to disable, disarm, cripple and control your opponent or even be taught how to apply fatal techniques. The art is based on real situation defence/attacks with little in the way of rules or fair play. Even today the art is being consistently developed to adapt to modern situations.

True Jiu-Jitsu is achieving the maximum effect with the minimum effort and many moves use the attacker’s momentum or strength against themselves.

There are many variations of the art, which leads to a diversity of approaches. Jiu-Jitsu schools may utilize all forms of grappling techniques such as throwing, trapping, joint locks, holds, restraining, pinning, gouging, escapes, as well as break falling, nerve/vital point lessons and striking and kicking. In addition to these, many schools will teach the use of small/short weapons use.

Japanese Jiu Jitsu Equipment/Gear Used

Heavy Cotton Gi
Belts (various graded colours)
Mat

Weapons used in Japanese Jiu Jitsu

Tanto – The tanto is single edged Japanese short sword that measures under 12″ and was popular with the Samurai for close quarter fighting, as it could be used to penetrate body armour.

Kubotan – Short keychain weapon, used for close-quarter self-defense.

Yawara – Short stick, used for close-quarter self-defense.

Wakizashi – Bladed sword about 30-60cm in length, used as a backup sword to the Samurai’s Katana.

Celebrity Jiu Jitsu Practitioners

Nicolas Cage
Milla Jovovich
Ed O’Neill
Guy Ritchie
Chuck Norris
Jim Carrey
Richard Norton
Jason Statham
Mario Van Peebles

Movies featuring Japanese Jiu Jitsu / Other Jiu-Jitsu

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