Jujitsu is a martial art which reflects the movements of the attacker back upon him or her. It has been practiced in Japan since the
sixteenth century, although Jujitsu has its origins in Chinese martial arts. Jujitsu uses a series of joint locks, small weaponry, and defensive tactics in combination with conserved energy to
neutralize an attacker. Many other martial arts such as Judo and
Aikido have their roots in Jujitsu. The word “Jujitsu” means the practice of
gentleness, and in addition to learning the moves associated with Jujitsu, students also make changes in their characters. Jujitsu is supposed to focus and calm the students, with the aim of making them better martial artists and more refined individuals as well. The movements of Jujitsu are efficient, flowing, and circular, and it is a distinctly beautiful martial art to watch. Jujitsu is also usually practiced within a very small circle, and many Jujitsu moves have been refined for
close quarters fighting. Jujitsu reached its heyday during the
Tokugawa Shogunate, when weapons were forbidden to most Japanese citizens. Jujitsu incorporates joint locking and arresting movements which are extremely useful in hand to hand combat where neither warrior has a weapon. When used correctly, it is also possible to disarm with a joint lock. Grappling, take downs, throws, and strangulation also play a role in Jujitsu.
Most schools of Jujitsu also teach techniques with
canes, short swords, and use of ropes. Defensive techniques against modern weapons such as guns are taught as well, with a strong focus on neutralizing an opponent without harming him or her. Some students of Jujitsu also learn healing techniques including massage, while other schools also place a heavy value on the study of spiritual and philosophical concepts. Jujitsu is differentiated from other aggressive martial arts like Karate because it is not an offensive
martial art, but a defensive one. Jujitsu students learn the arts of surrender, patience, yielding, and efficiency. Jujitsu is also highly effective, integrating fighting techniques for a variety of situations, with or without weapons. Jujitsu techniques are often taught in self defense classes for women, because it is possible to
neutralize an attacker quickly and escape using Jujitsu techniques. In the twentieth century, Jujitsu was brought to the West by a variety of masters, and became a very popular martial art. In 1977, the
Ju-Jitsu International Federation was formed, with the idea of organizing and
regulating international Jujitsu competitions. In competition,
the Federation recognizes two types of entries. The fighting system opposes single members from different teams who
spar for points. In the duo system, two athletes from the same team demonstrate defensive techniques on the mat.