Jujutsu: Combat Stories – 07

-by Ishita Mondal

–Reading Time – 5 min Approx

If you search for the deadliest martial arts in the world, jujutsu will definitely come under the topmost list. Jujutsu, also termed jiu-jitsu and ju-jitsu, is a notable form of Japanese martial arts. Derived from various ancient and middle-aged martial arts forms, it is a source of influence for many other modern martial art forms like aikido, hapkido, and different forms of judo. Although they are influenced by jujutsu, these martial art forms cannot be considered as the descendants of jujutsu. Jujutsu always secured a special, unparalleled place in the history of martial arts.

This article is going to shed light on the details of it. From the origin, etymology to the development, and modern-day practices, we will discuss every aspect here. So, are you ready to learn about one of the most popular martial art practices in the world? Let’s proceed.

Jujutsu- What is there in a Name:

Jujutsu is close combat that is fought unarmed or with minor weapons. The present usual spelling of jujutsu came only after the first half of the 20^th century. Before that, the preferred spellings were jiu-jitsu and ju-jitsu. Even today, after modifying the spelling, ju-jitsu is used in Canada, France, and different parts of the United Kingdom. On the other hand, jiu-jitsu is often heard in Germany and Brazil. While ‘Ju’ refers to ‘gentle,’ ‘soft,’ or ‘flexible,’ on the other hand, ‘jutsu’ signifies the art of technique.  Thus, jujutsu is a flexible art of techniques for influencing the opponent to apply forces against themselves instead of dealing with it using their own power.

From Where it was Started- Origin and History:

Previously, it was developed to fight against the samurai of feudal Japan. As direct striking is ineffective in front of an armored opponent, methods like pins, joint locks, and throws are majorly used in these cases. Thus, the unarmed combat jujutsu was born.

Before 17^th Century:

It was the Nara period ranging from c. 710 to c. 794 when jujutsu began as a form of combat. It incorporated the techniques of sumo and many other Japanese martial art forms. While China’s martial art forms majorly focused upon striking, jujutsu, as hand-to-hand combat focused on throwing, strangulating, choking etc. Jujutsu teaches to combat unarmed, armed, or opponents with few weapons.

Early 17^th Century:

During the Edo period, jujutsu evolved as an art form with new techniques introduced by the masters. At that time, Tokugawa Shogunate, the military government of Japan, reduces the use of armors and weapons to lower down the excessive war mentality. Due to it, unarmored self-defense techniques like jujutsu came into the limelight. New methods were adapted while changes came in existing techniques.

After the 17^th Century:

By that time, the combat form became popular. In the 18^th century, striking techniques started to become obsolete. Practitioners started using the striking methods only to distract the opponent. Also, it is used to disturb the balance of the opponent. It was the time when numerous jujutsu schools were established. However, the term jujutsu was not developed before the 17^th century. Later on, after the 17^th century, it emerged as a term defining a wide range of disciplines and techniques that incorporate grappling as a major method.

Gradually, the combat form started developing different new techniques, including wrestling, rope weaponry, etc. However, defensive methods like blocking, evading, blending, escaping, etc., are also used in this form of combat.

The Development of Jujutsu:

Earlier, it was an unarmed method of combat. Nowadays, after going through several changes, the form turned into an unarmed or semi-armed combat form. Under the category of jujutsu, a wide range of various types were introduced. They are- Quantum jujutsu, Seibukan jujutsu, small circle jujutsu, atemi jujutsu, kokusai jujutsu, kodoryu jujutsu, and so on.

Sports jujutsu is also a famous kind of jujutsu that includes many different versions. One prominent version is JJIF Rules Sport Ju-Jitsu. It is arranged by JJIF or Ju-jitsu international Federation. Other variations are –

• Duo
• Freefighting
• Ne Waza or grappling system

Duo is a self-defense technique that includes special techniques of random attacks. In this type, both the attacker and defender belong to the same team.

Freefighting, on the other hand, is a variant of jujutsu that combines grappling, striking, and occasional submissions for safety. This variant does not use techniques like scissor takedowns, locking, neck locks, and digital choking.

Ne Waza is a system in which the participants start standing up and struggle for a submission. No striking is permitted.

Jujutsu in Modern Practices:

Although it was started as a self-defense technique, now, its scope is broader than that. Nowadays, jujutsu is practiced as a sports form and as a major self-defense technique. It is also played as an Olympics sport. However, the sport form is similar to judo, another combat form influenced by the traditional form of jujutsu.

When jujutsu crossed the oriental boundary and was introduced to the West, it was molded into different adapted versions. Today, you can find many of such Western martial art forms with roots connected to traditional jujutsu. Modern Japanese martial arts schools or Gendai jujutsu schools comprise judo, Brazilian jiu-jutsu, aikido, hapkido, etc. All of them are innovative and effective martial art forms that are inspired by some techniques of jujutsu.

Important Factors to Know about Jujutsu:

So, we have discussed everything you need to know about the combat form called jujutsu. Before pulling the curtain down, let’s learn some essential factors regarding this martial art form.

1. It is one of the fastest-growing martial art forms in the world.
2. Keanu Reeves, a famous celebrity, has made jiu-jitsu famous along with many other celebrities.
3. The principle is to make the combat form useful for the small people to defend themselves against any bigger opponent using tactics.
4. Not only for self-defense or sports but also, you can learn it for improving your body fitness.
5. Famous practitioners of this art form are- Seishiro Okazaki, Takeda Sōkaku, Gokor Chivichyan, Alexis Davis, Stephen Thompson, and so on.
6. Edward William Barton-Wright first introduced jujutsu to Europe in 1898.
7. It has been used as the base for many unarmed combat techniques within military forces of different countries, including Britain, the US, Russia, etc.

Final Thoughts

Jujutsu has always been a significant martial art form as a self-defense technique or a sports form in Japan. After going through several stages of modification and adaptations, it received global recognition as an effective combat technique. Nonetheless, amidst the modern globalized variations, we must admire and cherish the root. The traditional jujutsu must be in practice forever!

-by Ishita Mondal

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