Jujitsu Overview

Jujitsu is a name used for Japanese martial arts techniques. The meaning of this word is the “art of softness” or “way of yielding”. Jujitsu came from Japan as a way of defeat of an opponent without using any weapons. Since hitting the opponent didn’t do much justice, they would be attacked with pins and throws. This worked against the attacker’s energy.

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.

Methods of Combat

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.

Kata competitions, which is where competitors use techniques of the same style and get graded for how well they perform. You will also find freestyle games where the competitors go after each other. The defenders are graded on how well they perform.

Techniques and Variations

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.

The Five Main Sectors of Jujitsu

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).