Jujutsu FAQ

What is jujutsu?

Jujutsu (or jiu-jitsu) is a martial art consisting of joint locks, throwing, grappling and striking techniques. Translated from Japanese it means „the gentle art” (ju – gentle, soft and jutsu - art).

Jujutsu or jiu-jitsu?

Jujutsu, ju-jitsu or jiu-jitsu are just different spelling variants from Japanese. Some sounds used in Japanese are not used in English, and so can be written based only on similar sounds. That is why there are many different spellings of this word. Most popular variant is "jiu-jitsu", but we find more proper to use "jujutsu" variant.

When jujutsu was created?

Historically this martial art emerged in Japan and it was one of the skills which samurais were taught, along with sword fighting (ken-džutsu), bow shooting (kju-džutsu), horse riding and other. Jujutsu was used in such cases, when samurai remained unarmed in the battlefield and he had to fight empty-handed.

Who created jujutsu?

The creator of jujutsu is unknown. But there is an ancient legend, telling what jujutsu philosophy was discovered by a Japanese doctor Sirobej Akijma. As legend has it, one winter morning he was walking in his garden when suddenly noticed how a pine branch broke because of the snow weight. After he paid attention how a snow-covered willow branch bowed down, dropped the snow and straightened, unharmed from the show weight. When he stated the main principle of "the gentle art" – give way to win.

When jujutsu became known in the world?

Jujutsu became popular in the end of 19-th century, when Japan officially terminated samurai caste and forbade carrying a sword in an everyday life. And for many samurais, training and developing jujutsu was the only chance to preserve old martial traditions.

At the same time Japan started to open herself to the world, and some foreigners had a chance to see and learn jujutsu. And with a new knowledge they went home to England, France, USA, Russia and other countries, spreading jujutsu in the world.

Afterwards, jujutsu tactical and technical principles were used in the creation of such martial art as judo, aikido, sambo and others.

What is modern jujutsu?

It is possible to say, that modern jujutsu developed in two directions – classical and practical. The first one includes schools where this martial art was learned according to schools traditions and canons. And the second group emphasizes on its practical use in sports and self-defense, and also trained by police and army.