Jujitsu - The Gentle Art...?
Jujitsu is one of the most effective and deadly forms of martial arts taught today. Unique among other forms of combat, Jujitsu holds the position of a "parent art", of from which other forms of martial arts such as Aikido, Judo and several Karate styles were extracted. Jujitsu is a combination of all levels of combat. It incorporates chokes, striking, grappling, nerve and pressure point attacks, joint locks, redirection of momentum and throws.
Jujitsu is sometimes referred to as a complete and more rounded art. This is because it utilises all aspects of different martial arts, combining both standing and ground fighting. Certainly a puncher or kicker is at a disadvantage if they allow themselves to be taken to the ground. The grappler, or ground-fighter, is at a disadvantage to stay outside and try to use strikes with a "striker". Therefore, a martial artist with both standing and grappling skills has a better, and some may consider unfair, advantage over his opponent. Another advantage of Jujitsu is the ability to modify techniques to meet the needs of the situation and abilities of the student, as some techniques work better than others based on height, weight and physical capabilities and limitations. In addition, Jujitsu students are taught to do anything in their power to overcome an opponent, a practice that causes a lot of controversy in the martial arts community. It is certainly not uncommon to see a Jujitsu student being taught to gouge the eyeball, break or dislocate a limb, crush the windpipe or even break the neck of an opponent. These techniques are taught to be used only in extreme circumstances, however they illustrate well the lethal nature of the art to defeat an opponent with as little time and energy spent as possible. It is no wonder that Jujitsu is taught to American and Russian Special Forces, as well as armies and police units around the world.
The Beginning
There are no records by which the origins of Jujitsu can definitely be established. It is safe to assume that ever since the beginning of history, the instinct of self-preservation was strong and man had to fight for existence. The basic inspiration to develop a skill that allowed a person to use the body for offence and defence was the basis for all martial arts.
Muromachi Period (1333 - 1573)
Early Japanese warriors were highly skilled with the use of swords. They also required the ability to defend themselves when they were unable to use their sword. They studied and developed methods of striking, kicking, throwing, joint taking and choking. This was the formal beginning of Jujitsu although historical references of unarmed defence techniques date back to the 11th century. The early years of Jujitsu were secretive, each family or province had their own style, passing down these techniques only to other family or province members. As a result, specialization and compartmentalization developed. This process continued until the late 16th century when Jujitsu formalized and many significant ryu’s (schools) formed. A few of these styles greatly helped to form what we consider modern day Jujitsu.
The Formation - Edo Period (1600 - 1868)
The Kyushin-ryu school brought forward systems of Atemi-waza (striking techniques) and Kappo (systems of resuscitation). Kito-ryu brought forward an order of training methods from basic to advanced. Throwing techniques were also emphasized by this style and today’s modern day Judo is based upon this styles basic techniques. Takenouchi-ryu emphasized Hojo (rope tying techniques) which is currently used by many police and military groups. Daito-ryu specialized in Kansetsu-waza (joint techniques) and Atemi-waza. Today’s Aikido is based upon this style of joint techniques.
The Turning Point - Meiji Period (1868-1911)
In the late 1800’s the Japanese feudal system collapsed and imperial rule was re-established. Weapons were no longer allowed to be carried and many of the Jujitsu styles and Samurai began to die out. During this time period a few modern day styles emerged. Jigoro Kano developed Judo. Many tournaments between Judo and Jujitsu practitioners took place during this time period. Without the ability to strike and kick (Judo rules) the Jujitsu practitioner was limited in techniques and as a result, Judo often won. Jujitsu was even more reduced in practice and Judo became Japans principal martial art form. It was the Japanese police that lent revitalization to Jujitsu. They realized that striking and kicking techniques were still needed and took techniques that most satisfied their needs. They added them to Judo and developed the Jujitsu style Taiho-Jitsu. The name became synonymous with police and if a student studied this style, then it was assumed that they were a police officer.
Modern Day Jujitsu (1912 - Present)
By the commencement of the twentieth century, the notoriety of Jujitsu as a form of unarmed combat became more well known in western society. Many schools, wishing to protect the secrets of their origins, slowly became suppressed as many foreigners entered Japan and sought out the secrets of the art. By the time World War 2 ended, Japanese society had undertaken massive changes, and the status of the emperor, along with many traditional activities such as the martial arts, almost disappeared in history. During this time, the allied forces occupying Japan placed a ban on all forms of martial arts training. This was ordered, primarily to suppress any ability of the Japanese to rejuvenate their “aggressive” arts and offer resistance to the allies’ attempts to change the nature of the Japanese culture.
Gradually, the suppression imposed by western society after the war had eased, and several traditional Jujitsu schools in Japan reopened their doors. Leading the resurgence in Japan have been the police forces, who have adopted many Jujitsu techniques as part of their modern training procedures. Consequently, Ju jitsu has re-emerged in various parts of Japan, and spread to the western world.
Copyright © 2008 Mu Shin Ju Jitsu Association
