Jujitsu -- sometimes referred to as jujutsu or jiu jitsu -- is an ancient form of martial arts that combines elements of judo, karate and aikido. It emphasizes close-combat techniques such as joint locks, throws, holds and grappling, but also makes use of strikes and kicks. Rather than relying on strength and speed alone, jujitsu uses leverage and efficiency of movement to turn the attacker's momentum against him.
Meaning
Although jujitsu is often translated as "the gentle art," many adherents regard this as an oversimplification that fails to convey the nuances of jujitsu's real meaning, including the use of necessary force. The American Jujitsu Association states that the Japanese character "ju" is meant to invoke pliancy and flexibility -- not meekness -- and should be understood to mean calm adaptability in the face of an attack. "Jutsu" -- adapted by some early translators to "jitsu"-- means art; according to the AJA, this implies a mastery and a precision that transcends mere physical action.
Features
Jujitsu is an ancient system, with recorded mention dating back to 230 BC. "Jujitsu: the Gentle Art" notes that an important early figure in jujitsu's development was a Zen Buddhist monk who combined Chinese Kempo with yogic breathing techniques to form Shorinji Kenpo; this in turn evolved into Go-Shin-Jutsu Karate, or "art of the open hand." Jujitsu gained formal structure in 1532, with the founding of an influential school by Hisamori Tenenuchi. From the 17th to 19th century in Japan -- known as the Edo period -- jujitsu transformed from a weapon style to weaponless fighting, and became established as the hand-to-hand fighting art of the samurai. With the outlawing of samurai and the collapse of the Shogunate, jujitsu went underground, but made a comeback beginning in the late 19th century. Modern jujitsu combines the throws and leverage of judo with the strikes of karate; it also makes use of pressure points, common in aikido.
Jujitsu in the United States
The University of Chicago Jujitsu Club credits a Japanese immigrant to Hawaii, Henry S. Okazaki, with being the father of American jujitsu. After opening a school in 1930, Okazaki taught a form of jujitsu that synthesized various stylistic elements he learned in his homeland. An influx of Japanese immigrants into Hawaii helped to support the system's popularity, and returning members of the US military -- who had become familiar with the art in Japan -- helped to introduce it to the mainland. There is currently no single, unified form of jujitsu in the United States today, but a variety of schools and disciplines. According to Fujiryu.com, the three major types of jujitsu are the orthodox forms dating back to the feudal Japan, modern Japanese jujitsu, and Gajin Goshin jujitsu, or jujitsu formulated by non-Japanese practitioners.
Philosophy
Jujitsu is not merely a system of self-defense; it is also intended to be a source of relaxation. One of the central tenets of judo is the desirability of using reason and intellect to avoid conflict. The sensei -- or teacher -- may use verbal provocations and challenges to impart patience and humility and help students develop self-control. A skilled practitioner of jujitsu -- called a jujitsuka -- strives to control not only his own ki, or energy, but his attackers.' There is also an emphasis on temporarily disabling the attacker without causing permanent physical injury.
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