Jujitsu, also known as Jiu-jitsu or jujutsu, is an ancient Japanese martial art based on the self-defense practices of samurai warriors. In its modern form, the practice has spawned varied schools and styles, including Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, Budhoshin Jujitsu and Judo, the martial arts system developed by Kano in the 19th century. The methods used in jujitsu can be divided into six basic types: striking, throwing, strangling, ground grappling, falling and joint locks. Opponents may spar from a standing position or on the ground.
Ground Work
In some styles of jujitsu, you may spend most of a match sparring on the ground, while, in others, getting your opponent to the ground may mark the conclusion of the match. The ground game is highly sophisticated in Brazilian Jujitsu, and opponents may pin one another for relatively long periods. Japanese jujitsu and Judo place more emphasis on standing techniques, such as throws. In Judo, after a player pins an opponent for 25 seconds, the match ends.
Leg Locks and Arm Locks
Joint locks are one of the primary means of winning a match. Using your own body, your opponent's body or one of your gis, the traditional robes worn during a match, you pin your opponent in a posture in which you can control the movement of one or more bodily joints. By applying pressure to the joint, such as bending an elbow outward, you gradually force the opponent to forfeit the match, or "submit," as you approach the limit of the joint's range of movement. In Brazilian jujitsu, you may use both leg locks and arm locks. Judo allows only arm locks.
Strangling and Choking
Besides joint locks, you can force your opponent to submit in jujitsu through strangulation or choking. You may use your hands, arms, legs or the collar or lapels of the opponent's gi to put extreme pressure around your opponent's chest and neck. Depending on the move you use, you may force submission by compressing the carotid artery, the trachea or, in rarer cases, even the chest and lungs. Technically, as used in English, strangulation techniques refer to the compression of the arteries whereas choking refers to compression of the windpipe. However, all of the methods are traditionally grouped together under the heading of "shime waza," typically translated as strangling techniques.
Safety Considerations
One benefit of the techniques used in jujitsu is that a match is resolved without any injury necessary; the opponent simply "taps out," indicating submission. However, it's vital to learn and practice jujitsu under the supervision of a qualified teacher. Inexperience can cause beginners to move in an uncontrolled fashion, pushing their opponents beyond their limits and resulting in injury. Whenever practicing a jujitsu method, apply the minimum pressure necessary to complete the move successfully and remain alert to your opponent's behavior. Immediately cease the move as soon as your opponent taps.
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