1. From the Samurai
Jiu Jitsu, also known as Jujitsu, is a martial art from Japan that focuses on the use of the hand. First used by the Samurai, it has existed for centuries. The techniques in Jujitsu focus on grappling or grabbing. There is no attacking in Jujitsu, but a deflection of the attacker's energy against them. Jujitsu has separated to a great number of schools and variations on the traditional martial art. Jujitsu has been accepted internationally both as a sport and a method of self defense. Police forces train and certify their officers in this martial art as a job requirement.
2. The 5 Main Arts
There are 5 main arts or sections of training in Jujitsu. The art of blocking, which shields the practitioner's body from an attacker. The art of fulcrum throw is a technique developed only in modern judo. The art of non fulcrum throw is for throws without much physical contact with the attacker or opponent. The art of escaping is critical, as the focus of jujitsu is to use the attacker's energy against them. The art of striking is the fifth and use focused on minimal effort with maximum effect.
3. Training Method
All schools and training methods in traditional Jujitsu have core practices in common. The students watch and repeat the ryu's waza. Almost all schools focus on kansetu waza, which is a joint locking technique. In this technique, the pressure is in the opposite direction of normal joint movement. This technique means that muscles have no impact and the person in the hold is physically unable to move. Strikes are focuses on weak or open parts of the body. The attacker's momentum is the force behind the movements. The defenders position their bodies in a way to minimize potential risk to themselves. Weapons training is a main part of this art, but is restricted to master students. A staff, sword knife or truncheon is used.
4. Competitions
Jujitsu is the basis for Judo, Aikido, Brazilian judo and other martial arts. In competition, participants register in a class based on their level of skill and experience. There are several moves in Jujitsu that are fatal, but in competition and training, students fall down instead to avoid the fatal blow. Gain points with the level of skill in the defense used and body positioning.
5. Teachers
Learn Jujitsu in a do jo or training school. The master or teacher is an expert in the art, with many years experience and many trophies of these successes. Research the different schools in your area and select the one with a philosophy that matches your interest and desires. Tour several different schools to get a sense of the atmosphere, skills taught and the methods used.
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