Combat Ju Jitsu

Ju Jitsu, Jiu-Jitsu, or Jiujitsu translates as the "art of softness" or "way of yielding", is a collective name for Japanese martial art styles including unarmed & armed techniques. Ju Jitsu evolved among the Samurai of feudal Japan as a method for defeating an armed & armored opponent without weapons. Because striking against an armored opponent proved ineffective, practitioners learned that the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, & throws. These techniques were developed around the principle of using an attacker's energy against him, rather than directly opposing it.

There are many variations of the art, which leads to a diversity of approaches. Ju Jitsu schools (Ryu) may utilize all forms of grappling techniques to some degree (i.e. throwing, trapping, joint locks, holds, gouging, biting, disengagements, striking, & kicking). In addition to Ju Jitsu, many schools teach the use of weapons.

Today, Ju Jitsu is practiced in both traditonal & modern sport forms. Derived sport forms include the Olympic sport & martial art of Judo, which was developed by Kano Jigaro in the late 19th century from several traditional styles of Ju Jitsu, & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu which was in turn derived from earlier (pre-World War II) versions of Kodokan judo.