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A Brief History of Traditional Jiu Jitsu

May 3, 2008

What is Traditional Ju-jutsu?

Ju-Jutsu (also often referred to as Ju-Jitsu or Jiu-Jitsu) is a fighting system that employs a wide range of techniques - which include strikes, kicks, throws, joint locks and choking. This is taught in stand up style (Tachi Waza) or from the ground (Ne-Waza), which has been recently popularized by the Brazilian jiu jitsu schools. In addition to this, Jujutsu also teaches weapons technique which include Sword, Roku-Shaku Bo (6 foot staff), Jo-bo (5 foot staff) and Han-bo (3 foot staff). Techniques and influences from Jujutsu can be found in virtually all styles of the martial arts.

Ju-Jutsu loosely translated means “science of softness” or “gentle art”, which refers to how the student uses their own strengh, and is applied to many schools of unarmed and hand-to-hand combat. The grappling style was intended to help unarmed soldiers to fight against armed enemies in any way possible, using the least amount of force necessary. Ju-Jutsu was the primary unarmed combat method of the Samurai. Aikido and Judo are both modern day descendents of Ju-Jutsu. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also finds their roots in early Japanese Jujutsu styles brought to Brazil by Maeda Sensei, a high level Kodokan Judo fighter.

Many techniques taught are similar to Karate, Aikido and Judo. These techniques come from many styles such as Takeda Ryu, Yoshin Ryu, Kito Ryu, Asayma Ichiden Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, and Tagaki Yoshin Ryu.

Ju-Jutsu emphasizes turning an attacker’s own force against him or herself, putting them off balance. Ju-Jutsu also emphasizes certain grappling moves (Ne-Waza) and strikes to vital areas (Atemi-Waza). A Ju-Jutsu student is expected to learn how to gauge the force of an opponent’s attack and use it against him, evade attacks, use leverage against an opponent and how to attack nerves and pressure points.

The main goal in Ju-Jutsu practice is to cultivate a person’s mind and body: not to use it as a means to vent one’s anger, frustration or emotional problems. The use of force is condoned only in self-defense or in the defense of those who are defenseless.

The Origins of Ju-Jutsu

The origin of Ju-Jutsu is not clear, however the first publicly recognized Ju-Jutsu Ryu was formed by Takenouchi Hisamori in 1532 and consisted of techniques using a sword, jo-stick and dagger as well as unarmed techniques. The Takenouchi-Ryu may be regarded as the primal branch for the teaching of arts similar to that of Ju-Jutsu.

Several hundred years later there was a general shift from the weapon forms of fighting to weaponless styles. These weaponless styles were developed from the grappling techniques of the weapon styles and were collectively known as Ju-Jutsu.

Fukuno Schichiroemon of Temba started the Kito-Ryu in the middle of the 17th century. The Kito-Ryu gained great prestige and popularity with its “Art of Throwing” and “Form Practice.” In close connection with this branch was the Jikishin-Ryu, whose founder was Terada Kanemon, a contemporary of Fukono. They established two separate systems of Ju-Jutsu. These two systems appear to be the oldest of all the varied systems of Ju-Jutsu.

It has been estimated that over 750 systems of Ju-Jutsu were in existence in Japan from 1603-1868. The branches of Ju-Jutsu grew during the feudal period. The art continued in various provinces in Japan until the later part of the 18th century, when it began to decline with the impending fall of feudalism.

Kano Jigoro opened his first Kodokan dojo in the early 1880’s in Tokyo. Kano used his knowledge and experience of Ju-Jutsu to create Judo. During the Kodokan’s years, Judo almost completely smothered the prevailing Ju-Jutsu traditions of the area, perhaps due to Judo’s success in direct competitions with various Ju-Jutsu forms.

The United States Ju-Jutsu Federation (USJJF) was founded in 1971, and is the National Governing Body for Ju-Jutsu in the United States with the Ju-Jutsu International Federation (JJIF).

The United States Sport Jujutsu Association (USSJA) is the governing body for Sport Ju-Jutsu in the United States, acting as a member of the International Sport Jujutsu Association (ISJA). Sport Ju-Jutsu transcends other forms of martial arts competition in that it encompasses all fighting ranges. It challenges fighters not only to develop hand and foot speed, but also to have the versatility and skill to go into grappling using takedowns, throws and submissions. There is a U.S. National Championship that takes place every year in the fall, and a World Championship is held every two years.

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About the author: Mark J. Speranza is a 6th degree black belt and full-time instructor. He teaches martial arts in Lindenhurst and Oceanside New York.

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