What Is Jujutsu?

JujutsuJujutsu, translated as the gentle or yielding art, is based on the principle of yielding. The maxims, "softness can overcome hardness," and "in yielding there is strength," reveal the nature of Jujutsu. Like its 'more modern' counterpart, Judo (the gentle or yielding way), Jujutsu contains techniques of throwing (nage waza) using the hands, hips, and feet, along with joint locking (kansetsu waza), pinning (katame waza), strangulation (shime waza), and striking methods (atemi waza). Each different school of Jujutsu places different emphases on these parts.

Jujutsu was developed by the Japanese Samurai cast in ancient times as an unarmed fighting system. The exact origins of Jujutsu are not clear. It is thought that as with most fighting arts of asia, it origins can be traced back to India. This is based on the idea that the Chinese priest, Chin Genpin, brought the art of Kempo to Japan in 1659. He then taught three ronin (masterless samurai) who each intern founded their own styles of Jujutsu. However, there is evidence that jujutsu existed before 1659. For example, the most recent date given for the founding of Tsutsumi Hozan Ryu is 1658 (other dates are given in the 15th, 14th and 13th century).

It is more likely that Jujutsu evolved from indigenous

Japan, in general, can be traced back as far as 24 B.C. Historical documents say that the Emperor Suinin ordered two strong men, Nomi-no-Sukune and Taime-no-Kuehaya, to wrestle in his presence. The fighting consisted of mainly kick, which sugests that the techniques were more related to Jujutsu than Sumo. Nomi-no-Sukune gained the upper hand in the match, braking the ribs of his opponent. Then, elated by his success, he then went to the length of trampling upon and breaking the loins of his vanquished competitor, leading to his death. This record is generally accepted as showing the origin of wrestling in Japan².

1. Sumo. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Available WWW.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page

2. "The Origins of Judo and Jujitsu." Sumitomo Arima. Available WWW.www.judoinfo.com