Jiu Jitsu literally means “the art of softness” but can be better described as “flexible technique”. It is a collective name for Japanese Martial arts styles that involve armed and unarmed techniques.
Jiu Jitsu originated alongside the Samurai in feudal Japan as a method to defeat armed and unarmed opponents without using a weapon yourself. The most effective techniques to disable an opponent are found in throws and locks. These techniques were developed around the principle of using the attacker's energy against him.
There are many variations of this martial art that lead to different methods. Jiu-jitsu schools use all forms of grappling techniques . Many schools have incorporated the use of weapons into their curriculum. Today, Jiu-jitsu is still practiced in the same way as it was hundreds of years ago. Derivative sports include the Olympic sport of judo and Brazilian Jiu-jitsu.
Materials for Jiu Jitsu
In Jiu Jitsu, one always uses a gi . This is actually the same as a judo suit . Furthermore, one uses the necessary protectors during practice: a mouth guard, groin protector, shin guards and open gloves. Sometimes one also uses practice weapons, such as a wooden knife or stick.
