Jiu Jitsu literally means the “art of gentleness” but can better be described as “smooth 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. The most effective techniques to eliminate an opponent are found in throws and clamps. 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. Jiujitsu schools use all forms of gripping techniques. Many schools have included the use of weapons in their curriculum. Today, Jiujitsu is still practiced in the same way as it was hundreds of years ago. Derivative sports include the Olympic sport judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Materials for Jiu Jitsu
Jiu Jitsu always uses a gi. This is actually the same as a judo suit. Furthermore, the necessary protectors are used during practice: a mouthguard, groin protector, shin guards and open gloves. Sometimes training weapons are also used, such as a wooden knife or stick.
