Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu (also written as Jujutsu or Jujitsu) is the ancient Japanese martial art from which both Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu were born. A comprehensive unarmed combat system developed by samurai for battlefield survival, it encompasses throws, joint locks, chokes, strikes and ground control. Jiu-Jitsu is the root of the modern grappling tree - its influence on global martial arts is unmatched.

Origins: Samurai Unarmed Combat

Jiu-Jitsu developed in feudal Japan as the unarmed combat system of the samurai class. On a battlefield where a warrior might lose his sword or spear, he needed an effective system to fight armoured opponents at close range. Strikes to hard armour were ineffective - so Jiu-Jitsu emphasised throwing, joint manipulation and choking to incapacitate opponents.

Hundreds of distinct schools (ryu) developed across Japan, each with their own techniques and philosophy. Major historical schools include Takenouchi-ryu (considered one of the oldest, founded c.1532), Shindo Yoshin-ryu, Tenjin Shinyo-ryu and Kito-ryu - the latter two being the primary influences on Jigoro Kano when he created Judo in 1882.

The Meiji Era and Jiu-Jitsu's Decline in Japan

When Japan modernised during the Meiji Restoration (1868), the samurai class was abolished and traditional martial arts fell out of official favour. Jiu-Jitsu masters emigrated en masse, spreading the art worldwide. Kano's Judo absorbed the most practical techniques and became the dominant Japanese grappling art - but traditional Jiu-Jitsu lived on, most dramatically in Brazil.

Mitsuyo Maeda and the Brazilian Connection

Mitsuyo Maeda - known as 'Count Koma' - was a Judo champion under Kano who travelled the world from 1904 onward, fighting challenge matches across Europe, the United States, Cuba and finally Brazil. Maeda was a pragmatist who combined traditional Jiu-Jitsu ground techniques with his Judo, making him one of the most complete grapplers of his era.

When Maeda settled in Belem in 1914 and began teaching the Gracie family, he handed them the keys to what would become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracies refined and adapted his teachings into a new art - but the DNA is Japanese Jiu-Jitsu all the way through.

Traditional Jiu-Jitsu Today

Traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is still practised worldwide, though far less common than its descendants Judo and BJJ. Modern schools typically teach a comprehensive curriculum including: atemi (strikes), nage-waza (throwing techniques), ne-waza (ground techniques), kansetsu-waza (joint locks) and shime-waza (chokes).

The Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) governs sport Jiu-Jitsu competition globally, with disciplines including Fighting System (randori), Duo System (self-defence demonstrations) and Ne-Waza (ground grappling). Jiu-Jitsu has been a World Games sport since 2001.

Related Martial Arts

Jiu-Jitsu is the direct ancestor of Judo (Jigoro Kano, 1882), Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (Gracie family, via Maeda), Aikido (Morihei Ueshiba, based on Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu) and Sambo (Soviet system partly based on Jiu-Jitsu and Judo). Anyone who understands the roots of modern combat sports understands Jiu-Jitsu.

Jiu-Jitsu Gear Guide

Gi (kimono): Traditional Jiu-Jitsu uses a heavy-weave gi - jacket, trousers and belt. The gi is both training tool and gripping surface. Traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu gi tend to be heavier and more reinforced than BJJ competition gi.

Belt: Colour-coded rank system (white through black) varying by school and lineage. Traditional Jiu-Jitsu schools often use different belt progressions from BJJ.

Protective gear: Mouthguard for sparring. Ear guards optional for protecting against cauliflower ear in extensive groundwork. Knee pads beneficial for older practitioners or those with joint issues.

Mat space: Jiu-Jitsu's extensive throwing and groundwork curriculum requires quality tatami or foam mats with sufficient space for full throwing practice.