Jujutsu is a Japanese, close combat martial art which focuses on grappling and using your opponent's energy against them, rather than confronting it head on. Jujutsu techniques range from strikes (punches and kicks), throwing (body throws, joint-lock throws, unbalance throws), restraining (pinning, strangling, grappling, wrestling) and the use of weapons.
Additionally jujutsu covers defensive tactics in forms of blocking, evasion, taking your opponent's balance & escape if necessary.
You should remember even though strikes are taught in jujutsu, compared to karate or kickboxing, particularly Japanese jujutsu focuses more on throwing, immobilizing and pinning, joint-locking, choking, and strangling techniques. Therefore the number of strikes you learn in jujutsu may be limited.
History of Jujutsu
Also known as ju-jitsu, jujitsu, or Jui-jitsu, the "ju" of jujutsu means gentle, supple or yielding. While "jutsu" means art or technique.
The art of jujutsu first evolved amongst the Samurai (great and noble warriors of feudal Japan) during the years 1185 - 1868. A martial art designed for defeating a fully armed and armoured opponent either barehanded or using a tanto (knife) or wakizashi (short sword), as striking against an armoured opponent without the necessary weapons proved to be ineffective. Practitioners of jujutsu learnt that the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, and throws.
The origin of jujutsu is not yet clear, but there 2 common theories how and where jujutsu originated.
One theory suggests that in the 17th century, a Chinese man named Chen Yuan Ping first introduced the art of jujutsu to 3 ronin (A samurai who was without a master from either the death or fall of his master, or after the loss of his master's favour) - Fukuno Hichiroemon, Miura Yojiemon, and Isogai Jirozaemon.
The second theory claims that a physician named Akiyama Shirobei from Nagasaki developed jujutsu upon his return from China where he learnt the art of hakuda (a martial focused on protection and escaping techniques, rather than combat. However after more combative arts like jujutsu and karate grew in popularity, the ancient art of Hukada was soon forgotten. )
Training
Some jujutsu techniques are potentially fatal. However today, most students of jujutsu train in a non-competitive environment and so the risk is minimized. Furthermore, beginner students are often taught how to correctly breakfall early in their training as to reduce the chances of getting seriously hurt or injured while thrown.
In Jujutsu there are 5 main arts of training.
The Art of Blocking, is used to defend against strikes such as punches and kicks.
The Art of the Fulcrum (pivot) Throw. (I.e. using the idea of leverage to throw your opponent, rather than strength)
The Art of the Non-fulcrum Throw, is a throw that involves little or no contact with your opponent.
The Art of Escaping, also known as (Hakko-dori). Hakko- Dori is considered a crucial part of jujutsu training.
Finally, the Art of striking, also known as (Atemi Waza).
Jujutsu Techniques
Joint Locks - Joint locks are often taught to police officers as they are especially useful for restraining an offender where the offender must submit or face serious injury. Join locks can be applied to any part of the body that bends (i.e. fingers, wrists, elbows, shoulders or knees).
Chokeholds - Chokeholds are potentially deadly. The purpose of a chokehold is to block the blood flow to the brain thus are used to either knock an opponent unconscious or otherwise kill them. Fully blocking the blood flow to the brain by placing a successful chokehold on your opponent will knock him/her unconscious in 3 - 7 seconds. If held for just over a minute, the result is brain death.
In combat, a chokehold might permanently break the windpipe from the ligament (A short band of tough, flexible, fibrous connective tissue that connects two bones or holds together a joint) supporting it, causing death by asphyxiation (i.e. suffocation).
Strikes - Mainly punches and kicks, although jujutsu does not permit any kicks above the solar plexus.
Throwing -During battle, if a Samurai were to be disarmed, his/her last form of defence would be to throw his/her opponent to the floor where he/she is in reach to finish off their opponent, with either a tanto or wakizashi. Alternatively it could be used to force the opponent to the floor before disarming them.
Takedowns - Takedowns often result from an over-aggressive attack and rely purely on physical strength or body weight to force the attacker to the floor, rather than actual technique.
Advantages & Disadvantages of Jujutsu
Advantages
- Training in jujutsu is likely to increase your strength, stamina and overall fitness level
- Techniques focus on using your opponent's energy against them, rather than an opposing it head on
- Effective locks and pins, excellent for submission.
Disadvantages
- Since jujutsu is primarily focused on grappling, it suffers a lack of strikes (i.e. strikes are limited) For example: Kicks above the solar plexus are prohibited.
- Requires some strength to perform techniques and maintain locks/pins. (i.e. you may struggle performing jujutsu on someone obviously stronger than you)
- Jujutsu training is tough, and a strong fitness level is recommended
Should you consider trying Jujutsu?
I certainly would! The main attraction for me, I'd have to say would be the different locks, pins & chokeholds. I particularly like the idea of jujutsu being a martial that focuses on manipulating your opponent's energy rather than trying to fight it. This is always a big feature for me when looking for a new martial art to try. My biggest advice to you would be, whichever martial art you choose, be prepared to commit yourself to it. I still remember the wise words my Aikido instructor once said, "If you say you're going to do something, do it"
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