What is Ju Jitsu
The discipline is interpreted as being the science of gentleness. Translated literally, Ju means “gentle” and jitsu translates as “art”. While referred to as a “gentle art” many of the techniques are, nevertheless, extremely dynamic when delivered and would appear to be quite opposite of soft.
There are several stories speaking to the origins of ju-jitsu, dating as far back as the 8th century, with historical lines indicating its potential presence even before that. Though many people claim that ju-jitsu is originally from China, the ancient chronicles of Japan describe a fight in AD 712 wherein Tatami Kazuchi pitched Tatami Nakami as if he were “throwing a leaf”. A story is also found in some chronicles referring to an ancient emperor who held a martial arts contest to celebrate the 7th year of his reign (approximately around 20 BC). One of the bouts resulted in the demise of a sumo warrior who was thrown violently to the land. These accounts provide evidence of early “empty hand” methods in Japan. It can also be found ju-jitsu beginning as an art from the writings of a Buddhist monk, dating back to the 13th century.
Traditional Ju Jitsu Weapons Used
The art of ju-jitsu entails the use of a plethora of uncommon types of martial arts equipment in its collection. The hojo jutsu rope is a piece of martial arts equipment unique to the discipline of ju-jitsu. It was originally employed by the samurai warrior to incapacitate prisoners as one of their duties when they were the feudal police. Today, around the world, the hojo jutsu rope is still used by many special security forces to detain prisoners and terrorists.
The Bo staff, Kamas, and the Sai are some of the martial arts supplies employed by the ju-jitsu practioner. Similar to karate, those training in jujitsu wear a white suit for practice. Unlike the typical karate uniform, traditional ju-jitsu practioners dress in a hakama during demonstrations.
The Philosophy of Ju Jitsu
The essential goal guiding jujitsu is to defeat an adversary using any means – as long as a minimum amount of force is used. Therefore, this precept requires from its students a strict conformity to different disciplines, both of the mind and physical in nature. The traditional art of ju-jitsu is still by a minority of practitioners, who want to keep alive the warrior spirit of the deadly fighting skills of the discipline. They do not compete and their only goal is the continuation of the mental and physical purity of the art.