Jujutsu

Jujutsu is a comprehensive Japanese martial art and system of close combat. It can be used for both defensive and offensive purposes. The name comes from two Japanese words that describe its core philosophy. "Jū" can mean gentle, soft, supple, or yielding. "Jutsu" means art or technique. Therefore, jujutsu translates to "yielding-art." This name reflects a method of manipulating an opponent's force against them. Rather than meeting strength with strength, a practitioner uses the attacker's own energy to gain control.

The mechanics of jujutsu involve a wide variety of physical techniques. Practitioners use grappling to control an opponent's movement. This includes takedowns, leg sweeps, and various types of throws. Once on the ground, a person might use pins, holds, or chokeholds to immobilize an enemy. Joint locks are also a major part of the system. Some schools include striking, such as punching or kicking, to distract or unbalance a foe. Other techniques involve more intense methods like gouging or hair pulling. Many traditions also teach the use of minor weapons. These might include a tantō (knife) or a ryofundo kusari (weighted chain).

Jujutsu techniques are often categorized by the environment in which they were used. During the Sengoku period (1467–1603), warriors practiced katchu bu jutsu. This refers to fighting while wearing armor on the battlefield. Because striking armor was ineffective, these practitioners focused on throws and joint locks. In contrast, the Edo period (1603–1867) saw the rise of suhada bu jutsu. This style was designed for fighting in normal street clothing, like a kimono or hakama. These practitioners used atemi waza, or vital-striking techniques, to target areas like the eyes or throat. These strikes were more effective against unarmored opponents.

The history of jujutsu begins as far back as the Nara period. It grew from early forms of sumo and various battlefield martial arts. Some of the oldest known styles include Shinden Fudo-ryū and Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū. The Takenouchi-ryū style was also founded during the Sengoku period. In the 17th century, the Tokugawa shogunate imposed strict laws to reduce warfare. As weapons and armor became decorative items, hand-to-hand combat flourished for self-defense. During the 18th century, schools began to duel each other as a popular pastime. This led to the creation of randori, which allowed practitioners to practice without the risk of killing one another.

Jujutsu has had a massive influence on modern combat sports and systems. In the late 19th century, Kanō Jigorō developed judo from several traditional jujutsu styles. This became a major Olympic sport. From judo, other arts like sambo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu were later derived. Today, many mixed martial arts (MMA) combatants use subsets of jujutsu techniques. There are also two main classifications for the art today: koryū and gendai. Koryū refers to the ancient, traditional schools. Gendai jujutsu refers to modern systems founded after the Tokugawa period ended in 1868. Many gendai systems are used by law enforcement agencies globally.

The significance of these techniques extends into modern professional safety and law enforcement. Some specialized police systems, such as Taiho jutsu, are built on these foundations. Even the ancient practice of Hojo waza survives in some places. Hojo waza is the art of using a cord, called a hojo, to restrain an attacker. While this has mostly faded from common use, some Tokyo police units still train with these cords. This connection shows how ancient battlefield tactics have transformed into modern tools for order and safety. The transition from the battlefield to the sports ring demonstrates the lasting value of the yielding-art.