Jujutsu is a dynamic system of combat, philosophy, and cultural evolution rooted deeply i Japanese history. Developed to empower warriors in close quarters, it adapts seamlessly across centuries.
What Is JuJitsu?
Jujitsu is a Japanese martial art and a system of close combat that can be used in a defensive or offensive manner to kill or subdue one or more weaponless or armed and armoured opponents. A subset of techniques from the style of jujutsu were used to develop many modern martial arts and combat sports, such as Judo, Aikido, Sambo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, ARB, and mixed martial arts.
This Includes:
- Punching
- Striking
- Kicking
- Grappling
- Wrestling
The Origins of JuJitsu
The written history of Jujutsu first appeared during the Nara period, combining early forms of Sumo and various Japanese martial arts, which were used on the battlefield for close combat. The oldest known forms of Jujutsu are Shinden Fudo-ryu, Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu, and Takenouchi-ryu, which were all founded in the Sengoku period.
In the early 17th century, during the Edo period, jujutsu continued to evolve due to the strict laws which were imposed by the Tokugawa shogunate to reduce war, as influenced by the Chinese social philosophy of Neo-Confucianism, which was obtained during Hideyoshi’s invasions of Korea and spread throughout Japan via scholars such as Fujiwara Seika.
During this new ideology, weapons and armour became unused decorative items, so hand-to-hand combat flourished as a form of self-defence and new techniques were created to adapt to the changing situation of an unarmoured opponent. During the same period, the numerous Jujutsu schools challenged each other to duels, which became a popular pastime for warriors under a peaceful, unified government. From these challenges, randori was created to practice without the risk of breaking the law, and the various styles of each school evolved from combating each other without the intention to kill.
The term Jujutsu was not coined until the 17th century, after which time it became a blanket term for a wide variety of grappling-related disciplines and techniques. Before this, these skills had names such as “short sword grappling”, “Grappling”, “Body Art”, “Softness”, and more.
Today, the systems of unarmed combat that were developed and practised during the Muromachi period are referred to collectively as Japanese old-style jujutsu. In this period of history, the systems practised were not systems of unarmed combat, but rather means for an unarmed or lightly armed warrior. In battle, it was often impossible for a samurai to use his long sword or polearm, and he would, therefore, be forced to rely on his short sword, dagger, or bare hands.
The Styles of JuJitsu
There are many different types of Jujutsu styles, but we’ll cover the main three.
Shinden Fudo-ryu
Founded around 1113 AD by Izumo Kanja Yoshiteru, this is one of the oldest styles of Jujutsu. This was a blend of Indigenous Japanese and Chinese styles (primarily Japanese). It was not one of the styles studied by Edward William Barton-Wright, the founder of Barititsu, and one of the first Westerners to practice Japanese martial arts.
Tenshin Shoden Katori Shinto-ryu
This is one of the oldest extant Japanese martial rts and an exemplar of bujutsu. It was founded by Lizasa Lenao, who lived near Katori Shrine at the time. This one has 36 forms of jujutsu, but also involves a wide range of different arts.
Takenouchi-ryu
This is one of the oldest jujutsu koryu in Japan, and it was founded in 1532, the first year of Tenbun, on the twenty-fourth of the sixth lunar month by Takenouchi Chunagon Daijo Nakatsukasadaiyu Hisamori. Although this is famous for its jujutsu, Taenouchi Ryu is actually a complete martial art, including armed grappling, staff, sword, sword drawing, glaive, iron fan, restraining ropes, and resuscitation techniques.
Benefits of Training In JuJitsu
Mental Benefits
Jujutsu holds many benefits, but one of them is mental benefits. Jujutsu requires strategic thinking and the ability to remember and apply techniques, allowing you to help clear your mind and improve focus and decision-making.
Physical Benefits
If you’ve watched any Jujutsu content, then you’ll know that it’s a physically demanding martial art that involves most, if not all, of your body. Jujutsu helps your flexibility and mobility, and cardiovascular health.
Self-Defence Skills
Jujutsu is a martial art that has self-defence skills at the core of the art. Jujutsu taught you to neutralise larger opponents using techniques, and you learn how to control or subdue threats without relying on striking.
Jujutsu has diverse styles and many benefits; it’s clear that this art form is as intellectually rich as it is physically demanding. Jujutsu cultivates strength not just through martial prowess, but through inner clarity, focus, and adaptability.
