What is Jiu Jitsu
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What is Jiu Jitsu?
The term Jujutsu dates back to the 1600's, the translation of "Gentle Art" gives a huge misconception. it was a method of combat either armed or unarmed.
The Art was used by protectors of very prominent individuals. Situations could be dealt with quickly and effectively, without drawing attention. Offenders could be controlled and removed very quickly and discreetly.
Until recently, most people had never even heard of Jiu Jitsu but with the ever increasing popularity of UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) many people are becoming much more aware of it's existence.
There are many other organisations cropping up around the world showing mixed martial art competition. Jiu jitsu has proven to be one of the areas many fighters are concentrating on as it is proving to be so very effective.
Jiu-Jitsu forms the basis of Karate, Judo and Aikido so in itself could be classed as a mixed martial art in the modern sense of the term.
It consists of a mixture of throwing Techniques, Ground Techniques, Joint Manipulations and striking techniques with both the hands and feet. Jiu Jitsu Fitness is an aspect that needs specific attention too.
There are many different styles of Jiu Jitsu, you will also come across several different spellings such as - Ju Jitsu, Ju Jutsu and Jiu-Jitsu.
There are several different style purposes too. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is generally a competitive Sport, then you have the Traditional forms where the techniques are taught as close as possible to their origins and then you have the self defense forms where techniques have evolved to suit modern day possibilities.
So when asked the question, what is Jiu-Jitsu you may get various different answers depending on a person's particular involvement.
Some of the other Arts such as Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Kung Fu and Judo have been much more popular and when parents are looking for a sport or Self Defense for their children, they would automatically look to one of these Arts without really knowing what they are getting in to, other than the fact that they are Martial arts.
When asked "What is Jiu Jitsu"? I like to say that it's a lifelong Art, that you can get involved with at any age, you can get involved with to any degree. It's about tweaking techniques to suit you, your body, your size, your weight and your level of fitness. Not the other way around.
It is also about taking advantage of any available elements such as momentum, leverage and anatomy.
You will learn some great skills, you will gain some great knowledge and you will make many friends.
Jiu Jitsu makes you become more aware of your body and it's capabilities.
Malcolm Bale (3rd Degree Blackbelt) Jiu-Jitsu Calgary
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Comments
Excellent article! Very informative, and it is obvious you are a devoted practitioner. Great discussion of the various facets of this art, which is the precursor to many of the newer arts such as Judo and Aikido.
zcat8 says:
11 months ago
Great article. Too many people forget that every art must be adapted to suit individual body types (size, reach, strength etc…) and assume that a particular technique is done only one way. Only a longtime pursuit will allow a practitioner to truly understand any art. Martial art styles that precede the 20th century were designed for combat, and for success in combat; therefore, practitioners needed a mixture of techniques to respond to variances on the battlefield. Today someone grabs a few jiujitsu techniques and claims to have developed a new art. New styles appear faster than I can write this response. Awareness of a particular technique is not the same as the mastering of that technique.