What is
Ju-Jitsu?
Ju-Jitsu, which means
"Gentle Art" is a system of combat whereas a
smaller person may defeat a person of greater physical
stature. The term "Gentle Art" in no way
implies that Ju-Jitsu is a gentle, dainty art. Indeed,
Ju-Jitsu was the primary unarmed combat method of the
Samurai and could devastatingly brutal on the field of
battle.
The term "Gentle
Art" is really a description of the principles and
techniques which are the foundation of the art. A more
accurate translation of "Ju-Jitsu, would be "Way
of Flexibility". The smaller person cannot rely upon
brute force and strength to overcome someone who is bigger
and stronger. The smaller person must instead use his
opponents strength and momentum to add to his/her own
technique to gain victory in combat. When the opponent
pushes, the defender would pull. When pulled, the
defender would push. This is the principle of "Ju
no ri" as taught in Ju-Jitsu.
Ju-Jitsu, because it was
designed as a combative art, relies upon many techniques,
some of which are similar to those found in other Martial
Arts like Karate, Aikido and Judo. Both Aikido and
Judo are modern day descendents of Ju-Jitsu. Some of
the techniques found in Ju-Jitsu are:
