The art of ju-jitsu is translated as being the art of gentleness. Interpreted literally, Ju means “soft” and Jit Su translates as “art”. While understood to be a “gentle art” some of the techniques are, nevertheless, quite forceful in their delivery and would appear to be quite opposite of soft.
There are many stories speaking to the origins of ju-jitsu, recorded as far back as the 8th century, with roots indicating its possible presence long before that. While some people assert that ju-jitsu is originally from China, the ancient stories of Japan describe a match in AD 712 wherein Tatami Kazuchi pitched Tatami Nakami like “throwing a leaf”. Reference is also made in some chronicles referring to an early ruler who held a martial arts contest to celebrate the 7th year of his reign (sometime around 20 BC). One of the bouts ended in the demise of a sumo warrior who was hurled violently to the ground. This recorded history provides evidence of early jiu jitsu techniques in Japan. reference to ju-jitsu developing as an art from the writings of a monk, predating the 14th century.
Common Ju Jitsu Equipment Employed
The art of ju-jitsu requires the mastery of several uncommon types of martial arts equipment in its repertoire. The hojo jutsu rope is a piece of martial arts equipment unique to the study of ju-jitsu. It was originally used by the samurai warrior to hold prisoners of war as part of their duty when they were the feudal police. Today, around the world, the hojo jutsu rope is still used by many police to hold criminals and terrorists.
The Jo staff, Kamas, and the Tonfa are just a few of the martial arts supplies employed by those training in jujitsu. Similar to karate, those training in jujitsu dress in a white suit for training. Unlike the typical karate uniform, traditional ju-jitsu practioners don a hakama during demonstrations.
What is Ju-Jitsu
The central goal behind jujitsu is to defeat an adversary using any means - as long as minimal force is used. Consequently, this principle demands from its followers a strict conformity to different disciplines, both mental and of the body. The traditional way of ju-jitsu is still practiced, who wish to keep alive the warrior spirit of the deadly fighting skills of the discipline. They do not enter competitions and their sole goal is to carry on the mental and physical origins of the art.