Brief History of Ju-Jitsu

Ju-Jitsu is said to be one of the oldest and original martial art. As far back as 8th century, historic roots indicate that it was in existence before Christ. There are many written chronicles in Japan and China of martial arts taking place. It is written that Emperor Shuinjin held a martial art tournament to celebrate his seventh year of reign in 23 BC. A bout ended with the death of a sumo wrestler who was thown to the ground and kicked. Also, chronicles describe how in AD 712 Tatemi Kazuchi threw Tatemi Nokami like "throwing a leaf". Accounts such as these provide evidence of early 'empty-hand' techniques in Japan. These descriptions of different fighting skills could be interpreted in many ways. it is said that in the 13th centrury a Buddhist monk developed Ju-Jitsu as an art; these techniques known as kumi-tachi (or yawara). It is believed, however, that Ju-Jitsu was brought to Japan by a Chinese monk called Chen Uyanein (1587-1671). So even though Ju-Jitsu is viewed today as a Japanese martial art, there is strong evidence pointing to Chinese origins.

Ju-Jitsu was first practiced in Japan by the samurai to fend off the bandits and thieves from stealing their possessions in the temples. It was then practiced by the ninja and spread further afield, including to many bandits of the tiime. The use of Ju-Jitsu by bandits earned it a bad reputation and, because of this, Jiguro Kano developed the art of Judo meaning "gentle way" from a combination of Ju-Jitsu techniques. His aim was to correct the reputation of Ju-Jitsu.

Ju-Jitsu is interpreted as being the science of softness" Ju meaning gentle or soft and Jitsu meaning art. The main philosophy behind Ju-Jitsu is to defeat the opponent by any and all means so long as minimal force only is used - maximum effect with minimum effort.

The discipline Yoga and the breathing techniques have thier roots in India. Zen Buddhist monks travelled from India to Japan in the 5th and 6th cenuries and practised in the Shaolin temples. 'Open hand' techniques were taken from an Island off Japan where no weapons were allowed so the people had to fend off the bandits with techniques we now know as 'open hand' . These techniques, taught together with the Japanese styles, became the Kung Fu style of combat. So, although Ju-Jitsu style of combat is said to be the original, many other styles developed from it, giving us Judo, karate, Kung-Fu and even today many more styles are being developed and practised, but still maintaining links with their roots.