Brief History of JuJutsu

For information purposes only. Exercise and diet at your own risk

The origins of the Martial Art we know as Ju Jutsu are very sketchy. Some say it originated in China, others India or even ancient Greece. But most will settle for the fact that the term Ju Jutsu is certainly Japanese and this is where the art flourished, particularly in the feudal times. What was to become coined Ju Jutsu was a fragmented art with no real structure. Its early name ranged from yori-kamiuchi, Ya-wara to taijutsu.

Kamiuchi was an early form of grappling on the battlefields with or without weapons. Normally it was used to down an opponent making it easy for the killing stroke administered by sword or knife. Because of the protected armour Samurais wore, bare handed strikes were not really effective, so grappling became the unarmed system to help defeat an enemy particularly when weapons were broken or lost in the heat of the battle. As long as military dominance was a focus of Japan the battlefield arts flourished but when decline of the battlefields began, the need for these warrior arts were not as important. The arts were then taught more for self-defence and many of the combative techniques were eliminated.

As peacetime arrived, more emphasis was put on empty hand techniques than weapons. Many ryu’s (schools) began to develop teaching their methods of self-defence. This is really where Ju Jutsu became more structured. The Takenouchi Ryu was one of the main ones in the period of early 15th Century. Japan was gradually moving towards the Western World Culture and as this happened the need for feudal fighting skills became less and less and finally most feel into decline or went underground. The word Ju Jutsu became associated with the old days and the feudal era that many no longer wanted or needed.

By 18th century Ju Jutsu was almost unfounded in Japan and a young man called Jigoro Kano went about trying to develop an ‘acceptable’ system from the ruins of many Ju Jutsu Ryu. This resulting in the modern art of Judo. Judo was a structured system of the best of Ju Jutsu that could be practiced without serious injury and eliminating the more dangerous and combative technique. This is not to say Judo is not a formidable art, just a different one and a progressive one. On our times Judo is nearly always practiced as an Olympic sport. Much of the self-defence applications are no longer taught.

By the 19th century Judo was spreading its word right across the world. Many students were being sent from Japan to teach the art. Many came to the UK to fight and demonstrate in the old time music halls like the legendary Tani. The art became a popular alternative to boxing and wrestling because of its leverage and un-balancing skills that could see a small person beat a larger one. Ju Jutsu did still seem to re-appear particularly in the era of World War One and two British troops were taught these skills for C.Q.C. so to did the Americans. Famous C.Q.C instructors like Fairbarn and Applegate taught many Ju Jutsu techniques in their programmes. So as wartime re-appeared so too did Ju Jutsu technique.

There are many books and manuals describing all manner of Ju Jutsu techniques or Combat Judo as it was sometimes coined. Police also were schooled in these techniques and even today most police and military unarmed skills are based on Ju Jutsu technique. In the UK Ju Jutsu really had a big rebirth in the early 7o’s when modern day Ju Jutsu masters like Prof. Blundell, Clark and Morris started spreading Ju Jutsu techniques around the country. The system stronghold was in the North and they had many, many great Ju Jutsu men.

All the combative techniques re-appeared to be taught as a structured Martial Art and Ju Jutsu again flourished and still does.

Again in the early 90’s Ju Jutsu received another boost when the Gracie family introduced their Brazilian Ju Jutsu to the world. Although different from Japanese Ju Jutsu its roots were certainly from Japan. But the system that predominantly features groundwork was refined and improved in Brazil. Today this is a massively popular art and was responsible for putting grappling back on the map as an essential skill. This was proved time and time again in the Ultimate Fighting Championships and other cage events.

What does the Martial Art of Ju Jutsu contain?
For me Ju Jutsu is a hybrid art. Everybody sees it differently. I don’t think it can be fitted into one box. It has many faces and is practiced in many different ways. Some styles have large circular movements very much like Aikido; others are very hard line ad direct like Kempo. Some concentrate on locks and restraints, others throws, others groundwork. Many practice weapons, some have Katas, others competitive fighting.
A lot though will be a blend of all these things. You could visit twenty clubs and they will practice differently although the core of each style will probably be the same.

My combat Ju Jutsu is a Goshin style or modern art. It is a fusion of many of the techniques I have learnt over the years. It is not traditional or rigid in its approach or indeed syllabus. Because I don’t choose to teach these days traditional, doesn’t mean I haven’t in the past. I know the linear of what I have trained in but Kata, use of Katana, bokken or Jo staff does not interest me now. My system for today is practical self-defence and C.Q.C. The system works on short sharp strikes, throws, locks and takedowns from natural stances and body postures. It has a host of self-defence techniques from all scenarios whether it be standing, on the floor, against weapons or multiple opponents. The grading syllabus is a full and challenging one, covering many aspects of modern Ju Jutsu and self defence.

What does Ju Jutsu mean?
Ju Jutsu translated means the gentle art. But don’t confuse gentle with soft. It means it works on the theory of technical maneuvers overcoming just brute strength, leverage, balance breaking, the knowledge of pressure points and bodies. Weak spots help the Ju Jutsu person beat a bigger or stronger adversary.
Ju Jutsu can be hard and brutal if needed or it can be low key and controlling. If for example you needed to gouge an eye, strangle or choke, break a limb or knock somebody unconscious it can be done. On the other side of the coin if you need to restrain or control somebody with a lock or hold it can be done. Or if you have to perform a simple reverse or break away it can also give you this. Ju Jutsu gives you chokes, it is a multi-faceted art.


The system of Combat Ju Jutsu

Breakfalls
Exercises/conditioning/Fitness
Punching, kicking, open hand, knees, elbows, head
Throws/Takedowns/Sweeps
Joint locks, immobilizations, hold downs, control and restraint
Pressure points/Nerve strikes
Chokes, strangles, neck cranks
Ground grappling/Street floor combat/Gi, T-shirt and no Gi
Grappling
Defenses against weapons
Use of weapons and makeshift weapons
Defence against multiple opponents
Street self-defence scenarios
Pre-emptive strikes
The shield/Fence
Fear control
Psychological self-defence
C.Q.C dirty tricks
Impact training
Pressure testing, sparring, aggression therapy
Personal Self protection training and self defence

This training can be done for groups or individuals and tailored to their needs. Some of the cross section of people who have done this type of training are nurses, businessmen, students, school children, security staff, bodyguards, senior citizens, ladies groups, social services, travelling business people and many, many more from all walks and areas of life. Some of the topics covered in training are:

Awareness training
Safe and sound tactics
Recognizing danger
Recognizing the signs of aggression/body language
Protecting personal safe
Fear management
Aggression therapy
The fence/pre-emptive strikes
Action triggers
Verbal dialogue, control speech
Physical self-defence
Weapons
Aftermath of violence
The law and self-defence
Self-defence is a personal thing and what suits one does not necessary suit another. This is where experience comes into play and a flexibility to find training suitable to you.
Also check our Personal Protection Training website for more details of Corporate courses and training
http://www.bristolgoshinjutsu.com/
Disclaimer: Consult your GP before changing diet. Follow any Training regime or diet on this site at your own risk