Comprehensive Guide to Ju-Jitsu
What is Ju Jitsu?
Perhaps
the most obvious thing about Jujutsu is the variety of different
styles. One can visit two different jujutsu clubs and see what appear
to be two entirely unrelated arts. Even the spelling of the name is a
subject for debate. JJNZ's role is to foster all the different styles
without endorsing any one particular form.
Ju Jitsu, also
know as Ju Jutsu, Jiu Jitsu, Jitsu, Yawara, and Kumiuchi, was the
traditional hand-to-hand martial art practiced by the bushi warrior
class of feudal Japan. The first recognisable ju jutsu ryu (or school)
was established by Takenouchi Hisamori in the 15th century, but the
earliest recordings of the techniques used in ju jitsu date as far back
as 711 AD. Some call Ju Jitsu "the grandfather of Japanese martial
arts", because its principles are at the foundation of numerous other
styles, Sumo, Aikido, Hapkido and Judo among them.
Essentially,
the principles of ju jitsu can be summed up in one phrase -- "Ju yoku
go o sei suru", which translated means, "Flexibility masters hardness".
Jujitsu uses the principle of "ju" -- flexibility, or yielding -- to
absorb and redirect attacks rather than opposing them. This is where
the name of the art comes from.
The art of Ju Jitsu has many
variants and styles, both classical and modern, all of which have
tended to explore a different facet of the many techniques available.
Koryu
Koryu
literally means "old flow" and is used in Japanese to refer to old
styles, schools, or traditions. There are a wide variety of classical
schools focusing on different aspects of martial arts, and more
information can be found at
http://www.koryubooks.com/guide/ryuguide.html.
The types of ryu can be classified as:
Battojutsu & Iaijutsu - techniques of drawing the sword; sword-drawing art.
Bojutsu & Jojutsu - techniques of staff and stick; staff or stick art.
Jujutsu & Kogusoku - techniques of flexibility; grappling art.
Kenjutsu - techniques of the sword; swordsmanship.
Naginatajutsu - techniques of the glaive; glaive art.
Other weapons of the bushi - chain-and-sickle, truncheon, etc.
Sojutsu - techniques of the spear; spear art.
Classical
traditions (originating before the Meiji Restoration of the 1868) have
several defining characteristics. Classical jujutsu is usually
practised as sets of prescribed movements called kata. Unlike karate
kata, Japanese kata usually involve two people, one attacking, and the
other defending. Most techniques were developed for situations where a
samurai on the battlefield was separated from his weapons, or occasions
where a samurai was attacked by surprise, and did not have time to draw
a sword.
Another group of classical techniques were
developed for defending a third person from attack (for example, if
one's superior was attacked) in situations where it would be considered
impolite to use a weapon.
Many early jujtsu techniques use
secret or trick weapons, such as a fan made from solid iron that can be
used as a truncheon, or writing implements that contain secret blades.
The use of everyday objects, such as pipes or stable tools as weapons
was also studied.
There were also schools of jujutsu for
commoners, and the art they taught was known as Shomin Yawara. The main
difference between jujutsu for Samurai and commoners was that Shomin
Yawara was usually a simplified form. Since Samurai were professional
warriors they could be expected to devote large amounts of time to
learning a technique, whereas commoners with less time needed to learn
practical techniques that could be put into use imedialtlyt. Shomin
yawara was used by people such as publicans needing to deal with noisy
drunks - some things never change!
Some of the best known surviving classical ryu are:
Takenouchi Ryu
Sekiguchi Ryu
Assayama Ichiden Ryu
Daito Ryu
Hotai Yoshin Ryu
Yoshin Ryu
Kito Ryu
With
the beginning of the Meiji period in 1868 Japan underwent a massive
change in outlook: from an isolated feudal nation Japan undertook a
massive programme of modernisation that reached into every corner of
Japanese life. Ju-Jutsu also underwent a huge transformation long with
the rest of Japanese society. This transformation was lead by Professor
Jigaro Kano, who developed the style of Kodokan Judo out of jujutsu.
The Modern Art
Many
contemporary schools, while recognising their roots in ancient Japan
and the traditions of the Samurai, cannot trace a clear lineage to a
traditional school. Modern schools also recognise that times have
changed, and in order to keep jujitsu useful and practical as a tool
for self-defence, have also changed their art. Thus they incorporate
defence against modern weapons into their practice and use modern
systems of training. The self-defence aspect of modern ju jitsu is
emphasised from the very first session, though it takes a while to
master! But who knows when a technique you've been taught may save your
life (or more frequently, your teeth)?
Aiki Jujutsu
Another
form of Jujutsu is Aiki Jujutsu. Most Aiki styles are descended from
Daito Ryu, and share a lot of techniques with Aikido. The general
approach is very flowing, and the emphasis is on using your opponent's
force and momentum against them.
Ju Jitsu as a Sport
Sports
Ju Jitsu is the sporting application of modern ju jitsu in a safe
format against specific rules and regulations. Some argue that Sports
Ju Jitsu, like Judo, bears no resemblance to actual self-defence
application of the art, however others say it is useful as a tool in
learning and applying Ju Jitsu.
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