Jujutsu is a Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent's energy against them. The spelling of this word may seem a bit confusing to those unfamiliar with Japanese phonetics. In IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling of jujutsu would be /dʒuːdʒʊtsu/. The first "ju" sound is pronounced with a "soft j" sound, similar to the pronunciation of the letter "j" in English. The second "ju" sound is pronounced with a long "u" sound, while the "tsu" sound is pronounced with a "t" sound followed by a "su" sound.
Jujutsu, also known as jiu-jitsu, is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on self-defense techniques using anatomy, leverage, and balance. The term "ju" translates to "gentle" or "soft," while "jutsu" translates to "technique" or "art." It is often referred to as the art of flexibility or the gentle art due to its emphasis on redirecting an opponent's force rather than opposing it directly.
Jujutsu techniques involve various joint locks, throws, strikes, and grappling maneuvers to neutralize an attack and incapacitate an opponent. These techniques are designed to take advantage of an opponent's strength and momentum, relying on timing and precise application rather than brute strength. By leveraging an opponent's body mechanics and using their energy against them, smaller and weaker individuals can overcome larger and stronger adversaries.
The foundations of jujutsu can be traced back to ancient battlefield combat methods used by the samurai class in feudal Japan. Over the centuries, different schools and styles of jujutsu emerged, each with its own unique techniques and training methods. Jujutsu became popularized worldwide in the 20th century, especially with the introduction of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which adapted and evolved the techniques for sport and competition.
Today, jujutsu is practiced as a martial art, a combat sport, and a form of self-defense. It offers practitioners physical fitness, mental discipline, and a comprehensive understanding of body mechanics. While primarily focused on self-defense, jujutsu also promotes personal growth, self-confidence, and respect for others.
The word "Jujutsu" is derived from the Japanese language. It consists of two kanji characters: "Ju" (柔) meaning "gentle", "soft", or "flexible", and "Jutsu" (術) meaning "art" or "technique". Thus, "Jujutsu" translates to "the art or technique of gentleness" or "the gentle art". It refers to a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on using an opponent's energy and movements against them rather than relying on brute force.