Definition of: Jujutsu (柔術, jūjutsu^?), Jiu-Jitsu, or Jiujitsu translates as the "art of softness", or "way of yielding", is a collective name for Japanese martial art styles including unarmed and armed techniques. Jujutsu evolved among the samurai of feudal Japan as a method for defeating an armed and armored opponent without weapons. Because striking against an armored opponent proved ineffective, practitioners learned that the most efficient methods for neutralizing an enemy took the form of pins, joint locks, and throws. These techniques were developed around the principle of using an attacker's energy against him, rather than directly opposing it.

Shihan on Jujutsu “It’s close quarter combat. Jujitsu. And that’s why a lot of the samurai, the ninjas, and …. warriors in those days used this particular technique because it was all in close.” “Jujitsu is a type of martial art that you could perform in a phone booth.” ( it’s up to those who know what a phone booth is to explain that!)

Page Updated 7/26/2010