Samantha R. Reece

Jujitsu is a name used for Japanese martial arts techniques.  The meaning of this word is the “art of softness” or “way of yielding”.  Jujitsu came from Japan as a way of defeat of an opponent without using any weapons.  Since hitting the opponent didn’t do much justice, they would be attacked with pins and throws.  This worked against the attacker’s energy.

There are different ways that people do jujitsu.  Some of the techniques used include, holds, throwing, trapping, biting, gouging, striking and kicking.  At one time, there were self-defense schools that taught their students how to use weapons, but that is no longer the case. 

Jujitsu is practiced all over the world, including being used in sport form.  It has been used in the Olympic Games competitions.      

Other methods of combat with jujitsu include:

• Striking (kicking and punching)
• Throwing (body throws)
• Restraining (pinning, wrestling)
• Defense moves (evading, blocking, escaping)

Sport jujitsu has many forms.  One of the most popular is judo, which has been implemented into the Olympic Games.  Mixed-style competitions are the ones that are most seen at these Games.  With these competitions, there are throws, strikes and holds in order for the competitors to get points. 

Learn more with this handbook!