The history of Ju Jitsu

Ju-Jitsu/ Ju-Jutsu/ Jiu-Jitsu/ Dschiu- Dschitsu/ Giu-Gitsu/ джиу-джитсу

these are different ways of transcription of the same Japanese Kanji used for this martial art outside Japan. The JJIF member federations agreed with the use of Ju-Jitsu as official name even if other transcriptions are used in the national federation or style.

Ju-Jitsu (or Yawara) is an ancient Japanese martial art. Its origins date back to the sixteenth century, when legend has it that Shirobei Akiyama witnessed how the branches of most trees broke during a blizzard, while the more elastic branches of the willow bent and efficiently freed themselves from the snow.

Thus the “Gentle Art” or “Art of Suppleness” (this is the meaning of ju-jitsu in Japanese) does not neutralize power with power but aims to rationally absorb an attack and convert that energy to the opponent’s own detriment. So it is designed to defend you with a flexible reaction on violence.

The golden age of ju-jitsu lasted until 1869, date on which the emperor’s return to Japan and the subsequent abolition of feudalism made the samurai lose their privileged status. Samurai tradition nevertheless kept ju-jitsu alive and travellers brought the art to all four corners of the world.

From Japan it spread all the way around the world and developed as sport, violence prevention and modern self defence. Many police and military units practice Ju-Jitsu.

In more recent years, the essence of other martial arts, such as judo and aikido, has developed from ju-jitsu, extracting specific aspects of their martial art forefather. An international governing body was established in 1977. Since then, the Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) has become a structured federation organized in Continental Unions, coordinated by a central Board and supported by Committees. JJIF organizes World and Continental Championships, International Camps, seminars, and an annual Congress and General Assembly. It has been a member of SportAccord (former GAISF) and IWGA since 1994. The federation is not representing a special stylet of Ju-jitsu but sharing knowledge and experience of different styles and federations. The JJIF is the voice of Ju-Jitsu in the world of sport and active in developing a sportive competition system for all these Mixed Martial Arts.

The Ju-Jitsu International Federation currently contemplates three different types of competitions at world level: the Duo System, the Fighting System and  Jiu-Jitsu (named as Ne-Waza and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well). The competition requires, beside the martial art technique, timing, agility, strength and endurance…and especially the Budo spirit!

1. Where Jiu-Jitsu Comes From
Samurai were the warrior class of Japan until the mid 19 century. Jiu JItsu was one of the 18 arts which needs to be mastered to be perfect Samurai. Jiu Jitsu trained warrior would attempt to break enemy’s balance by grabbing armour, grasping joints attempt to control body movement and fight without horse and arm fighters. This is why jiu-jitsu was created — it focused on grappling, throwing, joint locks, and controlling an opponent, rather than punching or kicking.
2. How Jiu-Jitsu Was Used in Battle
Because armor protected the body, strikes were not very effective. Instead, jiu-jitsu techniques aimed to:
-Throw the opponent to the ground
-Break joints (like the elbow)
-Control or immobilize the enemy
-Finish the fight with a small blade (dagger) if needed
The goal was survival and efficiency, not sport.
3. Jiu-Jitsu Changes Over Time
-During times of war, jiu-jitsu was used for battlefield combat.
-During the long peace of the Tokugawa period (1603–1868), large battles became rare. Jiu-jitsu then shifted into a system of self-defence, used against criminals, bandits, or unarmed attackers.
-Techniques became more organized and systematic, and many schools (ryu) were formed.
4. Important Early Jiu-Jitsu Schools
Takenouchi Ryu (Oldest School)
-Founded in 1532
-Considered the oldest jiu-jitsu school still existing
-Combined weapons and unarmed techniques
-Very influential — many later schools came from it
-Helped shape both jiu-jitsu and judo
Sosuishitsu Ryu
-Founded in 1650
-Based on Takenouchi ryu and the founder’s own ideas
-Still practiced today in Japan
-Focused on refined jiu-jitsu techniques for control and balance
Yoshin Ryu (“Willow Spirit School”)
-Founded in the 1630s
-Inspired by Chinese martial arts
-Emphasized the idea of softness overcoming strength
-Like a willow tree: it bends but does not break
-Focused on balance, timing, and effective strikes
Kito Ryu (“Rise and Fall School”)
-Popular in the 1700s–1800s
-Focused on throwing, balance, and flexibility
-Very important because it strongly influenced Kodokan Judo
-The principles of Kito ryu later influenced Aikido
5. From Jiu-Jitsu to Modern Martial Arts
-Many traditional jiu-jitsu schools eventually declined
-Some ideas survived and evolved into:
-Judo (created by Jigoro Kano)
-Aikido