The history of Ju Jitsu

1. Where Ju-Jitsu Comes From

Samurais were the warrior class of Japan until the mid 19 century. Ju JItsu was one of the 18 arts which had to be mastered to become a perfect Samurai. A Ju Jitsu trained warrior would aim to break the enemy’s balance by grabbing the armour, manipulating joints, and controlling body movements and would also fight without being mounted on a horse, against mounted fighters as well as against armed fighters. This is why Ju-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 armour protected the body, strikes were not very effective. Instead, Ju-Jitsu techniques aimed at :

-Throwing the opponent to the ground

-Breaking joints (like the elbow)

-Controlling or immobilizing the enemy

-Finishing the fight with a small blade (dagger) if needed

The goal was survival and efficiency, not sport.

3. Ju-Jitsu Changes Over Time

-During times of war, Ju-Jitsu was used for battlefield combat.

-During the long peace of the Tokugawa period (1603–1868), large battles became rare. Ju-Jitsu then shifted into a system of self-defence, used against criminals, bandits, or unarmed or armed attackers.

-Techniques became more organized and systematic, and many schools (ryu) were formed.

4. Important Early Ju-Jitsu Schools

Takenouchi Ryu (Oldest School)

-Founded in 1532

-Considered the oldest Ju-Jitsu school; still existing

-Combined weapons and unarmed techniques

-Very influential — many later schools came from it

-Helped shape both Ju-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 Ju-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 Ju-Jitsu to Modern Martial Arts

-Many traditional Ju-Jitsu schools eventually declined

-Some ideas survived and evolved into:

-Judo (created by Jigoro Kano)

-Aikido (created by Morihei Ueshiba)