An ancient martial art, Jiu-Jitsu traces its origins back as early as the 8th century when it was developed mainly as a secondary art to the weapon arts such as ken-jutsu (sword art) and kyu-jutsu (art of archery) by the newly formed warrior class of Japan. The Samurai practiced and developed Jiu-Jitsu as a practical system of self-defense to utilize in close-quarter combat situations. Jiu-Jitsu is a generic name used to describe a large set of techniques from different schools.

Although most commonly referred to under the general name of "jujutsu or jiu-jitsu," there were many different names over the ages, varying from school to school. Hade, hakuda, jujutsu, kempo, koppo, and koshi no mawari, kowami, kumiuchi, tode, torite, yawara, and yoroi kumiuchi are some just to name a few.

The essence of Jiu-Jitsu is the ability to move or flow from one technique to another in order to defend oneself efficiently and effectively. The ability for an exponent of Jiu-Jitsu to adapt in any situation, to fight empty handed, grapple, or use any type of weapon against an opponent, helps define Jiu-Jitsu as the ultimate self-defense art.

The literal translation of Jiu-Jitsu is the art of gentleness or pliancy. Jiu-Jitsu is not a contest of muscular skill and strength; rather it relies on natural biomechanics, balance, leverage and timing. Because of this, Jiu-Jitsu is the perfect art for self-defense and does not rely on any one advantage such as size, weight, height and reach between opponents. Jiu-Jitsu is equally accessible to men and women and is an extremely practical and effective form of self-defense.

Emphasis on striking techniques, balance displacement techniques, throws and takedowns, joint manipulation, restraints and immobilizations, ground grappling, and weapons defense makes Jiu-Jitsu a very complete art of self-defense. It differs from modern arts, such as Judo and Karate, in that the main goal is self-preservation.

Note: Please see our dojo listing for the individual styles and variations of Jiu-Jitsu that make up the JJBC.

© 2006 Jiu-Jitsu BC Society