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Ju-Jitsu loosely translated means "science of softness" or "gentle art" and is applied to many schools of unarmed and hand-to-hand combat. Jujitsu reached its heyday during the Tokugawa Shogunate, when weapons were forbidden to most Japanese citizens. Historically, Ju-Jitsu was the primary unarmed combat method of the Samurai. Many other Martial Arts, including judo and akido, are modern day descendants of Ju-Jitsu.
Fundamentally, Ju Jitsu is different to other martial arts like Karate, kickboxing and kung fu because it is not an offensive martial art, but a defensive one. The movements of Jujitsu are efficient, flowing, circular and are usually practiced within a very small circle, and many Ju Jitsu moves have been refined for close quarters fighting.
Ju Jitsu involves turning an attacker's own force against them, putting them off balance.
Ju-Jitsu also emphasizes certain grappling moves and strikes to vital areas. Student are expected to learn how to gauge the force of an opponent's attack and use it against them, evade attacks, use leverage against an opponent and how to attack nerves and pressure points.
Types of techniques typical of Jujutsu include:
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Nage Waza - throwing techniques
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Kansetsu Waza - joint locking techniques
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Atemi Waza - striking of the vital points
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Shime Waza - strangulation techniques
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Katame Waza - ground fighting techniques
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Osae Waza - holding techniques
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Ukemi Waza - falling techniques
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Ate Waza - striking techniques
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Geri Waza - kicking techniques
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Uke Waza - blocking techniques
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Goshinjutsu Waza - self-defense techniques
Jujitsu techniques are often taught in self defense classes for women, because it is possible to neutralize an attacker quickly and escape using Jujitsu techniques.
In the twentieth century, Jujitsu was introduced to the West by a variety of masters, and became a very popular martial art.
Here are two rare vidoes of ju jitsu from the early 20th century..
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