A Brief History : What is Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-Jitsu is a combat martial art developed by the warrior class of Japan over 2500 years ago. Designed to enable Samurai to fight effectively at close quarters on the battlefield, Jiu-Jitsu is based on an adaptive system of striking (atemi), locking and throwing techniques, with a strong emphasis on the use of an opponent’s body weight and momentum.
Steeped in history and tradition yet stunningly street-wise, Jiu-Jitsu provides an effective means of countering attacks from both unarmed and armed assailants - regardless of the defender’s own strength, weight or gender. Students are taught a variety of defences including those to kicks, punches, wrist grabs and knife attacks, while learning how to tailor their defences to a level appropriate to the type of attack.
Jiu-Jitsu translates as ‘gentle art’ and is regarded as the ‘Mother Art’, as it provides the basis for many other forms including judo, aikido and some karate styles. Students learn to counter and apply violence in training sessions geared around reciprocation rather than sparring; by taking turns to attack each other, both partners have equal chance to develop the technique they are practising.