What is Japanese Jujutsu? Here’s What You Should Know

Japanese Jujutsu also known as Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (JJJ) is one of many martial arts to choose from if you want to learn how to fight. However, distinguishing between the martial arts can be challenging, particularly when there are others with similar names, such as American Ju-Jutsu (AJJ). This article will help you understand the unique attributes of JJJ so that you know exactly what to expect as a student.

Japanese Jujutsu is an ancient martial art from which others, such as Judo and AJJ, were derived. It involves immobilization, throwing, striking, defense and sometimes the use of small weapons. Students also study technique theory, Japanese history and terminology, the human body and first aid.

There are more intricate details about JJJ below that will help you understand how it differs to other martial arts. There are also key differences between AJJ and JJJ that may lead you to believe that one is better than the other.

Brief History of Japanese Jujutsu

Japanese Jujutsu (JJJ) is an ancient martial art used in warfare, which stems from sumo and other Japanese martial art techniques. These techniques originate from the Nara period, but one of the oldest known styles of JJJ is Shinden Fudo, which was established in 1130AD.

The term ‘Jūjutsu’ means ‘gentle art’. This is because the techniques require very little of your own strength and use your opponent’s strength against them. ‘Jujutsu’, ‘Ju-Jitsu’ and ‘Jiu-Jitsu’ are all different spelling variations of the same techniques. The variations only came about due to the Western pronunciation of the word.