A brief History of Traditional Jiu Jitsu: the Gentle Art of Defense
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Jiu Jitsu, also known as jujitsu, jiu-jitsu, ju jutsu, and various other spellings, is an ancient Japanese martial art rooted in the belief that “the soft conquers the hard.” The term “jiu jitsu” originally being used as early as the 17th century, being used interchangeably between many styles from Japan.
This traditional fighting style has a long history in feudal Japan and has evolved into a diverse and dynamic system of self-defense. Join us on a captivating journey through the rich tapestry of Jiu Jitsu’s origins, development, and its lasting impact on modern martial arts.
Origins of Jiu Jitsu
The origins of Jiu Jitsu can be traced back to feudal Japan, a period marked by constant warfare and the dominance of the samurai. It emerged as a means for samurai warriors to defend themselves when disarmed or facing opponents with weapons in full armor. The core principle of Jiu Jitsu is to use an opponent’s force against them, emphasizing flexibility, adaptability, and technique over brute strength.
At the time jiu jitsu brought a unique perspective to martial arts compared to its surrounding neighbors china & korea, by incorporating weapons into their training much like our modern military does today. The focus for many schools and linages was around weapons like daggers, bows, tantos, and more, giving samurai an edge on the battle field.
The Birth of the First Jiu Jitsu School
In 1532, an incredible milestone in the history of Jiu Jitsu occurred with the establishment of the first recognized school (Ryu) solely dedicated to Jiu Jitsu. Master Takenouchi Hisamori, renowned for his teachings on seizing, or Kogusoku, founded this groundbreaking school. Although the early form of Jiu Jitsu taught in this school differs from the modern style, it serves as the foundation upon which contemporary Jiu Jitsu was built.
The Edo Period and the Growth of Jiu Jitsu
During the seventeenth century, Japan experienced a prolonged period of civil rest known as the Edo Period (1603 – 1868). This era saw a significant shift in the role of samurai warriors, as they were no longer engaged in constant warfare. As a result, much of the history has become distorted or lost.
The Meiji Restoration of 1868 also marked a pivotal moment in Japanese history, as power shifted from the shogun to the emperor. As part of this transformation, an Imperial ordinance in 1871 banned many aspects of samurai culture, including martial arts. Consequently, only a few dedicated masters continued to teach Jiu Jitsu during the latter half of the nineteenth century. Some were forced to train in secret, sharing their knowledge with a select group of trusted students.
However, the early twentieth century witnessed a division within the world of Jiu Jitsu. Many Jiu Jitsu schools merged with the new martial art known as Judo, created by Jigoro Kano. Judo focused on a more modern approach to fighting, emphasizing sport and exercise elements within martial arts. Concurrently, Morihei Ueshiba introduced Aikido, a discipline based on different Jiu Jitsu techniques, particularly wrist and arm locks. This era of transformation marked the diversification of martial arts rooted in Jiu Jitsu.
Jiu Jitsu Resurgence and Global Spread
The post-World War II period saw the occupation of Japan by American forces, which led to the temporary banning of various fighting styles due to their perceived link with militarism. However, this restriction lifted in 1951, as the occupation ended. This event marked the resurgence of Jiu Jitsu in its country of origin and its subsequent spread to many other countries worldwide.
Throughout its history, Jiu Jitsu has proven to be a resilient and adaptable martial art, evolving from its ancient roots into a dynamic and diverse system. It continues to thrive, providing practitioners with a means of self-defense, physical fitness, and personal development.
Influential Figures in Jiu Jitsu History
One influential figure during this period was Chin Genpin, a Chinese priest who introduced kicking and striking techniques derived from kung fu at the Kokushij Temple in Tokyo. Three ronin (masterless samurai) – Fukuno Schichiroemon, Yoshin Miura, and Isogai – were among his students and went on to found their own schools. These developments marked a crucial turning point in the evolution of Jiu Jitsu into a more systematic and organized art form. At the height of early Jiu Jitsu practice, Japan boasted over seven hundred ryu, each with its unique approach to martial arts.
However Jiu Jitsu has been shaped by numerous influential figures throughout its history. Here are five individuals who left an indelible mark on the evolution of this martial art:
- Fukuda Hachinosuke: An early proponent of Jiu Jitsu in Japan, Fukuda Hachinosuke played a pivotal role in the art’s development and preservation.
- Jigoro Kano: The founder of Judo, Kano merged many aspects of Jiu Jitsu into his new martial art, making it more accessible and emphasizing the sport and exercise elements.
- Mitsuyo Maeda: Maeda, a key figure in the development of Jiu Jitsu in Brazil, played a crucial role in introducing the art to the Brazilian Gracie family, paving the way for the creation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
- Yataro Handa: Founder of the Handa Dojo in Osaka, Japan, Yataro Handa made significant contributions to the propagation of Jiu Jitsu in his region.
- Helio Gracie: A prominent figure in the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Helio Gracie made key innovations that adapted Jiu Jitsu to focus on ground fighting and submissions, creating a unique and influential martial art.
These individuals have contributed to the rich tapestry of Jiu Jitsu history, shaping its development and dissemination to different parts of the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
To sum up the key points and information about the history of traditional Jiu Jitsu, here’s a brief FAQ:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the origin of Jiu Jitsu? | Jiu Jitsu originated in feudal Japan as a means for samurai warriors to defend themselves when disarmed or facing armed opponents. |
| When was the first Jiu Jitsu school founded? | The first recognized Jiu Jitsu school was established in 1532 by Master Takenouchi Hisamori. |
| How did Jiu Jitsu evolve during the Edo Period? | Jiu Jitsu gained popularity during the Edo Period (1603 – 1868) as samurai could no longer rely on weapons due to peace. |
| Who were some influential figures in Jiu Jitsu history? | Key figures include Fukuda Hachinosuke, Jigoro Kano, Mitsuyo Maeda, Yataro Handa, and Helio Gracie. |
| What led to the resurgence of Jiu Jitsu after World War II? | The end of the American occupation of Japan in 1951 allowed Jiu Jitsu to flourish once more in its home country and worldwide. |
Jiu Jitsu’s history is a captivating tale of adaptation, transformation, and resilience, from its origins in feudal Japan to its global reach and influence in the modern era. This “gentle art” continues to thrive, offering both a means of self-defense and a way of life for countless practitioners around the world.
Check Out This Book to Dive Deeper into the History, Training, and Kata of Japanese Jiu Jitsu!
If you’re fascinated by the rich history and techniques of traditional Jiu Jitsu, then you don’t want to miss out on “History, Training, and Kata of Japanese Jiu Jitsu” by Darrell Max Craig. This comprehensive book delves into the origins and development of Jiu Jitsu, providing valuable insights into its historical context and evolution. In “History, Training, and Kata of Japanese Jiu Jitsu,” Craig takes you on a journey through time, exploring the roots of Jiu Jitsu and its relevance in feudal Japan. Gain a deeper understanding of the core principles and philosophies behind this martial art, as well as the training methods and kata (forms) that have been passed down through generations.
By delving into the pages of this book, you’ll discover:
- Detailed accounts of the early Jiu Jitsu schools and their contributions to the art’s development.
- Insights into the training regimens followed by samurai warriors and how Jiu Jitsu became an essential component of their skillset.
- A comprehensive overview of the various kata practiced in Jiu Jitsu, providing step-by-step instructions and valuable tips to enhance your techniques.
- Historical anecdotes and stories that bring the evolution of Jiu Jitsu to life, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of this martial art.
So, if you’re eager to deepen your knowledge of traditional Jiu Jitsu and uncover the secrets of its past, grab your copy of “History, Training, and Kata of Japanese Jiu Jitsu” by Darrell Max Craig here. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Jiu Jitsu and unlock a treasure trove of wisdom from centuries past.
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