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Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that originated on the battlefields of ancient Japan.  It was a means for a disarmed warrior (Samurai) to address an armed opponent.  The Samurai typically wore armor in battle so striking was limited in its effectiveness.  The armor was light for mobility and maneuverability creating opportunity to attack the weak part in the joints.  As a result systems of  throws, locks, pins and breaks were employed to give the unarmed Samurai a chance against his armed adversary. 

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As battlefield tactics changed with the introduction of new technology and the creation of a national military so did the ways of the samurai.  Jiu Jitsu went from being a discipline bestowed upon a noble warrior class to a method used by unemployed samurai to rob and wreak havoc on unsuspecting victims within the civilian population.  

 

Visionaries and those looking to preserve the history and culture of the samurai codified and adapted Jiu Jitsu to have purpose and meaning in a changing environment.  Several other martial arts were developed from Jiu Jitsu to further advance its adaptation into modern society.  Notably, Judo, Aikido, Aiki Jitsu and most recently Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  Aikido and Aiki Jitsu along with other "traditional styles" sought to preserve the roots of martial arts, advance the spirit and philosophy with an emphasis on character development following "the path of the warrior".  Judo and Brazilian (BJJ) incorporated some of these traditional philosophies while placing more of an emphasis on creating a "sport" that could be practiced at live speed minimizing serious injury to opponents.  This is an important distinction on the differences between these  paths of Jiu Jitsu.

 

The literal Translation of Jiu Jitsu is soft techniques or style.  However that translation doesn't quite fit the actual meaning.  Consequently we use the word adaptable in place of soft.  This has significant meaning when we look at the evolution and adaptability this martial art has gone trough over the centuries.  Those changes include being adapted to modern military warfare, as seen in Army combatives, law enforcement arrest and control techniques, combat sports like MMA, submission grappling and Jiu Jitsu competition, and personal self defense. Aside from its effectiveness in battle, sport, and physical confrontations  Jiu Jitsu is a philosophy that can be applied to your whole life. It can help improve every aspect when you go beyond its physical attributes. The strategy, tactics and mindset create options, let you seize upon opportunity and builds that indomitable spirit that allows you to adapt to ever changing circumstances in your life.