Jiu jitsu
The Gentle Art
Jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art that focuses on close-range grappling techniques and leverage to control and submit opponents. It's known as the "gentle art" and is often compared to a physical game of chess due to its emphasis on strategy and technique over brute strength.
Jiu jitsu traces its origins back to the samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Developed as a method of self-defense, jujutsu emerged as a system of techniques designed to overcome armed and armored opponents without relying solely on weapons. The essence of jujutsu is adaptability—using an opponent's force against them through joint locks, throws, and strikes.
With the decline of samurai culture in the late 19th century, jujutsu transformed into more specialized martial arts, leading to the development of styles that focused on sport, self-defense, and philosophy.
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Judo (1882): Jigoro Kano modernized jujutsu, removing dangerous techniques and creating judo, which emphasized throws, leverage, and safe practice for competitive use.
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Aikido (1920s): Morihei Ueshiba combined jujutsu principles with spiritual elements, emphasizing harmony, redirection of force, and fluid movement.
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) (1920s): Mitsuyo Maeda, a judo expert, introduced the art to Brazil where the sport evolved into a ground-based system emphasizing submissions via choke or joint locks.
