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Jujitsu: History, Philosophy And Methods
George Royal
Brief History:
Jujitsu is a 2500 year old unarmed combat discipline that
has its roots in ancient Japan. The exact date on the creation
of this martial art form is hard to trace but techniques resembling
that of Jujitsu had already been incorporated into the training
methods of the Samurai, from the 8th to the 6th centuries.
Earliest Japanese historical records such as the Kojiki (Record
of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan)
also have passages related to unarmed combat systems.
Before this Japanese martial art developed into what we know
as Jujitsu today, there were many other Japanese combat techniques
such as Kogusoku, yawara, kumiuchi, and hakuda etc, also collectively
known as Sengoku Jujutsu. Traditions finally gave rise to
the modern Nihon Jujutsu we know today, which is classified
under Edo Jujutsu - the true unarmed Japanese combat system.
Jujitsu gained prominence during the reign of Tokugawa in
the 1600s but was soon alienated when Emperor Melse regained
power. However, towards the mid-20th century, the ban on Jujitsu
in Japan was lifted, following the Meiji restoration, and
the combat art form began to be widely practiced.
The Philosophy:
Jujitsu revolves around three basic states of mind - Zanshin,
Mushin and Fudoshin. The proper combination of these elements
gave the power, preparation and potential to the practitioner
to excel in the Jujitsu art.
1. Zanshin - "remaining spirit" - connotes the readiness for
anything at any given time.
2. Mushin - "no mind" - Its spontaneity permits instantaneous
action without conscious thought.
3. Fudoshin - "immovable mind" -during times of confrontation.
Basic Methods:
Jujitsu is a circular, hard and soft, external combat style.
The basic techniques of attacks includes throws, locks, hitting
and striking, thrusting and punching, pinning and immobilizing,
strangling and joint-locking, with strong emphasis on throws,
locks, and defensive techniques. In-fighting and close work
are also focused upon.
Even though Jujitsu is basically an unarmed fighting system,
small weapons like the Jitte (truncheon), Tanto (knife), or
Kakushi Buki (hidden weapons), which include the Ryofundo
Kusari (weighted chain) or the Bankokuchoki (a type of knuckle-duster)
may also be used in combat.
Competition Systems:
Conventional Jujitsu can be dangerous, or maybe even fatal
if its fundamental techniques were to be applied. So, in order
to make the art a safer sport for the competitive arena, systems
and rules have to be introduced. That is why most of the competition
methods have incorporated "Half-contact", which prohibits
serious attempts to knock out an opponent.
1. The Fighting System: This is the most popular method, divided
into three phases. The first is for striking only, the second
for striking, grappling and throwing, and the third includes
ground-fighting such as chokeholds.
2. The Practical System: According to this rule, two defenders
are surrounded by four attackers from four corners. Highest
points go to the best defender judged upon effectiveness,
oversight and control of the situation.
3. The Duo System: In this system, contestants are randomly
chosen and awarded points for effective defences. The attacks
are divided into four groups of five attacks each.
4. Combat Jujitsu: The most recent system developed in the
United States. Victory in the competition is based on submission.
The combat round between the two opponents lasts for not more
than two minutes.
Copyright George Royal - http://martialarts-hq.com
Martial Arts HQ, http://martialarts-hq.com/
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