The begining of Ju-jutsu can be found in the turbulent period of Japanese history
between the 8th and 16th Century. During this time, there was almost constant
civil war in Japan and the classical weaponed systems were developed and constantly
refined on the battle field. Close fighting techniques were developed as part
of these systems to be use in conjunction with weapons against armoured, armed
apponents. It was from these techniques that Ju-jutsu arose.
The first publicly recognised Ju-jutsu ryu was formed by Takenouchie Hisamori
in 1532 and consisted of techniques of sword, jo-stick and dagger as well as unarmed
techniques.
In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu brought peace to Japan by forming the Tokugawa military
government. This marked the beginning of the Edo period of Japanese history (1603-1868),
during which waring ceased to be a dominant feature of Japanese life.
In the beginning of this period there was a general shift from weaponed forms
of fighting to weaponless styles. These weaponless styles were developed from
the grappling techniques of the weaponed styles and were collectively known as
ju-jutsu. During the height of the Edo period, there were more than 700 systems
of jujutsu.
The end of the Edo was marked by the Meiji Restoration, an abortive civil war
that moved power from the Shogun back to the Emperor. A large proportion of the
Samurai class supported the Shogun during thewar. Consequently, when power was
restored to the Emperor, many things related to the Samurai fell into disrepute.
An Imperial edict was decreed, declaring it a criminal offence to practice the
old style combative martial arts. During the period of the Imperial edict, Ju-jutsu
was almost lost. However, some masters continued to practice their art "under-ground",
or moved to other countries, allowing the style to continue. By the mid twenty
century, the ban on ju-jutsu in Japan had lifted, allowing the free practicing
of the art.
The style encompasses throws, locks, and striking techniques, with a strong
emphasis on throws, locks, and defensive techniques. It is also characterized
by in-fighting and close work. It is a circular, hard/soft, external style.
Training: Practical with a heavy emphasis on sparring and mock combat.
There are many, each associated with a different "school" (Ryu). Here is a
partial list:
- Daito Ryu
- Danzan Ryu
- Shidare Yanagi Ryu
- Hokuto Ryu
- Hakko Ryu
- Hontai Yoshin Ryu
- Sosuishi Ryu
- Kito Ryu
- Kyushin Ryu.
A more modern addition to this list is "Brazilian Jujutsu" or "Gracie Jujutsu",
so named because of its development by the Gracie family of Brazil. Gracie/Brazilian
Jujutsu (or GJJ/BJJ as it has come to be known on rec.martial-arts) has a heavy
emphasis on grappling/groundfighting.
A - C