What is Ju-Jitsu?
Ju-jitsu is the gentle art. The yeilding art. The supple art.
Think of water.
Nothing could be more soft. It is impossible to hold it in your hands as it slips through like grains of sand.
But when it is unified, there is no force in nature that can stop it.
The analogy is made to the oak tree and the willow. The oak tree stands firm and strong against the howling wind and the snow storm. The willow bends and bows.
Once the wind is too strong or the snow too heavy the bough of the oak tree will break.
But the willow tree will bend and weave allowing the storm to pass and the snow to fall off.
The supple nature of ju-jitsu can be understood better when the ju-jitsuka is familiar with kuzushi. Ju-jitsu is also known as ju-jutsu and jui-jutsu.
Ju-jitsu was made famous by the samurai. They developed unarmed combat as a measure against their sword being lost in battle. Throws, joint locks and strangles were developed as their opponents would usually be armed and wearing armour.
Ju-jitsu is one of the oldest martial arts practised today, its influence can be seen indirectly in most martial arts, and seen directly in the creation of judo c.1882 by Jigoro Kano, the creation of aikido c.1940 by Morihei Ueshiba. And wado ryu karate.
These were masters of ju-jitsu before branching out and doing their own thang.
Today's modern ju-jitsu is perfectly embodied in the organisation Spirit Combat International. Its founder Sokė Brian Dossett (10th Dan) is true to the principles of Bushido. This spirit of honour, humanity and justice are the true guides to the way of ju-jitsu and the way of Spirit Combat International.