A Brief History of Combat Jujitsu
This art dates back to ancient times, and is undoubtedly the most common of all the Japanese martial arts.  In ancient times, this art was known as taijutsu and hakuda. Jiu-Jitsu is the basis for Judo and heavily influenced the art of Aikido, and includes not only limb twisting and joint locking, but also a vast arsenal of techniques including attacking vital points, choking, and kicking.  Since the throwing arts have been known in Japan for about 1000 years it may be assumed that Jiu-Jitsu also originated about this time. Later Chinese styles may have also influenced its development. Jiu-Jitsu is also
often referred to as "jujitsu", and is said to have been systematized by one Hisamori Takenouchi in the early 1500's.

The most obvious aspect of Jiu-Jitsu is that it is not reliant on muscular skill and strength. Rather, it relies on balance, speed and leverage. It is because these factors are so important, that Jiu-Jitsu tends to "level the playing field" regardless of opponent size.  Jiu-Jitsu is open equally to men and women and is a far more devastating art that its modern sporting form known as Judo. In fact, it can be so devastating that advanced level Jiu-Jitsu students must learn the art of "kuatsu", the ancient art of revival and resuscitation.

Jiu-Jitsu was probably the first Japanese martial art to be introduced in the West and was taught to most of the Western world's " special forces" troops during World War II, notably to the agents of the U.S. OSS (Office of Strategic Services) as a method of unarmed close quarter combat (CQC) for use in carrying out covert activities behind enemy lines.

As previously stated, Jiu-Jitsu is the basis for Judo which was developed by Dr. Jigoro Kano. Judo went on to become on of the most popular martial arts (or more correctly martial sports) in the Western World, and was the first "martial art" to gain olympic recognition.

By: Master Brent Fuller


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