Jujutsu (Jujitsu) is the ancient empty hand art of the Samurai. It was used primarily for their self-defense when they had no weapons. Its movements are generally more compact than that of Ninjutsu.
It is a large system with some ryuha (schools) being based on battlefield tactics (taking an opponent’s armor and weapons into account); while others are concerned with self-defense in the circumstances of everyday life.
True Jujutsu involves the full spectrum of empty-handed self-defense:
- Atemi Wasa (striking techniques)
- Nage Waza (throwing techniques)
- Osaekomi Waza (restraining techniques)
- Kansetsu Waza (joint locking & joint breaking techniques)
- Shime Waza (choking techniques)
- Taihenjutsu
- Kaeshi Waza
Generally, the Samurai did not use Jujutsu for self-perfection. If they chose to pursue this goal, it was generally through the study of Kenjutsu or Iaido, the arts of the sword.
Some schools of Jujutsu have changed and have decided to make the practice of their art into the pursuit of self-perfection. This was not how the art developed and it is not how we teach it.
True Jujutsu was, and still is, “down and dirty.” Samurai fought to the death. However, while our schools retain their fierce fighting skills; we instill in our students the concept of harmony:
- An extremely effective knowledge of self-defense
- The skills necessary to use this knowledge
- Improved Self-Discipline
- Improved Physical Fitness, Flexibility and Aerobic Capacity
- Greater ability to function calmly under stressful conditions
- The Knowledge of how to live a Healthy Life and the friends to help you do it.
- Knowledge of Japanese Budo (Martial Art Chivalry and Code of Conduct)