How to Learn Jiu-Jitsu
In feudal Japan, the samurai needed to develop special techniques and strategies to immobilize and neutralize their opponents. The fighting style needed to be quick, efficient, and can go for the kill in a matter of seconds. The samurai then developed a system of fighting techniques called jiu-jitsu; thanks to a well-preserved history of these techniques, you can learn jiu-jitsu from schools and dojos.
Styles of Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-jitsu was developed by the Japanese warrior class to efficiently and effectively neutralize or even kill attackers. Jiu-jitsu is a system of throws, locks, and the use of weapons where the force and the momentum of the attacker is used against him or her.
Many techniques in jiu-jitsu form the basis of other martial arts, including judo, aikido, and karate. There are three common styles of jiu-jitsu:
Traditional jiu-jitsu follows the original techniques and strategies used by the samurai. Jiu-jitsu allows all methods and techniques of neutralizing the opponent, including eye-gouges, fish-hooks, and hair-pulls.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), also known as Gracie jiu-jitsu, is one of the most popular fighting techniques in mixed martial arts (MMA). The discipline was founded by Mitsuyo Maeda, although BJJ is usually associated with the Gracie family, particularly the MMA fighters Helio, Royce, and Rickson Gracie. BJJ emphasizes ground-fighting, and the philosophy that even small opponents can beat larger, stronger opponents.
Modern jiu-jitsu styles were developed from a mixture of traditional jiu-jitsu, BJJ, and other fighting styles. Many schools of jiu-jitsu incorporated useful techniques from many martial arts to form a complete, effective fighting system.
Jiu-Jitsu Techniques
Jiu-jitsu is all about using effective, efficient maneuvers to immobilize opponents and attackers. Here are some of the techniques used in jiu-jitsu:
Strikes are not often used in jiu-jitsu because of the limitations of striking moves. Strikes are often used to set up an opponent for throws, counters, or submission holds. In traditional jiu-jitsu, strikes may also be used with weapons. Fish-hooks, gouges, and small-joint manipulation are legal in jiu-jitsu.
Grappling is often used to pin down an opponent or to set up for a submission hold. Throws and takedowns in jiu-jitsu do not emphasize physical strength, but leverage and the ability to reverse an opponent’s forward momentum.
Submission. Joint locks, compression holds, and chokes are the most effective maneuvers used in jiu-jitsu. Many submission holds and chokes used in jiu-jitsu can immobilize, paralyze, or even kill an opponent when applied properly and when held down long enough.
Jiu-Jitsu Schools
Jiu-jitsu is an advanced fighting style, and is often taught to people who already have a mastery or knowledge of other fighting styles related to it. Very few dojos and training schools teach the kind of jiu-jitsu designed to kill or maim opponents. BJJ or other forms of competition jiu-jitsu are taught in many training schools. It may help to learn a striking art (like karate or taekwondo) to complement the emphasis on grappling.
Jiu-jitsu is an effective fighting style that can help you defend yourself or win competitions. With these tips, you’re well on your way to fighting with the same silent, effective fury as the samurai of ages past.