What is Jiu Jitsu?

What is Jiu Jitsu?

          “Ju” means pliable, gentle or yielding.  “Jitsu” can be translated as a system or method.  Jiu jitsu’s  primary principle is one of yielding or blending with the force of an attack.  The name of this style of jiu jitsu, “Yang Ki Yin”, is a combination of Japanese and Chinese characters.  This was done to emphasize that this style has elements borrowed from the martial arts of both countries.  The swirling circular symbol of the yin and yang is used to point out that the duality and constant change it represents are also present in this dialectic art.  Techniques can be hard or soft, circular or angular, and must change from one to the next as the situation requires.  “Ki” is the Japanese word for the intrinsic energy in all things.  It is energy made available through proper body position, breathing and mental perspective.

Key Elements

          Jiu jitsu techniques include methods of deflecting, striking, joint locking, throwing and holding.  A functional understanding of the laws of physics forms the foundation of practice.  The dynamics of forces, torque, rotational motion and stability are the scientific terms for principles understood intuitively by the Masters that developed the art.

         

          The first requirement for proper technique is to maintain your balance.  The opponent is then moved into an unbalanced posture from which he will not recover.  Using leverage and skillful joint manipulation, the practitioner controls the opponent’s body position while taking him to the ground.  It is the controlling aspect of jiu jitsu that makes this ancient method the preeminent martial art for modern police and civilian use.  The law allows “only the amount of force necessary to control the situation.”  The restraining methods of this system allow for a measured response to an attack.

Training

          Jiu jitsu can be practiced by anyone.  Here the old proverb applies:  “Desire is the initiative, discipline is the key, humility is the way.”  Traditionally, class time is divided equally between conditioning, matwork and techniques.   Conditioning concentrates on calisthenics designed to improve flexibility, stamina and strength.  The first function of matwork is to learn to overcome man’s natural fear of falling.  Rolling and falling skills allow partners to practice taking each other to the mats without injury.   These skills also enhance balance and mobility.  Techniques are practiced with partners at a speed suitable to their ability to react.  Small classes, close supervision and careful training provide a relatively safe learning environment.