Jujitsu

/dʒuːˈdʒɪtsuː/ noun

Definition

A Japanese martial art focusing on grappling, throws, joint locks, and submission techniques, emphasizing using an opponent's force against them rather than opposing it directly. Modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu evolved from this traditional art.

Etymology

From Japanese 'jujutsu,' meaning 'gentle art' or 'yielding technique,' combining 'ju' (gentle/yielding) and 'jutsu' (art/technique). Developed by samurai as a method of fighting when disarmed, it emphasized efficiency over brute strength, allowing smaller warriors to defeat larger opponents.

Kelly Says

Jujitsu's core principle of 'maximum efficiency with minimum effort' revolutionized combat thinking and later influenced everything from modern military training to mixed martial arts strategy. The art's emphasis on leverage and timing over strength made it one of the first martial arts to prove that technique could consistently overcome size and power.

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