History of Jujitsu

The true origins of Ju-Jitsu (or Budo as it was called first) are impossible to trace! But elements of the art can be traced back over 2500 years. Mythical stories of Kajima and Kadori two legendary gods tell of how the inhabitants of an eastern providence were punished for their lawlessness by using Ju-Jitsu techniques. Chikura Kurabe, a wrestling sport that appeared in Japan in 230BC had many techniques that were incorporated into Ju-Jitsu training. During the Heian Period (784 AD), Ju-Jitsu was incorporated into the Samurai Warrior's training so that the Samurai could defend himself against an armed attacker in the event he lost his sword on the battlefield.

Jujitsu During Peaceful Time's in Edo

During the Edo Period (1603-1868), under the Tokugawa military government, Japan became a more peaceful area. Weapon less styles began to replace and take over the armed forms of old. During the Edo Period, it is believed that more than 700 systems of Ju-Jitsu existed. During this new age weapons and armour became unused decorative items, so hand to hand combat flourished and became the norm as a form of self-defence and new techniques were created to adapt to the changing situation of un-armoured opponents. This included the development and Creation of various striking techniques in jujutsu which where limited, striking previously found in jujutsu which targeted vital areas above the shoulders such as the eyes, throat and back of the neck. Towards the 18th century the number of striking techniques was severely reduced or dropped altogether as they were considered less effective and exert too much energy. The primary use of striking became a way to distract your opponent or to unbalance them in lead up to a joint-lock, strangle or throw. During the same period a number of jujutsu schools would challenge each other to duels which became a popular pastime for warriors under a peaceful government, from these challenges randori was created to practice fighting without risk of breaking the law and the various styles of each school evolved from fighting each other without intention to kill.