Ju Jitsu
History - Philosophy - Art - Environment
as viewed by
Coatbridge Ju-Jitsu and Kobudo Club
and
The World Ju-Jitsu Kobudo Organisation
History
Ju Jitsu is the martial art of the Samurai Warriors
with a history that can be traced back as far as 2000 years.
It is the Art from which Judo, Karate and Aikido developed.
From the outset there are many difficulties in tracing the art of Ju-jitsu and it's origins,
mainly due to the unreliability of early literature.
Here is a concise history which relies on written material from various sources
relating to slightly more recent histories of the art.
In medieval Japan there were various arts and exercises in which the Samurai were trained.
Amongst these was the art of Ju-jitsu.
The word Ju-jitsu translated means 'the art of gaining victory by yielding or pliancy'.
It's main principle being not to match strength with strength, but to gain victory by yielding to strength.
In present day Japan and in Western Civilizations, Ju-jitsu has once again gained popularity,
and there are many thousands of devotees of this ancient art.
Ju jitsu was known in feudal times as Yawara, Kempo, Hakuda, Tai Jutsu and Kogusoku,
but the term Ju-jitsu or Yawara were the most popular.
Literature on the subject is scarce and while there are documents
from various schools of Ju-jitsu in existence, many of them are contradictory.
In early times the knowledge of the history and the art of Ju-jitsu was kept safe by the teachers
of the various schools who then passed this information on to their pupils and so on.
Some originators of modern schools appear to have invented their own material.
According to some records there was a warrior named Fukuno,
who studied the art of fighting without weapons and became adept to such an extent
that he defeated opponents much bigger and stronger than himself.
This art in fact did not spread to any great extent at first, but two of his students,
Miura and Terada formed two seperate schools.
The art as practiced by Miura was named Wa ( the equivalent of Yawara )
and the art taught by Terada was named Ju ( the equivalent of Ju-jitsu ).
The date of this period is thought to have been prior to 1671.
There are other accounts of the schools and origins of Ju-jitsu.
One such school was said to have been founded by Miura Yoshin, a native of Nagasaki.
Believing that many diseases came about from not using the body and mind as one,
he devised some methods of Ju-jitsu, and with the help of two of his students,
discovered twenty one ways of seizing an opponent.
Later on in his life he discovered a further fifty one moves.
After his death, his pupils founded a further two schools, one of them being,
Yoshin Ryu named after Yoshin, their founder.
Another document appeared about this time. This is the Tenjin Shinyoryu Tairoku,
and the origins of Hakuda are related as the art of kicking and striking,
as opposed to the old Ju-jitsu which consisted mainly of seizing and throwing.
There are various ways of gaining victory using Ju-jitsu techniques,
such as throwing an opponent heavily to the ground, holding down an opponent in such a way
that he is unable to rise, the twisting or bending of arms or legs or fingers in such a manner
that the opponent cannot withstand the pain.
Their are specialist schools which practice the arts of Atemi and Kuatsu.
Atemi then was the striking or kicking of an opponent to certain parts of the body to kill or maim.
Today Atemi could do this, but is often used as a means to provide a delay of sorts
to allow follow up techniques to be applied.
Kuatsu is the art of resucitation for those who have been rendered unconscious.
Much more indepth and full descriptions of the origins of Ju-jitsu have been written over the years
and this information here is given to provide a little insight into the history of this fascinating
and magnificent art.
Philosophy
In todays society we all need a system of self defence.
Every day we read in newspapers acts of violence are on the increase.
Ju-Jitsu can be that all round system of self defence.
The WJJKO is totally committed to the art of Ju-Jitsu, to its development
and to teaching it to everyone who is willing to learn
from children, teenagers, elderly and physically disadvantaged
the WJJKO opens its doors to all.
Unlike many other clubs and organisations we do not believe in adopting a particular style,
but teach our students according to their individual, and sometimes unique requirements.
Whether you're looking to develop your martial arts prowess, for self defence,
to improve your health or increase your awarness and self confidence,
we adjust our training to cater for your needs.
Art
Ju-Jitsu ( Japanese for "compliant techniques" )
utilizes skill rather than strength and brute force.
It momentarily yields to an attackers' force, redirects it and returns with a counter attack.
Ju-jitsu also incorporates striking and leverage techniques based on scientific principles.
Knowledge of anatomy and pressure points can be used against
the body's many vulnerable points ( kyusho or atemi - striking pressure points ).
Though it is mainly an unarmed combat method, weapons traditionally form part of the syllabus.
It uses all means of self defence including strikes, kicks, holds, throws and locks.
Ju-Jitsu is accessible to all, regardless of age, disability, gender or build, you don't have to be fit to start
and you don't have to be able to kick to head height or break boards.
Mental awarness and discipline are given as much emphasis as physical training.
Environment
At the World Ju-Jitsu Ko-Budo Organisation,
we provide the perfect environment in which to learn Ju-Jitsu,
a constructive environment free from any politics.
The technical expertise of our highly experienced instructors is unsurpassed,
ensuring that each lesson is taught thoroughly and safely in a friendly
and encouraging atmosphere.
Full comprehensive insurance is provided for all our members.
Throughout the year, we hold national and international events,
giving you the opportunity to meet and train with your fellow WJJKO members.
The perfect philosophy, the perfect environment, we are offering the perfect opportunity to learn,
understand and practice Ju-Jitsu.
The World Ju-Jitsu Kobudo Organisation established over 25 years ago,
is the culmination of over 40 years of Ju-Jitsu and general Martial Arts experience.
Over four decades spent studying, developing and practising the ancient oriental art of Ju-Jitsu.
That is over 40 years spent refining and teaching Ju-Jitsu,
over 40 years of experience for you to build upon.
An excellent place to experience the world of Ju-Jitsu :-
Coatbridge Ju-Jitsu and Kobudo Club, Scotland
and the
World Ju-Jitsu Kobudo Organisation.