Jujutsu is a martial art which reflects the movements of the attacker back upon him or herself. It has been practiced in Japan since the sixteenth century, although Jujutsu has its origins in Chinese martial arts. Jujutsu uses a series of joint locks, small weaponry, and defensive tactics in combination with conserved energy to neutralize an attacker. Many other martial arts such as Judo and Aikido have their roots in Jujutsu.

The word "Jujutsu" means the practice of gentleness, and in addition to learning the moves associated with Jujutsu, students also make changes in their characters. Jujutsu is supposed to focus and calm the students, with the aim of making them better martial artists and more refined individuals as well. The movements of Jujutsu are efficient, flowing, and circular, and it is a distinctly beautiful martial art to watch. Jujutsu is also usually practiced within a very small circle, and many Jujutsu moves have been refined for close quarters fighting.

Jujutsu reached its heyday during the Tokugawa Shogunate, when weapons were forbidden to most Japanese citizens. Jujutsu incorporates joint locking and arresting movements which are extremely useful in hand to hand combat where neither warrior has a weapon. When used correctly, it is also possible to disarm with a joint lock. Grappling, take downs, throws, and strangulation also play a role in Jujutsu. Most schools of Jujutsu also teach techniques with canes, short swords, and the use of ropes. Defensive techniques against modern weapons such as guns are taught as well, with a strong focus on neutralizing an opponent without harming him or her. Some students of Jujutsu also learn healing techniques including massage, while other schools also place a heavy value on the study of spiritual and philosophical concepts.

Jujutsu is differentiated from other aggressive martial arts like Karate because it is not an offensive martial art, but a defensive one. Jujutsu students learn the arts of surrender, patience, yielding, and efficiency. Jujutsu is also highly effectiv when integrating fighting techniques for a variety of situations, with or without weapons. Jujutsu techniques are often taught in self defense classes for women, because it is possible to neutralize an attacker quickly and escape using Jujutsu techniques.

Jigo Tensin-Ryu Combat Jujutsu