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What is Jujutsu?

Jujutsu is a Japanese word that can be translated as “soft technique.” This name is also reflected in the later development of another Japanese martial art called judo, meaning “the soft way.” While the founder of judo, Dr. Jigaro Kano (1860–1938), is well known, the names of the founders of jujutsu remain shrouded in the mists of time. Jujutsu has many different styles, ranging from highly ritualized and ceremonial styles to those that stress modern urban self-defense. Originally, jujutsu seems to have consisted solely of grappling and immo- bilization techniques, such as seizing and catching, the locking of joints (particularly elbows and wrists), and tripping and throwing techniques. Modern jujutsu has, however, evolved into a more comprehensive art, and now includes the striking of vital points (called atemi-waza tech- niques), blocking and thrusting methods largely drawn from karate and kenpo (fist art), and kicking techniques, also drawn from karate. When choosing a jujutsu school, keep in mind that there are many different ways in which jujutsu schools are organized and run. In fact, Immobilization techniques form the major part of the instructions for most jujutsu clubs. It is vital to listen for your opponent's submission, which may be verbal, but more ofter then not will occur when he or she “taps out.”

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