Ju-Jitsu (or Yawara) is an ancient Japanese martial art. Its origins date back to the sixteenth century, when legend has it that Shirobei Akiyama witnessed how the branches of most trees broke during a blizzard, while the more elastic branches of the willow bent and efficiently freed themselves from the snow.
Thus the “Gentle Art” or “Art of Suppleness” (this is the meaning of ju-jitsu in Japanese) does not neutralize power with power but aims to rationally absorb an attack and convert that energy to the opponent’s own detriment. So it is designed to defend you with a flexible reaction on violence. The golden age of ju-jitsu lasted until 1869, date on which the emperor’s return to Japan and the subsequent abolition of feudalism made the samurai lose their privileged status. Samurai tradition nevertheless kept ju-jitsu alive and travellers brought the art to all four corners of the world.
The Ju-Jitsu International Federation currently contemplates three different types of competitions at world level: the Duo System, the Fighting System and Ne-Waza Ju-Jitsu (named as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as well). The competition requires, beside the martial art technique, timing, agility, strength and endurance…and especially the Budo spirit!
TWG 2017 Disciplines