You have 0 items in your cart
If you’re anything like me, the first time you saw someone practice Jujutsu, it left you wondering how something so fluid and graceful could be so effective in self-defense.
Jujutsu martial arts aren’t about brute strength or speed—they’re about strategy, precision, and using your opponent’s energy against them.
Whether you’re looking to learn self-defense, improve your fitness, or dive into martial arts as a passion, Jujutsu offers all that and more.
I’m here to break down the history, techniques, and benefits of Jujutsu in a way that’ll make sense even if you’re new to martial arts.
Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll understand why so many people—including me—are drawn to this art.
The Early Roots of Jujutsu
Let’s start with where it all began. Jujutsu has its roots in Japan, developed by the samurai as a way to defend themselves when they didn’t have their weapons.
Imagine being in the middle of a battle, sword gone, and needing a way to neutralize an armed opponent. Jujutsu was their solution. It’s built around using joint locks, throws, and even strikes to gain control of a situation.
The beauty of Jujutsu is how it evolved out of necessity. It wasn’t about overpowering the opponent. It was about survival, using leverage and technique to win.
Over time, this evolved into a martial art that still influences many modern styles like Judo, Aikido, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
What’s impressive is that many of the techniques from hundreds of years ago still work as effectively today, whether you’re in a self-defense situation or competing on the mat.
The Philosophy Behind Jujutsu
What really sets Jujutsu apart from other martial arts is its philosophy. It’s all about balance—literally and figuratively. Instead of meeting force with force, you use your opponent’s strength against them.
This might sound complicated, but it’s simple once you get the hang of it. Picture someone coming at you full speed. Instead of blocking or trying to push back, you redirect their energy, using their momentum to throw them off balance.
This is more than just a physical tactic. It’s a mindset that carries over into everyday life. Jujutsu teaches you to remain calm under pressure, think quickly, and find solutions without exhausting yourself.
When I teach or practice, this principle of staying relaxed and using minimal effort for maximum impact is always front and center.
Modern Jujutsu Styles
Now, Jujutsu isn’t just one thing—it’s evolved into various styles over the years, each offering its own focus. Let’s walk through a few that you might be familiar with, or that you’ll encounter in different dojos:
Traditional Jujutsu
This is where it all started. Traditional Jujutsu focuses on joint locks, throws, and using an opponent’s movement against them. It’s the foundation of everything else that’s come out of it.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about grappling and ground fighting. It’s a natural evolution of Jujutsu and focuses heavily on submissions and leverage, making it possible for a smaller person to overcome a larger, stronger opponent.
Combat Jujutsu
This modern version is often used in law enforcement and self-defense classes. It combines elements of traditional Jujutsu with other martial arts to focus on real-world self-defense situations.
It’s practical and efficient, which is why we incorporate similar methods into our self-defense training here at Eye2Eye Combat.
Whether you’re interested in the traditional form or you’ve got your sights set on BJJ, each of these styles brings something unique to the table, and the core philosophy remains the same: use your opponent’s energy, stay calm, and act with precision.
Key Techniques of Jujutsu Martial Arts
Let’s talk about some of the techniques you’ll learn if you decide to take up Jujutsu. You don’t need to be a powerhouse to master these—just disciplined and patient.
Joint Locks and Throws
These are the bread and butter of Jujutsu. Joint locks like wrist locks and arm bars let you control your opponent without needing a ton of strength.
The same goes for throws—these moves allow you to use their momentum to bring them down. I’ve seen students as small as 120 pounds flip someone twice their size with the right technique.
Groundwork and Submissions
If you’re interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or looking for something similar, groundwork will become your best friend. Once you get an opponent to the ground, it’s all about controlling them and going for submissions, like chokes or joint locks.
Strikes (Atemi-Waza)
Jujutsu isn’t just about grappling. You’ll also learn strikes designed to disrupt your opponent and set up throws or submissions.
Think of it like a chess game—each strike is a strategic move that opens up an opportunity for something bigger.
These techniques aren’t just for sport either. They’re incredibly practical for self-defense. Whether you’re in a controlled class or a real-world scenario, these moves work when you need them most.
Training for Mastery: Mind and Body
I’ve said this before, but Jujutsu isn’t just physical—it’s about mastering your mind too. When you train, you’re not just learning how to fight, you’re learning how to stay calm, think ahead, and control your emotions.
You’ll feel it when you’re in a class. Whether it’s Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, traditional Jujutsu, or a specialized self-defense course, the mental discipline is just as important as the physical skills.
Every time you walk into a class, you’re training your brain to focus, to be disciplined, and to strategize.
It’s a skill that comes in handy outside the dojo too, whether you’re at work or in your daily life. Trust me, after spending time in Jujutsu, you’ll find yourself handling stress way better.
The Benefits of Learning Jujutsu Martial Arts
So, why should you get into Jujutsu? I’ve got a few reasons, and they’re pretty compelling if I do say so myself:
Self-Defense and Confidence
This is the big one. Knowing how to protect yourself changes the way you move through the world. It’s not about looking for fights—it’s about knowing you can handle yourself if something happens.
Whether you’re looking for “self-defense classes for kids near me” or adult self-defense, Jujutsu covers all the bases.
Flexibility and Agility
You don’t need to be a gymnast to practice Jujutsu, but over time, your flexibility and agility will improve. The throws, rolls, and locks require coordination, and before you know it, you’ll be moving with more fluidity and balance.
Mental Toughness
It’s not just about physical training. The discipline and mental focus you develop through Jujutsu will benefit you in everything else you do. You’ll find that the problem-solving skills you build on the mat transfer into your everyday life.
Stress Relief
If you’re dealing with stress—and let’s be real, who isn’t?—Jujutsu offers an outlet. The training forces you to be present, to focus on the task at hand, and afterward, you’ll feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Choosing the Right Jujutsu School
Choosing the right dojo is key to having a positive experience with Jujutsu. Here’s what I tell people when they ask how to pick the right place:
Look for Good Instructors
The person teaching you can make or break your experience. Look for someone who’s not just skilled but also patient and understanding. So, ensure you check out the instructors’ experience and teaching style.
Know What You Want
Are you interested in self-defense? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Competition? Different schools focus on different things, so be clear on what your goals are.
For example, if you’re after youth self-defense classes, look for a school that specializes in training kids in practical techniques.
Check Out the Community
You’ll be spending a lot of time at the dojo, so make sure it’s a place where you feel comfortable. Talk to the other students, watch a class, and get a sense of the environment.
Join the Eye2Eye Combat Family and Begin Your Jujutsu Training
Jujutsu isn’t just a martial art—it’s a way of thinking, reacting, and moving through life with confidence and precision.
Throughout history, it’s shown how technique and strategy can overcome brute strength, making it a powerful tool for self-defense and personal growth.
Whether you’re looking to gain flexibility, mental focus, or simply learn how to protect yourself, Jujutsu offers something for everyone.
If you’re ready to take the next step and experience these benefits firsthand, Eye2Eye Combat is here to guide you. We offer tailored, hands-on training that fits your goals, whether you’re brand new to martial arts or seeking to deepen your practice.
At Eye2Eye, we blend tradition with modern techniques to help you grow physically and mentally. Come train with us and unlock your potential in a supportive, expert-led environment.
It’s time to make Jujutsu part of your life—join Eye2Eye Combat and start your journey today.
FAQs
Is jujutsu a real martial art?
Yes, Jujutsu is absolutely a real martial art with centuries of history. It originated in Japan and focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them. Techniques include joint locks, throws, and strikes, all designed for self-defense. It’s been the foundation for many modern martial arts, like Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Is there a difference between Jiu-Jitsu and jujutsu?
Yes, there is. Jujutsu is the original Japanese martial art, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a modern adaptation focused mostly on ground fighting and submissions. Jujutsu covers a broader range of techniques, including strikes and throws, whereas BJJ hones in on grappling and controlling an opponent on the ground.
Is jujutsu similar to Taekwondo?
Not really. While both are martial arts, Jujutsu focuses on joint locks, throws, and using your opponent’s energy against them. Taekwondo, on the other hand, emphasizes fast, powerful kicks and striking techniques. Jujutsu is more about grappling and close combat, while Taekwondo is centered around distance and striking.
What is the difference between Judo and jujutsu?
Judo actually evolved from Jujutsu. While both focus on throws and using an opponent’s strength against them, Judo is more of a sport with a strong emphasis on throws and pins. Jujutsu includes those techniques, but also incorporates strikes, joint locks, and submissions, making it a more comprehensive martial art.
Is jujutsu effective in a street fight?
Yes, Jujutsu can be very effective in a street fight. Its techniques are designed for real-world situations, focusing on controlling an opponent with minimal effort. Since you learn to use an attacker’s energy against them, Jujutsu allows you to defend yourself effectively, even against larger or stronger opponents.
