The Art of Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu originally began in Japan. By the 17th century, it became one of, if not the most popular form of hand to hand combat during battle. Due to the heavy and bulky armour worn during battle, JiuJitsu principles and techniques were often considered more effective than some other martial arts that focused on striking techniques alone. The actual definition of it is, “Ju” meaning gentle, soft or yielding and “Jitsu” meaning technique. The principle of using the opponents force against them as opposed as your own force. This hand to hand combat which emphasized throwing techniques, joint locks, choking and immobilizing techniques was proving to be very effective.

The whole principle behind Jiu Jitsu is to distract and unbalance an opponent then lead them into a joint lock, choke hold, or throw. This system became very popular in Japan and people quickly sought out to learn and study it further. Jiu Jitsu is so multi faceted and has many styles and systems. Each system was influenced and developed further by the instructor. It too teaches striking techniques but to be used as distraction tactics. The original influence of Jiu Jitsu taught some techniques with a smaller weapon as well to use in battle, however the primary focus was on the previous mentioned principles of throwing, joint locks etc. Other techniques taught in Jiu Jitsu emphasize restraining,grappling and escaping techniques as well.

The popularity of Jiu Jitsu throughout history has influenced many other martial arts such as Judo, Aikido, Brazilian JiuJitsu just to name a few. These martial arts have developed huge followings themselves throughout the world. Whether its Judo in the Olympics to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and MMA, there is no question that Jiu Jitsu is at the heart and has become to be known as one of the most common practised Martial Arts throughout the the world.

About the Author

Tracy Warrener has been fortunate to have been raised within the Martial Arts since the age of 4 years old and is a 4th Degree Black Belt in Goju Ryu Karate. She has had the opportunity to study with some amazing Martial Artists. Sensei Richard Kim, Sensei Peter Urban, Professor Don Jacob, Sensei Jim Wilson, Professor Wally Jay, just to name several. Of course her main Sensei is her father, Sensei Don Warrener. Throughout the 40 plus years of her involvement in the Martial Arts, she has worked her way from being a student of the martial arts to a Martial Arts Sensei ,teaching hundreds of students. She has ran and managed martial arts schools teaching students of all ages, worked within the community teaching at fitness centres, schools, businesses and Women’s Shelters, the benefits of Karate. One the causes close to her heart is teaching and empowering young girls and women the importance of self defence and awareness. Her program called Look Strong! Act Strong! Be Strong! focuses on easy self defence techniques and mind self defence techniques. In 2013 she was awarded The Silver Lifetime Achievement Award in the Masters of the Martial Arts Hall of Fame in California for her contribution to Women in the Martial Arts. She is also a Certified Reflexologist and Reiki Master. She has starred in three of her own DVDs produced by Rising Sun Productions on Reiki, Reflexology and her Look Strong ,Act Strong ,Be Strong Self Defence Program.