What is jitsu?
Jitsu (jujitsu, jiu jujitsu, ju jutsu) is a martial art based on a moving system of striking, locking and throwing techniques. With a strong emphasis on the use of an opponent's body weight and movement, Jujitsu provides a highly effective means of countering physical attacks from both armed and unarmed assailants, irrespective of the defender's own strength, weight or gender.
Students of Jujitsu are taught defences for real attacks like kicks and punches, and also less harmful -- but equally unjustified -- intrusions like grabs to the wrists and body. Students also begin to learn defences against weapons such as bottles, coshes and knives early on.
Jujitsu is an art of degrees. Students are taught to tailor their defence to the level appropriate to the attack. There is no justification for hospitalising someone just because they grabbed hold of your wrist.
Jujitsu is connected to its history. We still use Japanese names and terminology for our techniques, and can trace our lineage back to Japan.
Why learn jujitsu?
There are some obvious benefits of learning a Martial Art such as Jujitsu, for example for keeping fit and learning to look after yourself. Equally there are some less obvious benefits.
We are never far from violence. Jujitsu provides a safe and controlled forum to explore violence, without hurting each other. When you leave the dojo, you leave the violence behind you. Practitioners of the martial arts don't start fights.
(This has been taken from the Jitsu Foundation's website)
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