Ju-jitsu (or Yawara) is an ancient Japanese martial art. Jujitsu has been practised in Japan since the 16th century, although Jujitsu has its origins in Chinese martial arts. Many other martial arts such as Judo and Aikido have their roots in Jujitsu. Jitsu skills can be used by men, women and children to oppose violent situations ranging from unwanted harassment to physical assault.

The word “Jujitsu” means the practice of gentleness, and in addition to learning the moves associated with Jujitsu, students also make changes in their characters. Jujitsu is supposed to focus and calm the students, with the aim of making them better martial artists and more refined individuals as well. The movements of Jujitsu are efficient, flowing, and circular, and it is a distinctly beautiful martial art to watch.

Jujitsu reached its heyday during the Tokugawa Shogunate, when weapons were forbidden to most Japanese citizens. Jujitsu incorporates joint locking and arresting movements which are extremely useful in hand to hand combat where neither warrior has a weapon. When used correctly, it is also possible to disarm with a joint lock. Grappling, take downs and throws also play a role in Jujitsu.

Jujitsu is differentiated from other aggressive martial arts like Karate because it is not an offensive martial art, but a defensive one. Jujitsu students learn the arts of surrender, patience, yielding and efficiency. Jujitsu is also highly effective, integrating fighting techniques for a variety of situations, with or without weapons. Jujitsu techniques are often taught in self-defense classes for women, because it is possible to neutralize an attacker quickly and escape using Jujitsu techniques. The actual combat is divided in three phases: Part I sees the Jutsukas involved in distance combat (controlled attacks with arms and legs). Once a grab has been made the tackle enters Part II and hits are no longer allowed. The Jutsukas try to bring one another down with various throwing techniques (and points are given according to how “clean” and effective the action was). Once down on the tatamis (mats) the match enters its Part III. Here points are given for immobilisation techniques. The winner is the Jutsuka who has accumulated most points during the fight. This type of competition requires timing, agility, strength and endurance.

In the 20th century, Jujitsu was brought to the West by a variety of masters, and became a very popular

martial art. In 1977, the

Ju-Jitsu International Federation was formed, with the idea of organising and regulating international Jujitsu competitions.

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Jujitsu is a

martial art though I consider it a sport. Some practise it to get stronger. Others do it for self-defence or to keep fit. I do it for fun. Jujitsu is spread on two main grades: Kyu’s and Dans (child and grown-up). There are seven Kyu grades.

• white belt (7th Kyu)

• yellow belt (6th Kyu)

• orange belt (5th Kyu)

• green belt (4th Kyu)

• blue belt (3rd Kyu)

• purple belt (2nd Kyu)

• brown belt (1st Kyu)

Then there are 10 Dan grades but they’re all black belts. I’m 4th Kyu (green) but I’m trying to get the blue belt. I think Bruce Lee is the best martial artist of all time. I hope I can grow up to be as good as him.

Shaban Ben Taher, age 10

St Ignatius College

Luqa Primary