Classical Japanese Jujutsu
South Mountain Martial Arts
91 Main Street, Madison New Jersey 07940-1849
(973) 822-1977
What is Jujitsu?
South Mountain Jujitsu
Jujitsu (jiu-jitsu, ju-jitsu, jujutsu, yawara) has so many different spellings and interpretations that it's hard to pin down a definition for it, both as a martial art and a combat sport. Although no definition of this art can be all inclusive, let's break down the many styles into 3 categories:
Carefully observed very traditional practice of techniques and philosophies - not necessarily all combative in nature - handed down from generation to generation. Practitioners are screened for character, and for their ability to appropriately represent the style into the future. There are no belt rankings; achievement is marked by licenses ( menkyo ) and by formal permission to practice certain things and/ or teach certain things.
Click the image below to view a brief video
Brazilian Jiujitsu, is an athletic, ground fighting oriented version of pre- WWII Judo, which retains many of it’s self-defense movements. Since its showcase- televised introduction to the American public, it has certainly showed that a fighting system simply cannot ignore extensive training in techniques which involve fighting on the ground. Its well advertised popularity has produced many admiring imitators. Brazilian Jiujitsu has legitimate organizations governing it, and its own tournaments, aside from the well televised challenge-match/gladiator style entertainments. Belt rankings are used, much the same way as in other styles of " Modern " Jujitsu.
Brazilian Jiujitsu, et al
Modern Jujitsu
A many times Japanese derived self defense curriculum, having many styles, some heavily influenced by WWII era unarmed combat; some by the wonderful nexus of martial styles that arose in Hawaii; most, by Judo, Aikido, and Karate. A wide variety of techniques are taught; punches, strikes, throws, chokes, locks, situational self-defense, control and come-along moves. Practice may or may not include free-fighting / sparring, depending on the style of Jujitsu taught. Belt rankings are given for achievement, just as in many of the modern martial arts, but they tend to take a lot more time and effort to earn. Only the most disreputable schools would give black-belts in Jujitsu to Children. Generally, there is a separate ranking system for
children, having different colored belts than those for adults. Safety, respect, courtesy, and physically healthy learning and practice are generally the goals of such schools. Huge tattoos, inappropriately aggressive behavior, unusual patches or designs on uniforms, are usually greatly discouraged.
In many places, competitive formats for Jujitsu - as distinct, but related to Judo - have evolved. These generally involve some method for scoring striking techniques, throws, and submission moves, in order for the contestants to score victory.
Click the image below to view a brief video
C
lick on the image below to view a video
(Please Note: Large file with no audio track.)
Jigoku Jime ("Hell choke")
Tai Otoshi (Throw).
A variant form of Kata Guruma (Throw.)
A throw and hold counter to a single leg grab.
