Jiu-Jitsu
柔術
AI-generated content — may contain inaccuracies
At a Glance
Who It's For
What You'll Learn
Joint locks — kansetsu-waza (関節技)
Throwing techniques — nage-waza (投技)
Pinning and holding — osae-komi-waza (抑込技)
Falling safely — ukemi (受身)
Strikes — atemi-waza (当身技)
Traditional weapon defenses — buki-dori (武器取り)
Your First Class
Watch & Learn
Legends of Jiu-Jitsu
Mitsuyo Maeda (前田光世)
Mitsuyo Maeda was the Kodokan Judo champion who traveled the world fighting challenge matches, then settled in Brazil and taught Carlos Gracie — creating the lineage that became Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Without Maeda, the bridge between Japanese Judo and the Gracie family would never have existed.
Jigorō Kanō (嘉納治五郎)
Jigorō Kanō founded Judo in 1882 by distilling the most effective techniques from traditional Jujutsu into a modern martial art and sport. He established the Kodokan and championed the philosophy of "maximum efficiency, minimum effort" — principles that would shape martial arts education worldwide.
Kyūzō Mifune (三船久蔵)
Kyūzō Mifune was the lightest judoka to ever reach 10th dan, earning the title "God of Judo" for his ability to throw much larger opponents using pure technique. His fluid, almost effortless style remains the gold standard for what Judo aspires to be.
Morihei Ueshiba (植芝盛平)
Morihei Ueshiba founded Aikido, a martial art focused on redirecting an attacker's energy rather than meeting force with force. His philosophy of harmony and non-violence made Aikido unique among martial arts, attracting practitioners who value spiritual development alongside physical technique.
Related Styles
Judo
Judo (柔道, "the gentle way") was founded by Jigoro Kano in 1882. It is a throwing-dominant grappling art with groundwork — newaza (寝技). It has been an Olympic sport since 1964 and is practiced by millions worldwide.
Aikido
Aikido (合気道) is a Japanese martial art focused on redirecting an attacker's energy through joint locks and throws. Founded by Morihei Ueshiba, it emphasizes harmony and non-resistance.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu — Jiu-Jitsu Brasileiro — is a grappling-based martial art focused on ground fighting and submission techniques. Developed by the Gracie family, it emphasizes that a smaller person can defeat a larger opponent using leverage and technique.
Catch Wrestling
Catch wrestling (catch-as-catch-can) is a submission-based wrestling style originating in Lancashire, England. It allows any hold or submission and was a precursor to professional wrestling and a major influence on MMA.
Popular With
Grappler
Position before submission.
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