Jiu Jitsu: History, Traditions, Methods, Knowledge, Philosophy

Edition 4.1 - Updated 2025

Jiu jitsu is an unarmed form of combat first used by the samurai warriors of ancient Japan. It's an all-round martial art that uses striking, blocking, grappling, locking, throwing, ground, submission and weapons techniques. The emphasis is on technique over power and strength by using the opponent's force against themselves.

This book is not intended to be a 'how to' manual for learning jiu jitsu, instead it picks up on all those areas of jiu jitsu that can be learned and researched 'off the mat' and outside of the dōjō. For those students wanting to achieve higher grades in jiu jitsu this book will supplement their physical training with a wider theoretical knowledge.

Chapter 1: Summary

• What is Jiu Jitsu?
• Learning Jūjutsu
• Sensei
• Tori and Uke

Chapter 2: History

• Historical Periods of Japan
• The Samurai
• Bushidō
• Bujutsu and Budō
• The History of Jūjutsu
• The Jūjutsu Schools of Ancient Japan
• The History of British Jūjutsu
• The History of American Jūjutsu
• Classical, Traditional and Modern Jūjutsu
• The Future of Jūjutsu

Chapter 3: Mentality

• Jūjutsu Etiquette
• The Spirit and Philosophy of Jūjutsu

Chapter 4: Physicality

• Jūjutsu Technique
• Anatomy
• Fitness
• The Laws of Physics Applied to Jūjutsu

Chapter 5: Progeny

• Jūjutsu Family Tree
• Jūdō
• Aikidō
• Ninjutsu
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
• Jūjutsu in Mixed Martial Arts

Chapter 6: Ancillary

• The Uniform of Jūjutsu
• The Belt Ranking System
• Jūjutsu Syllabus
• The Weapons of Jūjutsu
• Self-defence and UK Law
• Jūjutsu Black Belt (Shodan) Theory Test