Ju-Jitsu is the ancient unarmed art of hand-to-hand combat of the feudal warriors of Japan, the Samurai. It was developed over centuries of battlefield encounters, and the most effective techniques for keeping a warrior alive were passed down in several dozen styles. Many of these styles have either disappeared or have been merged, as in Dr. Jigoro Kano's Judo. Some styles have stayed alive up to the present day, and are still practicing in the traditional way.

     Ju-Jitsu is an extremely effective self-defense art, yet does not require great strength. Rather, it's secret lies in the proper use of yielding to an attack by re-directing the opponent's momentum, applying leverage and timing, and the knowledge of vulnerable areas of the body, especially the force needed to lock or break a joint. Since it always was combat-oriented, Ju-Jitsu does not really have a sporting side to it, as in Judo. 

     Ju-Jitsu involves joint locks (wrist, elbow, shoulder), throws, control techniques, chokes, and grappling, as well as striking and kicking. The difference between the strikes and kicks of Karate and Ju-Jitsu is that in Ju-Jitsu they are meant to stun the opponent momentarily in order to grab the opponent for a joint lock or throw, and usually ending in a control technique whereby the attacker is pinned to the floor in such a way that the attacker can no longer proceed with the attack. In this way the self-defense is complete. We don't look to batter the opponent into submission, but to distract or stun long enough to finish the defense.

     The self-defense arsenal of Ju-Jitsu allows the proponent to effectively match the severity of the attack, or the state of mind of the attacker, with an appropriate defense. In other words, if the attack is lethal in intent, the Ju-Jitsu practitioner can respond with a disabling defense, and control the attacker so that he is no longer a threat. If the attack is non-lethal in nature, the practitioner can control the attacker without permanent harm until the authorities can arrive. Simply put, Ju-Jitsu allows the proponent to control the outcome of the attack.

     Ju-Jitsu is a traditional art that emphasizes self-discipline, self-confidence, and superb physical conditioning. Due to its yielding but deadly nature, Ju-Jitsu students also develop self-control to a high degree. In accordance with tradition, classical Ju-Jitsu students must be at least 17 years old to receive a black belt after many years of training. It is assumed that children are learning to develop their character, self-control, and martial art expertise. Therefore, a child cannot wear the rank of an expert, the black belt. There are no shortcuts to acheiving expertise in Ju-Jitsu, but hard work and diligent practice will produce rewards in the end.

     Due to the physical fact of joint growth in a developing human, certain joint locks and free-fighting using joint locks should not be practiced by the very young. There is too much danger in damaging the growth plates, producing permanent disabilities. At Ronin Martial Arts, safety is our utmost concern. Please be assured that the children will be instructed in the proper use of joint-locking when the time is appropriate for the child's development. Unfortunately, in the current times, there are schools that are teaching certain Ju-Jitsu techniques to the very young, and even Karate schools are advertising submission techniques. It is a sign of the times that the public is becoming more aware of the success of Ju-Jitsu techniques as  excellent self-defense, but caution should be stressed. Ju-Jitsu should only be taught by certified Ju-Jitsu black belts, and not as a package of mixed martial arts by an instructor who has only limited experience in this battlefield art. Using an analogy, if you want to study a language, go to a language teacher, not one who only knows a few phrases.

     Traditionally, Ju-Jitsu movements come from Japanese swordsmanship, so there is a strong connection between the two. At Ronin Martial Arts, Ju-Jitsu students over 10 years old can elect to train with Samurai Weapons, although that is not necessary to become proficient in Ju-Jitsu. Rather, the study of Ju-Jitsu will allow one to become more proficient in the weapons.