Jujitsu the gentle art... a martial art employing kicks, strikes, throws, locks, strangles, chokes and ground work. Jujitsu (also spelt variously as Jujutsu, Ju-jitsu, Jiu-jitsu, Jutsu etc.) was originally a generic term for all the ancient Japanese fighting arts. It is generally accepted that the core influences came from India and China where they slowly evolved from the armed battlefield techniques of the samurai warriors. These techniques were practiced in secret, between loyal clan members only. Samurai warrior's caught trading techniques with rival clans risked severe punishment, even death. In the 15th century, a system known as Yawara-ge ("peacemaker"), involving armed and unarmed grappling combat came into existence followed by similar systems associated with other combat schools. These schools, (Ryu) are generally accepted as being responsible for Jujitsu's creation as a collection of fighting techniques. When the samurai declined in importance during the 19th century, Jujitsu became a study in physical and mental discipline rather than a tool for the battlefield. It was one of the first martial arts to be adopted by western practitioners and is used by many combat and police forces across the world in their training regimes. Although jujitsu does involve the study and use of traditional weapons, it is more commonly perceived as an un-armed defensive art. Encompassing all the combat ranges, close in, stand up and on the ground. It has been used for decades very successfully by competitors in no-holds barred competitions, so much so, that many non jujitsu competitors now supplement their regular training with jujitsu or judo like techniques. Our Methods It takes years of hard training to earn a black belt with us. Juniors can grade but then must re-grade at senior level. We also follow the traditional system regarding 'dan grades' and the minimum number of years between grades. So, if you're after a quickie black belt, then we suggest you look elsewhere!