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Jujitsu

 the Samurai warriors. The founding of its various schools (ryu in Japanese) date from the 8th to 16th centuries. During this time, there was almost constant civil war in Japan and the classical weapon systems were developed and constantly refined on the battle field.  Since the warriors donned armor before entering the battlefield, kicks and punches had little effect, so chokes and joint locks were used to attack unprotected targets like the neck, wrists, and ankles.

Jujitsu is not a contest of muscular strength, nor does it attempt to maim or kill. Its purpose is to temporarily incapacitate the opponent, using throws, locks, and striking techniques, with a strong emphasis on defensive techniques. It is also characterized by in-fighting and close work. It is a circular, hard/soft, external style. Training is tactical with a heavy emphasis on sparring and mock combat.

The first publicly recognized Jujutsu ryu was formed by Takenouchie Hisamori in 1532 and consisted of techniques of sword, jo, and dagger as well as unarmed techniques. In 1603, Tokugawa Ieyasu brought peace to Japan by forming the Tokugawa military government. This marked the beginning of the Edo period of Japanese history (1603-1868), during which warring ceased to be a dominant feature of Japanese life.

In the beginning of this period, there was a general shift from weapon types of fighting to weaponless styles. These weaponless styles were developed from the grappling techniques of the weapon styles and were collectively known as Jujitsu. During the height of the Edo period, there were more than 700 systems of Jujitsu. Most modern training focuses on empty-hand combat. The end of the Edo period was marked by the Meiji Restoration, an abortive civil war that moved power from the shogun back to the Emperor. A large proportion of the Samurai class supported the shogun during the war. Consequently, when power was restored to the Emperor, many things related to the Samurai fell into disrepute. An Imperial edict was decreed, declaring it a criminal offence to practice the old style combative martial arts. During the period of the Imperial edict, Jujutsu was almost lost. However, some masters continued to practice their art "underground," or moved to other countries, allowing the style to continue. By the 1900's, the ban on Jujitsu in Japan had lifted, allowing the free practice of the art.

There are many sub styles of Jujitsu, each associated with a different school  Some schools are: Daito-ryu, Danzan-ryu, Shidare-yanagi-ryu, Hokuto-ryu, Hakko-ryu, Hontai-yoshin-ryu, Sosuishi-ryu, Kito-ryu, and Kyushin-ryu.

Since its creation, Jujitsu has spawned a number of martial arts, including Judo, Aikido, and possibly Hapkido and Kuk-sool. It is categorized mostly as a system of self-defense, although competitions have recently become popular, especially in Brazilian Jujutsu or Gracie Jujutsu, which incorporates Capoeria techniques and ground work.

Jukendo

Means "way of the bayonet." While bayonet techniques were developed early as the 1600's, with the introduction of rifles into Japan in the Meiji era a standard form of bayonet fighting was developed, Jukenjitsu. It was taught in a special Tokyo military training school (Toyama Gakko). Following World War II (1945) the study was prohibited by the allied occupation, only to be revived in a new form, Jukendo. As a "do" form (meaning the way or path), Jukendo encompassed goals of spiritual and mental development as a byproduct of disciplined practice. The discipline is practiced by Japanese self-defense forces (armed forces) as well as other non-military clubs. Jukendo is practiced by patterns and two man drills. A competitive format was also adopted to test skill levels. Contestants wear protective gear while rifles and bayonets are simulated by wooden counterparts (mokuju). Techniques include proper posture, blocking, and thrusting aimed at three principal areas to simulate a kill: heart, throat, and lower left side.

Kendo

Kendo "way of the sword" is a sport and competitive derivative of Kenjutsu. It is a very formal art; linear, hard, and external. Kenjutsu, a general term referring to various sword arts, originated in the 7th or 8th century and became a focus of training for the professional warrior beginning in the 16th century until the modern era, which began in 1868. Practitioners wear Samurai clothing and protective armor and use simulated swords (split bamboo called a "shinai" or wood sword called a "bokken") to spar against one another. Strike areas are limited (head, throat, wrists, and sides of body) and movements are limited. Most techniques are attacks; very little defense is used. Since skill and technique are more important than size and strength, men and women compete against each other. Training mostly consists of two-person drills, basics, and some patterns that have been retained from Kenjutsu . Today, Kendo it is one of the most popular martial disciplines in Japan and is taught as part of the public school curriculum. Although a competitive sport, it emphasizes practice as a discipline to develop personal, moral, ethical, and spiritual values.

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