![]() ![]() The Meiji Reformation effectively ended the Japanese feudal system. In 1868, the Emperor Meiji defeated the Shogun, and a new era began. Instead, the Samurai had to disarm that opponent by learning unusual ways of getting them to the ground and using the opponent’s advantage against them. However, striking against an opponent’s armor was not effective. This is not because Samurai were often unarmed. The samurai utilized Jujutsu style self-defense grappling to subdue opponents who might have been both armed and armored, without the use of weapons. When Japan still ran on a feudal system and was policed by Samurai, this style of grappling was incredibly useful (and proved to improve one’s likelihood of survival if one was acquainted with it.) It is believed that once this ancient art of grappling made its way to Japan, it was improved upon and eventually called jujutsu (though not until the 17 th century, A.D.). It is in Japan that this grappling art saw true growth. This ancient martial art made its way first to Ceylon, Burma, and Tibet (places where Buddhist temples and monasteries first appeared).Įventually, it reached Southeast Asia, China, and, most importantly, Japan. The original self-defense science of grappling, developed out of pure necessity by monks, eventually made its way across the globe (as we well know).Īs thousands of Buddhist monasteries were built around India and then in neighboring regions, this ancient martial art made its way across Asia. The Migration of Self-Defense Grappling Through Asia How were these ancient Buddhist monks able to harness such power? They applied the laws of momentum and gravity, while utilizing leverage and equilibrium.īy using physical laws and embracing what they knew about the most vital points of the human body and its various weak and sensitive spots, they were able to invent this rather scientific art of self-defense. It was a way to fight without the use of weapons, which would strictly go against the moral codes of Buddhists. When one evaluates what is currently known about Jiu Jitsu, it makes sense then that it was developed by a smaller, weaker opponent’s need to defeat a physically stronger adversary.įor within its framework, Jiu Jitsu emphasizes the use of minimum force to subdue any size attacker. The goal was to neutralize aggression to continue to respect all life, even one’s enemies. ![]() The methods of defense they developed allowed these monks to subdue their attacker without killing them or causing severe injury. Therefore, these monks developed a style of self-defense grappling which allowed for them to defend themselves successfully when attacked, specifically when taken to the ground. These Buddhist monks would often have to fend off attacks from local petty criminals and intolerant people. This was not always the safest of tasks, as not everyone takes kindly to missionaries, no matter the religion. Over four centuries ago, Indian Buddhist monks were roaming from town to town, trying to spread the divine words of Buddha, “the great enlightener.” It may surprise you to learn that the origin of Jiu Jitsu is intertwined with the history of northern Indian Buddhist monks. Most historians do agree that the present-day version of Jiu Jitsu most likely got its true origin from ancient Northern Indians. Historically it is traced to Greece, Rome, India, China, and possibly even the Native Americas. It would be impossible to exclusively give one group of people’s credit for the sole creation of Jiu Jitsu, as various versions of this style of grappling have been traced back to historical battles as early as 2,000 B.C. ![]() Where Did the Art of Jiu Jitsu Originate? Many Origins However, understanding the origins of this martial art will better help a prospective fighter understand the ‘why’ behind much of this style of fighting. Students now study this form of fighting all around the globe. From there, the self-defense grappling martial art spread to Southeast Asia, then to Japan, where it was used by Samurai, then eventually to Brazil where Carlos Gracie and his brothers would develop it into the martial art we know today.īJJ is the fastest growing martial arts in the world. So what is the history of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Modern-day Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) was, in large part, honed and created by the Gracie Family in Brazil (starting with Carlos Gracie Sr.) However, Jiu Jitsu is believed to have originated first in northern India by Buddhist monks who sought to protect themselves. However, few people are privy to the origins of Jiu Jitsu and where and how the martial art was formed. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art specializing in grappling (ground fighting.) Most MMA fighters who participate in contests like UFC are trained and highly competent in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |