This ancient martial art has Japanese roots. Jiu-jitsu, what is it? There is no absolutely correct translation from Japanese, there are a lot of options. The most popular of them are “soft art”, “art of four fingers”.
Style story
The first school to teach this art was called Yoshin-ryu. Translated from Japanese, it means "willow school." Willow reveals the meaning of Jiu-Jitsu style. She demonstrates her ability to be soft and bend under pressure, but not break.
It is believed that there is a parable that explains why the willow has become a symbol of this complex art of battle:
“On the top of the cliff near the cliff, two trees grew - willow and oak. Strong winds blew from time to time. The oak was strong, firmly in place and no wind could move it. Willow, when strong winds blew, simply caved in under their strength. When the gusts of winds ended, she straightened back to her starting position. But once the strongest wind ever blew that these trees grew. Oak could not stand it, broke and fell. Meanwhile, the willow, as usual, bent, and when the wind left the mountain - again stood on it in all its glory. "
This parable helps answer the question: "Jiu-jitsu - what is it?".
Teaches how to be soft
The principle of martial art is to be tough when necessary, but also to be able to bend, then straighten up.
Martial arts masters constantly improved their skills, since they believed that only in this way would they be able to learn the true path of the jujitsu warrior.
It is said that the versatility of this fighting style became the main reason why it gained great popularity among Europeans after the development of closed Japan.
At one time, two separate styles, judo and aikido, separated from the main school of jiu-jitsu and grew up.
Modern martial art
We will understand modern jiu-jitsu. What this will say, perhaps, is the popularity that this style has gained, especially in fights without rules. After all, this martial art is a universal style, by studying which followers acquire various combat skills with and without weapons. It uses throwing and striking techniques, as well as various suffocating techniques and methods of holding (immobilizing) the enemy. Jiu-Jitsu tricks are especially tough and dangerous.
It is used by special services and armies of many countries of the world in which the skills of instant deterrence of criminals and terrorists are necessary. If at a time when jiu-jitsu was only spreading throughout Europe, it was a closed martial art, today absolutely everyone can do it. There are hundreds, if not thousands of Jiu-Jitsu schools around the world, in which masters of this style are ready to teach their students how to deal with the external physical manifestation of aggression.
What belts are there in jujitsu?
Like karate, ju-jitsu has its own gradation and rating of belts, which are given to followers for their mastery of style.
A white belt is issued to a student who has just begun to study jujitsu. White color symbolizes a blank sheet on which, through training, skills and abilities will be superimposed.
The yellow belt means that the student has already learned some tricks of jujitsu and self-defense technician. We emphasize the used word “memorized”, since this concept is different from “mastered”.
The red belt indicates that the student mastered high-speed and powerful blows, and also knew the danger that comes from weapons.
A green belt is issued to a student who confidently has taken the path of knowledge, understands jiu-jitsu - what is it and what is its purpose, and also owns most of the basic techniques.
The blue belt means that the student has mastered the methods of psychological pressure of jiu-jitsu and can use them, aware of their danger.
A brown belt is issued to a student who has decided to completely connect his life with this martial art.
The black belt symbolizes the level of the student who opened his heart and placed the art of jujitsu in it.
I would like to say that in Jiu-Jitsu, belts are a hallmark of the students ’skills and characterize their real skills, because they cannot be obtained just like that.
Brazilian jiu jitsu
In Brazil, jiu-jitsu appeared thanks to Mitsuyo Maeda, who traveled the world popularizing judo. When he stopped in this country, he began to teach people not just judo techniques, but also jujitsu himself.
Then his student founded his school, in which he attracted his brothers. The school was developing, the technique of the duel was changing, the techniques were improving - so a new style was born, which is now called Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Famous fighters of this style
First of all, we note the great teacher who raised many great champions and created the combat system in Brazil - Helio Gracie. He is a national hero, as well as a legend in his own country. Followers have repeatedly noted that he has his own vision of jujitsu, which he constantly improved.
Thanks to Hoyce Gracie, who became the world champion in fighting without rules, having won the UFC competitions three times, the world took a fresh look at this martial art. He is a legend and a member of the hall of fame of this organization, and is also one of the most popular "veterans".
The great fighter Antonio Nogueira, the owner of the black belt, managed to win the world championships in various versions of fights without rules. In his assets are the champion belts of UFC, RINGS, Pride, as well as WEF. He did not stop there, and to this day he has been fearlessly fighting in various championships.
Jiu-Jitsu in Russia
Abroad, everyone knows about our skills in jujitsu. Russia is famous for its champions and victories. Athletes from Russia are constantly becoming world champions. For example, the Junior World Cup was recently held in Athens. The Russian team took first place, taking 16 gold medals.
It is worth noting the strength of the athletes of Jiu-Jitsu schools in Moscow. Representatives of the capital won two gold, as many silver and bronze medals in this championship. This once again confirms the fact that jujitsu in Moscow and throughout Russia is very popular, constantly developing and giving the world new famous fighters.