Jujutsu
(柔術)
Glossary Entry
A Japanese martial term referring to systems and methods of close combat that use techniques such as controlling, throwing, joint manipulation, striking, and restraining an opponent, traditionally with or without weapons.
MEANING & ETYMOLOGY
柔
(jū)
Soft, flexible, yielding, or adaptable.
術
(jutsu)
Art, technique, method, or skill.
Term Type
Martial discipline
lITERAL SENSE
Jujutsu is commonly translated as the “art of yielding” or “gentle art.” In martial usage, however, jū (柔) conveys flexibility and adaptability rather than weakness or passivity. Jujutsu applies these qualities through a broad range of combative methods rather than describing a single standardized system.
See Also
References
Kanō, Jigorō (1932). Jūdō Kyōhon (柔道教本). Sanseidō.
Draeger, Donn F. (1973). Classical Bujutsu: The Martial Arts and Ways of Japan, Volume I. Weatherhill.
Mol, Serge (2001). Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryū Jūjutsu. Kodansha International.
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