Jiu-Jitsu: The Art of Control

There are about as many martial arts as there are cultures around the world. Every people group puts their own ideas into physical fitness, group training, and hand-to-hand combat. Jiu-Jitsu is no different. The Japanese, especially through Jigoro Kano, took from the ancient samurai and developed Jiu-Jitsu or commonly known as Judo today. Judo focuses on throws while Jiu-Jitsu, as shaped by the Brazilians and especially the Gracie clan, focuses on fighting on the ground. Karate, stemming from China, has striking with punches and kicks, and Taekwondo, from Korea, emphasizes kicking but also punching. The Mongolians focus on wrestling, especially the idea of putting someone on the ground. Americans have always loved wrestling as well with a heavy emphasis on takedowns and pins. The list of martial arts, cultures, and emphases could go on and on.

Jiu-Jitsu, especially what is now BJJ, is called the “gentle art” or the “yielding way” not because it is mild or soft but because it does not emphasize striking. Instead of punching someone, which leaves broken bones on the recipient of the strike and even potentially on the striker, Jiu-Jitsu is the art of control. The idea is to restrain someone, neutralize an attack, by means of grips, pins, and holds. Having the ability to get a hold of someone, put them on the ground, and control him is invaluable.

Thus, as you learn Jiu-Jitsu, think about it as an art of control. How can you stifle, frustrate, hold down, and control a person? That is the game and the strategy for self-defense.