Articles Philosophy of Jujitsu
Author: Tommy Thomson
Date: 23 January 2016
Jujitsu (the Gentle Art) is among the most effective and potentially destructive martial arts. It is one of the most ancient martial arts, dating back over 2500 years. Jujitsu is also the basis of many of the more modern arts, including Judo, Karate and Aikido. A student proficient in the art of Jujitsu has studied techniques that are a combination of Judo (throws and leverage), Aikido (nerve points and attackers momentum), Karate (striking and kicking) and other martial arts. A student proficient in the art has the choice of causing his opponent to sense severe pain without any lasting injury taking place.
Because of this potential, the serious Jujitsuka also accepts a philosophy of non-violence, a physical confrontation should be avoided whenever possible. The Jujitsuka must adopt an attitude of self-respect combined with humbleness and self-confidence combined with restraint. The student must also develop a great deal of patience, understanding and tolerance of others. The student must become a better person and, at the same time, help themselves avoid unnecessary confrontations. It is the inner peace and confidence that the student develops that makes this possible. Patience is key.
A properly trained student will do everything possible to avoid a physical confrontation, not only because they know that suck a confrontation is unnecessary, but also because knowing they have a better chance in defending themselves (therefore providing it is unnecessary) and because a physical confrontation is philosophically degrading as it indicates that all other means of avoidance have failed. If it is necessary to use Jujitsu against an adversary the student must still use self-restraint and good judgement. Using only the knowledge to protect oneself from harm and only to the extent to protect and remove oneself from the situation.
