Japanese unarmed combat has a long and rich history, with many different styles and techniques developed over centuries. The most well-known forms of Japanese empty-handed martial arts include jujutsu, judo, karate, and aikido.
Jujutsu
Jujutsu (also spelled jiu-jitsu or jujitsu) can be translated as “art of softness” or “way of yielding.” It originated in feudal Japan as a self-defense technique for samurai and warriors on the battlefield. Jujutsu focuses on using an attacker’s momentum against them, rather than directly opposing their force. It involves throws, joint locks, strangles, grappling, and striking techniques. There are many different schools and styles of jujutsu that have developed over time.
Some key facts about jujutsu:
- Originated in Japan during the Muromachi period (1336-1573)
- Practiced extensively by samurai to defeat armed opponents when weapons were lost
- Emphasizes use of leverage, proper technique, and timing over brute strength
- Techniques include throwing, grappling, joint locks, strikes, evasion, and manipulation of the opponent’s force
- Many styles of jujutsu exist, such as Aiki-jujutsu, Judo, Sambo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Jujutsu was one of the foundational arts that led to the development of judo and aikido. Its techniques are still widely practiced today, both for self-defense and sport.
Judo
Judo was founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano as an offshoot of jujutsu. The name judo means “gentle way” in Japanese. Judo focuses on throws, grappling techniques, and some ground fighting. It places emphasis on free practice and randori (free sparring).
Key facts about judo:
- Developed from jujutsu in the late 19th century by Jigoro Kano
- Emphasizes throws, grappling, and some ground techniques
- Less emphasis on punching and kicking compared to other arts
- Randori (free practice) is central to judo training
- Practiced both as a sport and martial art internationally
- Part of the Olympics since 1964
Judo helped spread Japanese unarmed martial arts around the world in the early 20th century. It remains iconic as both a Japanese cultural practice and international sport.
Karate
Karate originated on the island of Okinawa in what is now southern Japan. It developed out of indigenous Okinawan fighting styles and Chinese kung fu influences. Karate means “empty hand” in Japanese.
Some key facts about karate:
- Originated in Okinawa, an island south of mainland Japan
- Developed from a synthesis of indigenous Okinawan and Chinese martial arts
- Emphasizes linear strikes, kicks, and blocks
- Stances tend to be longer and deeper than other arts
- Striking areas include hands, elbows, knees, and feet
- Major styles include Shotokan, Goju-Ryu, Wado-Ryu, and Kyokushin
Karate is now practiced worldwide in many different styles. It has been included as an Olympic sport since 2020.
Aikido
Aikido was founded in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba. It focuses on redirecting and deflecting an attacker’s energy and momentum rather than directly opposing force with force.
Some key facts about aikido:
- Developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba
- Emphasizes circular movements and redirection of opponent’s force
- Does not rely much on striking, instead uses throws, joint locks and pins
- Aims for peaceful resolution rather than harming the attacker
- Also referred to as “the art of peace”
Aikido is distinguished by its fluidity and emphasis on protecting both attacker and defender. It remains popular worldwide today as a martial art and spiritual discipline.
Conclusion
In summary, the main Japanese unarmed martial arts are:
- Jujutsu – An ancient art focused on throws, grappling and soft technique
- Judo – Emphasizes throws and grappling, created in the late 1800s
- Karate – Focuses on linear strikes and kicks, originating in Okinawa
- Aikido – Uses redirection and circular movements to defend, founded in the 1900s
While they have some differences, these arts all originated in Japan and share concepts such as using an attacker’s force against them. They provide effective techniques for self-defense while also serving as methods of physical, mental and spiritual development. Japanese unarmed martial arts have had a major influence on combat sports and self-defense systems worldwide.
History and Development of Japanese Unarmed Combat
The history of Japanese unarmed combat dates back hundreds of years. Traditional martial arts like jujutsu developed during Japan’s feudal era, when samurai needed hand-to-hand fighting skills to defend themselves if they lost their weapons in battle. Here is a more detailed overview of the origins and evolution of the major Japanese unarmed fighting styles:
Jujutsu
Jujutsu first emerged during the Muromachi period of Japan in the 14th to 16th centuries. It was a fighting style for samurai and warriors on the battlefield. Early jujutsu schools focused mainly on armored grappling techniques and how to defeat an armed opponent without weapons. Some popular early jujutsu styles included Takenouchi-ryu, Tenjin Shinyo-ryu, and Yagyu Shingan-ryu.
During the Edo period (1603 – 1868), jujutsu continued to evolve. Schools incorporated more techniques for unarmed combat, including striking, throwing, and restraining methods. The Tokyo police force began training in jujutsu techniques during this time. Jujutsu became popular among the upper classes and its practice spread across Japan.
Judo
In the late 19th century, Jigoro Kano studied various styles of jujutsu and went on to create the martial art of judo based on his research and training. Judo was designed to focus on free-form practice and physical, intellectual, and moral development. Kano opened his own dojo in 1882 and judo soon spread through Japan and then internationally.
Judo was introduced into the Olympics in 1964 and is now practiced worldwide as an amateur competitive sport. It paved the way for jujutsu and Japanese martial arts to become popular outside of Japan.
Karate
Karate originated on the island of Okinawa and developed out of indigenous fighting styles and Chinese martial arts influences. The original Okinawan styles included Okinawan Kempo which was influenced by Chinese kung fu. After Okinawa was annexed by Japan in the late 1800s, karate began to develop into its modern form incorporating more linear techniques. Japanese martial artists like Gichin Funakoshi helped introduce Okinawan karate to mainland Japan.
Various schools of karate emerged and spread internationally over the 20th century. Karate training emphasizes rigid stances, powerful arm and leg techniques, and deep focused breathing.
Aikido
Aikido was founded in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, incorporating his studies of jujutsu as well as religious and philosophical concepts. Ueshiba sought to create a martial art focused on universal harmony and the principle of non-resistance. Aikido techniques involve throws, joint locks and use of an attacker’s momentum rather than direct strikes.
Aikido continued to spread beyond Japan following World War II and has become popular across the world as a method of self-defense and spiritual training.
While each has its own distinct techniques and philosophies, these Japanese martial arts share common historical roots and concepts that evolved in Japan over the centuries. They all require extensive training and discipline to master properly.
Concepts and Philosophies
There are some core concepts and philosophies that are integral to Japanese unarmed martial arts:
- Non-resistance – Redirecting an attacker’s momentum rather than directly opposing it
- Balance breaking – Throwing or sweeping an opponent to the ground to break their balance
- Leverage – Using leverage rather than brute strength to execute techniques
- Flexibility – Maintaining flexibility and awareness to react appropriately
- Discipline – Diligent training and self-control are essential
- Mind-body unity – The mental aspect is fused with the physical in execution
- Minimal force – Applying precisely the amount of force necessary, not more
- Self-defense – The ultimate goal is protecting oneself and others
These concepts enable skilled Japanese martial artists to effectively control and defeat an attacker without sustaining injury themselves. Maximum efficiency and minimal effort are emphasized. The mental, spiritual, and ethical dimensions developed through training are seen as just as important as the physical techniques.
Major Styles and Techniques
There are numerous styles of Japanese unarmed martial arts, each with their own specific techniques and methods. However, they generally utilize similar techniques drawn from the major categories below:
Throwing techniques
- Foot sweeps – Sweeping the feet from under the opponent to break their balance
- Leg trips – Using your leg to trip or hook opponent’s leg and throw them off balance
- Hip throws – Throwing opponent over hip
- Shoulder throws – Throwing opponent over the shoulder
Grappling techniques
- Joint locks – Locking the elbow, wrist, fingers, knee, ankle
- Chokes – Rear naked choke, triangle choke, guillotine choke
- Pins – Immobilizing opponent on the ground
- Arm locks – Locking the arm in place, wrist locks, arm bars
Striking techniques
- Punches – Straight punch, uppercut, hook punch
- Elbow strikes – Horizontal elbow, diagonal elbow
- Kicks – Front kick, roundhouse kick, side kick
- Knee strikes – Straight knee, diagonal knee
These techniques are trained through many methods including kata (forms), sparring drills, self-defense applications, and free sparring. Practitioners learn to seamlessly transition between techniques in actual combat scenarios.
Benefits of Training
Studying a Japanese unarmed martial art conveys many benefits beyond just self-defense skills. Some of the major benefits include:
- Improved physical fitness, strength, balance and flexibility
- Weight loss through vigorous training
- Increased mental focus and self-discipline
- Reduced stress levels and increased relaxation
- Personal self-confidence boost
- Goal setting and achievement motivation
- Social interaction and community
- Cultural education and appreciation
The mental and character development aspects are considered just as critical as the physical techniques in Japanese martial arts. Diligent training can lead to lifelong personal growth.
Safety
As with any martial art, it is essential to train Japanese unarmed combat techniques with proper supervision and suitable safety precautions. Some tips include:
- Work at gradual pace under guidance of experienced instructor
- Use protective padding like mats, gloves, pads during sparring
- Avoid training on hard surfaces when learning to fall/throw
- Stretch adequately and allow recovery time between training days
- Do not attempt dangerous techniques without supervision
- Be aware of training partner’s physical limitations
- Stop immediately if strain/sprain occurs and treat properly
It’s also important to develop control and follow etiquette rules when practicing with partners. With patience and safe training methods, the risk of injury from Japanese unarmed martial arts is relatively low.
Conclusion
Japanese unarmed martial arts offer deep, multifaceted training methods that integrate physical aptitude with mental discipline and personal development. Arts like jujutsu, judo, karate and aikido teach strategic self-defense skills while providing lifelong fitness and meditation benefits. With regular practice under experienced guidance, Japanese empty handed fighting styles offer rewarding journeys of self-discovery and empowerment.