Introduction

The origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stretch back to Japan’s feudal era (12th to 19th centuries), a time when warfare defined life and survival often depended on unarmed combat. Amid this backdrop, the samurai—the warrior class—developed Jiu-Jitsu, or “the gentle art,” a system of techniques that emphasized leverage and strategy over brute force.

This chapter explores how Jiu-Jitsu evolved as both a battlefield necessity and a tool for personal and philosophical development.

A Martial Art Born of Necessity

Feudal Japan (1185–1868) was a time of constant conflict, with clans vying for power across the country. The samurai relied heavily on their katana, a symbol of their skill and honor. However, battles were unpredictable, and weapons could be lost, broken, or rendered ineffective against heavily armored foes.

By the 16th century, samurai began formalizing unarmed techniques to complement their armed combat. Jiu-Jitsu emerged as a system that prioritized:

• Throws: Disarming or unbalancing an opponent, critical for engaging armored foes.
• Joint Locks: Immobilizing or disabling an enemy with precision.
• Strangles and Chokes: Neutralizing an opponent regardless of size or strength.

One of the earliest documented Jiu-Jitsu schools, Takenouchi-ryu, was founded in 1532. This school blended unarmed techniques with armed strategies, reflecting the realities of the battlefield.

Philosophy: The Mind of a Warrior

The samurai ethos was deeply tied to the Bushido code, which emphasized honor, discipline, and self-control. Jiu-Jitsu became a reflection of these values, teaching warriors to remain calm and adaptive in the face of adversity.

Zen Buddhism, which gained prominence in samurai culture during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), also influenced Jiu-Jitsu’s philosophy. Its focus on mindfulness and balance helped practitioners approach combat with clarity and composure.

Miyamoto Musashi (1584–1645), one of Japan’s most celebrated swordsmen, captured this mindset in his book The Book of Five Rings. He advocated for strategy, timing, and adaptability—principles that align perfectly with Jiu-Jitsu.

The Evolution of Jiu-Jitsu Schools

As Japan entered the Edo period (1603–1868), a relatively peaceful era under the Tokugawa shogunate, the need for battlefield techniques decreased. Jiu-Jitsu evolved from a wartime necessity to a disciplined practice focused on personal growth and self-defense.

During this time, various schools (ryu) emerged, each refining techniques for different scenarios:

• The Takenouchi-ryu (1532) emphasized grappling and weapons defense.
• The Kito-ryu (early 1600s) introduced advanced throws, which later influenced Jigoro Kano’s Judo.

These schools also began incorporating spiritual teachings, blending combat training with philosophical lessons.

Jigoro Kano: Revolutionizing Jiu-Jitsu

By the late 19th century, Japan was undergoing modernization during the Meiji Restoration (1868–1912). The samurai class was abolished, and traditional martial arts faced decline as Japan embraced Western technology and culture.

Jigoro Kano (1860–1938), a scholar and martial artist, sought to preserve Jiu-Jitsu’s essence while adapting it for a changing society. In 1882, he founded Kodokan Judo, a martial art that retained Jiu-Jitsu’s principles of leverage and control but emphasized safe and structured training.

Key innovations by Kano included:

• Randori (Free Practice): Safe sparring to develop real-world skills.
• Ukemi (Breakfalls): Techniques for safely absorbing throws, allowing for regular practice without injury.

Kano’s teaching attracted international attention. One of his students, Mitsuyo Maeda, became a pioneer in spreading Judo—and by extension, Jiu-Jitsu—to the world.

Jiu-Jitsu Beyond the Battlefield

As Japan moved into the 20th century, Jiu-Jitsu’s role expanded. It became a method for self-defense, a form of exercise, and a tool for cultivating character. Philosophical principles such as respect, humility, and perseverance were emphasized alongside physical techniques.

This transformation laid the groundwork for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, which would later adopt and expand these principles, ensuring the art’s relevance across generations.

Conclusion

From the 12th century battlefields of Japan to the structured schools of the Edo period, Jiu-Jitsu evolved to meet the needs of its time. It combined practicality with profound philosophical insight, creating a legacy that would endure as it transformed into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

In the next chapter, we follow Mitsuyo Maeda’s journey to Brazil in the early 20th century, where Jiu-Jitsu would find new life and new champions.