Jujitsu is a Japanese Martial Art born out of the feudal era. It is essentially the art of using throwing and joint locking techniques to defend one’s self.

It is  usually translated as “the gentle art” but this is  a very limiting and also fairly inaccurate translation. “Ju” means “softness,” “pliancy,” “flexibility,” “suppleness,” or “yielding.” “-jitsu” means it is from the class of Martial Arts described as “Bujitsu”. These are true battlefield methods that are tried and proven in combat. They include Kenjitsu (the art of the sword) and Ninjitsu (the art of stealth). So, Jujitsu is better translated as “the art of giving way without up or giving in” OR “the art of pliancy”. It is therefore evasive, emphasising the non-use of strength in defence, whilst also being positive – seeking to overcome the attacker. Because of its ethos, it is open to practice by anyone, irrespective of body type.

From Jujitsu was born Aikijitsu – the art of harmonious spirit. From Jujitsu and Aikijitsu was born Aikido which is another very commonly practiced, modern Martial Art. It is worth noting that Soke’s history before the founding of Spirit Combat included Dan grades in both Jujitsu and Aikido, among other things. Aikijitsu and Aikido use harmony – blending with an attack and absorbing the attacking power to redirect the attack into powerful joint locks or projections.

Before we continue, we need to look at Aikido briefly. As discussed above, Jujitsu is a “Bujitsu” art. Well, Aikido is a “Budo” art. With the end of the Japanese feudal era and the invention of firearms, the Martial Arts in their existing forms were less and less effective, so many modernised in order to preserve their place in Japanese society. They embraced the new Buddhist teachings and became methods not only of self defence but of personal development. So Jujitsu gave rise to Judo, Kenjitsu gave rise to Kendo and so on. In a Budo art, the goal is to pursue self improvement in all aspects of your self. So you become physically fitter, healthier in mind and also more spiritually aware of yourself. This is the mind-body-spirit system of which we talk about sometimes that underpins the way we work. We follow a “path.” That is what
“-do” means – a path. Remember that it is the journey that is most important, not the destination.

Jujitsu with added Aiki elements gives us Aiki-Jujitsu – “the art of pliancy, using harmonious spirit”. So we are a fairly soft form of Jujitsu but are still true to our roots of loving joint locking (not for under 16s!) and throwing. We work on practical defences including defending against weapons (and defending with weapons at the advanced levels) but also learn the science of Martial practice and enjoy some sport element.

Ai = Harmony, Ki = Spirit
Ju = Pliancy, Jitsu = Art of

Aiki = Harmonious Spirit, Jujitsu = Art of Pliancy

Aiki-Jujitsu The art of Pliancy, using Harmonious Spirit

Our Combat Methods.

Through MAAS, we are also fortunate to be able to practice and compete in several forms of sporting combat. At the moment there are Kickboxing, Points Fighting, Weapons Combat and Combat Jujitsu available. This section briefly describes them.

Kickboxing

This is basically the art of fighting via the use of punching and kicking techniques. Throws are not allowed. Fights for us are always semi contact, so you strike only with enough force to make contact.  Higher levels of force exist but are classified differently and require higher insurance. Worcester Spirit Combat does not practice anything other than semi contact. Competitors will fight for a number of minutes and number of rounds. At the end, three judges will decide a winner. That simple. MAAS have lots of titles on offer for different gender, size and standard.

Points Fighting

Very much the same as Kickboxing expect for the way in which matches are fought. When a clean, controlled strike is seen, a point will be awarded by the referee, provided an independent flag person agrees. Takedowns are usually legal. Points Fighting is much less practiced in MAAS.

Weapons Combat

Same as Kickboxing except that strikes are made using weapons such as Nunchaku instead of punches and kicks. Huge fun!

Combat Jujitsu

Fighters start off Kickboxing, then grapple and aim for a throw then hold down (or submission if over 16). Points are scored based on quality of Kickboxing, quality of throw and hold-down time. Submission means instant victory. Hard and very exhausting but  also very enjoyable. Allowing for the most technique diversity of any of our systems.