Jiujitsu Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฅ‹
Add to dictionary

jiujitsu

[หŒdส’uหdส’หˆษชtsuห ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

martial arts

Jiu-jitsu is a Japanese martial art and a combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It teaches techniques of submission holds, joint locks, and strangleholds, allowing a smaller individual to defend against a larger opponent. While rooted in traditional Japanese jujutsu, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has also emerged, emphasizing sport and self-defense applications. The practice typically involves training on tatami mats and encourages the use of techniques that rely on leverage and technique rather than size and strength.

Synonyms

grappling, martial arts, submission fighting.

Examples of usage

  • He trains in Brazilian jiu-jitsu every week.
  • Jiu-jitsu helps develop both physical and mental discipline.
  • Many self-defense classes incorporate jiu-jitsu techniques.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Jiujitsu has roots in ancient Japan and has significantly influenced modern martial arts, emphasizing self-defense and leverage.
  • In Brazil, it evolved into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, becoming popular worldwide for its effectiveness in mixed martial arts.

Competitions

  • Competitions often focus on grappling, where points are earned for positional control and submission techniques.
  • The World Jiu-Jitsu Championship is among the most prestigious events, allowing practitioners to showcase their skills.

Psychological Benefits

  • Practicing this martial art can improve confidence and self-discipline, helping individuals manage stress and aggression.
  • It's also known for fostering community and teamwork among practitioners, as they often train together in pairs.

Pop Culture

  • The discipline gained significant visibility through martial arts films and the UFC, where fighters demonstrate its effectiveness.
  • Many movies and TV shows showcase characters using jiu-jitsu moves, highlighting its appeal in action scenes.

Origin of 'jiujitsu'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'jiujitsu' comes from Japanese, where 'ju' means gentle and 'jitsu' means art, reflecting the disciplineโ€™s focus on technique.
  • Originally, the term was used to describe various forms of unarmed combat taught to samurai in Japan.

The term 'jiu-jitsu' is derived from the Japanese words 'jiu', meaning 'gentle', and 'jutsu', meaning 'art' or 'technique'. The art has its roots in the samurai's fighting techniques in Japan, and over centuries, it has evolved into various forms, with Brazilian jiu-jitsu being one of the most popular modern adaptations. In the late 19th century, jujutsu was introduced to the West, particularly in Brazil, where it adapted and developed into its own unique style. The Gracie family played a crucial role in promoting Brazilian jiu-jitsu, emphasizing its effectiveness in real combat scenarios, which helped popularize it further through competitions and mixed martial arts.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,913, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.