Jiu-jitsu (or ju-jitsu) is a martial art aimed at self-defense against armed and unarmed attackers. A jiu-jitsuka (=practitioner of jiu-jitsu) learns to use an opponent’s strength to overpower or eliminate them. In doing so, jiu-jitsukas use a wide range of techniques, including punches, kicks, throws, locks, leverage and rotational movements, breaking techniques and pressure points.

Jiu-jitsu at Radbudo

At Radbudo we practice jiu-jitsu according to the curriculum of the Judo Bond Nederland. This means, among other things, that we train in gi (a judo suit) and use a belt system to indicate the level of the participants.

In our trainings we pay attention to different aspects of jiu-jitsu: technical skill, sports/competition and self-defense. Most of the class consists of learning and practicing technique, but at the end of the class there is usually room for some sparring.

Our competitions follow the rules of the Ju-jitsu Fighting System. Features of this system include that kicks and punches are performed “semi-contact”: you may hit your opponent, but it may not cause any damage.

Our trainings are suitable for all levels, from beginners to advanced. We always make sure that everyone can train at their own level, in a safe, respectful and fun environment.

Why jiu-jitsu?

You choose jiu-jitsu if you:

• are looking for a broad, varied martial art in which there is room for virtually every conceivable technique;
• you want to learn to defend yourself in all kinds of situations, against one or more attackers;
• you like to work towards a higher graduation through periodic exams.

Origin and philosophy

Jiu-jitsu is originally a Japanese martial art. According to tradition, the techniques were used by the samurai, who also learned to fight without weapons as part of their training.

This involved relatively little use of kicking and punching techniques, as these were not very effective against an opponent in armor. Instead, the emphasis was on throws, clamps, strangulations and ground combat.

Jiu-jitsu also means something like “soft art” (jiu = soft and jitsu = art). That soft refers to the underlying philosophy: moving with and using the strength of your opponent. However, ancient jiu-jitsu was by no means gentle; it was a martial art intended to eliminate and, if necessary, kill opponents.

There is no one kind of jiu-jitsu. In ancient Japan, hundreds of different schools (ryus) existed, all of which had their own style. They were inspired by each other and by masters from other countries, including China. Over the years, this development has continued. For example, striking and punching techniques from karate were incorporated into jiu-jitsu, but new martial arts also emerged from jiu-jitsu – judo, aikido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, for example.