The Art of Jujutsu, Ju Jitsu, and Jiu Jitsu: A Journey Through History and Evolution
- Self Defense Academy COS
- Mar 16
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 20
The martial arts world is rich with tradition, technique, and terminology that have evolved over centuries, adapting to new cultures, languages, and purposes. Among these, the terms Jujutsu, Ju Jitsu, and Jiu Jitsu stand out as fascinating examples of how a single art form can take on different spellings, meanings, and identities across time and geography. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the history of these terms, explore their evolution, and spotlight why institutions like Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs and the renowned Valente Brothers choose to honor the traditional spelling of Jujutsu. Along the way, we’ll also highlight a must-watch video featuring Professor Pedro Valente, embedded right here for your viewing pleasure. So, let’s step onto the mat and begin this journey!
The Roots of Jujutsu: A Japanese Legacy
The story begins in feudal Japan, where *Jujutsu* (sometimes written as *Jūjutsu* to reflect the long vowel sound in Japanese) emerged as a battlefield art. The term itself is a combination of two Japanese words: *jū*, meaning "gentle" or "soft," and *jutsu*, meaning "art" or "technique." Together, they describe a system of combat that emphasizes yielding to an opponent’s force rather than opposing it directly—using leverage, joint locks, throws, and Submissions to neutralize threats, even from armed or stronger adversaries.
Developed by samurai warriors during the Sengoku period (1467–1600) and refined through the Edo period (1603–1868), Jujutsu was designed for real-world self-defense. With Japan’s warrior class often facing armored opponents wielding swords or spears, this "gentle art" allowed practitioners to disarm and defeat enemies without relying solely on brute strength. Schools (or *ryū*) like Takenouchi-ryū and Yoshin-ryū codified these techniques, passing them down through generations.
The use of Jujutsu as a term reflects its Japanese origin. This spelling remains the most historically accurate and is still used in Japan today to refer to traditional systems of unarmed combat.
The Evolution of the Word: From Jujutsu to Ju Jitsu and Jiu Jitsu
As Japan opened to the world in the late 19th century during the Meiji Restoration, Jujutsu began to spread beyond its borders. With this globalization came linguistic adaptation—and some inevitable confusion. The Romanization of Japanese into Western alphabets wasn’t standardized at the time, leading to multiple transliterations.
- Ju Jitsu: One of the earliest Western adaptations, Ju Jitsu emerged as Europeans and Americans encountered the art. The omission of one "u" in *jū* simplified the spelling for English speakers unfamiliar with Japanese phonetics, where the elongated *ū* sound is significant. This version became popular in the early 20th century, particularly in Britain and the United States, as martial arts pioneers like E.W. Barton-Wright introduced Jujutsu-inspired systems (such as Bartitsu) to Western audiences.
- Jiu Jitsu: The spelling *Jiu Jitsu* gained prominence later, largely due to the influence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), which we’ll explore shortly. This variation reflects Portuguese transliteration conventions when Jujutsu arrived in Brazil via Mitsuyo Maeda in the early 20th century. In Portuguese, "jiu" approximates the sound of *jū*, and this spelling stuck as BJJ evolved into a global phenomenon.
Over time, these alternate spellings began to carry distinct connotations. Ju Jitsu often refers to hybrid or Westernized self-defense systems, while Jiu Jitsu is synonymous with the Brazilian offshoot. Meanwhile, Jujutsu has remained the preferred spelling for traditionalists who seek to preserve the art’s Japanese heritage.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A Modern Revolution
The most significant evolution of Jujutsu came with the birth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. In 1914, Mitsuyo Maeda, a Jujutsu master and student of Jigoro Kano (the founder of Judo), arrived in Brazil. He taught his art to Carlos Gracie, who, along with his brother Hélio, adapted it to emphasize ground fighting and submission techniques. This new style—Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu—retained the core principle of leveraging technique over strength but shifted its focus to grappling, making it a powerhouse in modern martial arts and mixed martial arts (MMA).
The spelling Jiu Jitsu became cemented in Brazil and spread worldwide as the Gracie family popularized their system. Today, BJJ is a distinct entity, celebrated for its effectiveness and accessibility, yet it owes its lineage to traditional Jujutsu.
Why Jujutsu? The Choice of Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs and the Valente Brothers
So, why do some schools, like Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs and the Valente Brothers, opt for *Jujutsu* over the more common Ju Jitsu or Jiu Jitsu? The answer lies in a commitment to authenticity and tradition.
At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, the use of Jujutsu reflects a dedication to teaching martial arts in a way that honors its historical roots while adapting it for practical self-defense in today’s world. This spelling connects students to the samurai origins of the art, emphasizing a holistic approach that includes strikes, throws, and joint manipulations alongside grappling.
The Valente Brothers, a prestigious lineage in the Gracie Jiu-Jitsu family, also choose Jujutsu to pay homage to the art’s Japanese foundation. Founded by brothers Pedro, Gui, and Joaquim Valente—direct students of Grandmaster Hélio Gracie—their academy blends traditional Jujutsu principles with the innovations of BJJ. Their decision underscores a philosophy of preserving the essence of the "gentle art" as it was originally conceived.
In the video embedded below, Professor Pedro Valente delves into this topic and the Valente Brothers’ approach to Jujutsu. He discusses how their training integrates self-defense, physical fitness, and mental discipline, offering a window into why Jujutsu remains a powerful term for them.
Jujutsu Today: A Living Tradition
Today, Jujutsu, Ju Jitsu, and Jiu Jitsu coexist as branches of the same tree, each with its own flavor and following. Traditional Jujutsu remains a cornerstone of Japanese martial arts culture, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu dominates the global stage, especially in competitive settings like the UFC. Meanwhile, Ju Jitsu persists in various self-defense systems worldwide.
What unites them all is the timeless principle of jū—the idea that softness can overcome hardness, that intelligence and technique can triumph over raw power. Whether you’re drawn to the historical depth of Jujutsu or the dynamic evolution of Jiu Jitsu, there’s a path for everyone to explore.
Come Experience Jujutsu at Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs!
If this journey through the history and evolution of Jujutsu has sparked your curiosity, why not take the next step? At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, we invite you to experience a class firsthand. Our expert instructors are passionate about sharing the art’s rich legacy and practical applications, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned martial artist. Step onto the mat, feel the techniques come alive, and discover why Jujutsu continues to captivate and empower people worldwide.
Visit us today and join a community dedicated to growth, self-defense, and the timeless spirit of the "gentle art." We can’t wait to welcome you! YOU Are Worth Defending!
What did you think of Professor Pedro Valente’s insights in the video? Have you trained in Jujutsu, Ju Jitsu, or Jiu Jitsu before? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!
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Thought of the Moment: "In the gentle art of Jujutsu, we bend but do not break—rooted in tradition, yet ever evolving, it teaches us that true strength lies in adaptability." - Anonymous
The Art of Jujutsu, Ju Jitsu, and Jiu Jitsu: A Journey Through History and Evolution
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