To protect and defend...
Though perceived by many to be aggressive, the real purpose of a martial art is to be able to defend oneself against an assailant. It is far less dangerous to be able to repel an attack with minimum force than it is to become entangled in a situation which, if only by accident or stroke of bad luck, slight or mortal injury can result.

Though perceived by many to be aggressive, the real purpose of a martial art is to be able to defend oneself against an assailant. It is far less dangerous to be able to repel an attack with minimum force than it is to become entangled in a situation which, if only by accident or stroke of bad luck, slight or mortal injury can result.

The 4 responses to aggression

• React immediately without thought and become the aggressor - this option would seem to be a reasonable course of action, but it is not without hazard injury, imprisonment or even death?)
• Stand your ground and make it clear to the attacker, through body language and by what you say, that it is not acceptable that you should have to be assaulted and be forced to retaliate
• Use self defence techniques that are assertive and pro-active and which allow you to immobilise the attacker, de-escalate the violence and escape in safety

The last resort

Fighting back should be a last resort, when you cannot withdraw through talking or through simple escape techniques and when it is a matter of life or death - either yours or someone else's - and ONLY when there is no other option left open.

Jujitsu is essentially a group of techniques which enable a Ju-jitsoka (ju-jitsu practitioners) to defend his or her life or property in any given situation and able to counter any type of offensive technique (a basic description applicable to most forms of self defence/martial arts).

The Ju jitsoka is aware of Atemi-Waza (strikes with the hand, the foot, the knee, the elbow and the head), of Nage-Waza (throws) and Osae-Komi-Waza (ground techniques such as arm locking and strangulations, although both of these can be used when standing)

In other words a Ju-jitsoka can immobilise and control an assailant in a speedy and effective manner with minimum threat to him or herself.


The above, with minimal alterations, as printed in the "Ju-Jitsu International Federation" 1999 European Championship Programme.