What is Jiu Jitsu?

In feudal times in Japan, there were various military arts and exercises in which the samurai classes were trained for their special form of warfare. Amongst these was the art of Jiu Jitsu. The word Jiu Jitsu may be translated "the art of gaining victory by yielding or pliancy." Also translated as the "gentle art", Jiu Jitsu utilizes physics and science through leverage, off-balance, and the knowledge of human anatomy to overcome an attacker with as little effort possible: maximum effect with minimum effort. The practitioner of Jiu Jitsu has a large array of techniques available to him or her, including strikes, joint locks, throws, submission holds, pins, and pressure points in order to deal with and control any situation which may arise.

In the modern world, Jiu Jitsu is useful for practical and effective self-defense. Size and flexibility are not important factors in achieving proficiency in this art since Jiu Jitsu does not rely on brute strength. Jiu Jitsu is designed to handle attacks by applying pressure on the body's keiraku (meridians) to cause intense but non-damaging pain and thus destroy the attacker's will to continue. The aim of Jiu Jitsu technique is to neutralize, control and discourage an attacker with techniques that employ minimal strength yet generate maximum effect. This system is built upon the belief that the successful application of technique verses the application of physical strength could overcome attacks in a self-defense context. The ability to neutralize and control both the attacker and the situation is the hallmark of Jiu Jitsu.

The American Jiu Jitsu style is derived from Hakko Ryu Jiu Jitsu and is primarily a "stand-up" Jiu Jitsu style with a strong emphasis on ground defense. In addition, defense from stick/club and knife attacks are part of the curriculum at the Theodorou Academy. Though this art focuses on teaching the most practical self defense from any punch, grab, or attack that one might encounter on the streets, it's main goal is to help students realize that the best self defense is the ability to diffuse and walk away from an unnecessary confrontation.