jujutsu
Jujutsu is a grappling art originating in Japan. It is classified within the broader jutsu family of traditional martial disciplines and centers its training on classical Japanese techniques including joint locks, throwing methods, and pinning controls. Practitioners work to apply these methods against an opponent through close-range physical engagement, using leverage and body mechanics rather than relying solely on strength.
Training in a grappling art of this kind generally emphasizes the development of timing, balance, and positional control. Because the focus is on locks, throws, and pins, practitioners typically drill techniques that redirect or neutralize an opponent's movement at close quarters, working to bring a situation to the ground or to a controlled hold. Conditioning and repetitive partner practice are characteristic features of grappling study across this type.
Several distinct sub-styles within the jujutsu family are documented, each with its own character and background. Danzan-ryū represents a Hawaiian synthesis of jujutsu associated with Okazaki. German ju-jutsu is a modern German adaptation oriented toward self-defense. Kitō-ryū is a classical school considered an ancestor of judo. Sanuces Ryu is an American development emphasizing street-practical application, associated with Moses Powell. Takenouchi-ryū is recognized as the oldest surviving jujutsu koryū. Each of these is covered in the sections below.
Styles & branches of jujutsu
Danzan-ryū
Origin: United States · Type: Grappling · Lineage: jujutsu
Hawaiian jujutsu synthesis (Okazaki) Wikipedia →
German ju-jutsu
Origin: Germany · Type: Hybrid · Lineage: jujutsu
modern German self-defense jujutsu Wikipedia →
Kitō-ryū
Type: Grappling · Lineage: jujutsu
jujutsu school, judo ancestor Wikipedia →
Sanuces Ryu
Origin: United States · Type: Hybrid · Lineage: jujutsu
American street-practical jujutsu (Moses Powell) — curated, no Wikidata item
Takenouchi-ryū
Type: Grappling · Lineage: jujutsu
oldest jujutsu koryū Wikipedia →
Gear to expect. Grappling training typically calls for a gi or no-gi rashguard, and quality mats for home drilling — your school will tell you exactly what, and when. New students rarely need to buy anything for a trial class.
Find your martial art →Related grappling styles
Classification and facts from our open-data taxonomy (Wikidata CC0 base + our editorial classification). Where a fact (like origin) isn't recorded, we leave it out rather than guess. Methodology.