History Flashcards
History of Jujutsu (21 cards)
What are the two kanji characters that compose the word 柔術 (jūjutsu)?
柔 (jū) means ‘softness, gentleness’ and 術 (jutsu) means ‘art, skill’.
When was jūjutsu first transliterated to roman characters?
Around 1875.
What was the incorrect romanization of jūjutsu that became popular?
Jiu-jitsu.
What is the general consensus about the origins of jūjutsu?
There are several opinions, but no definitive record can establish its origins.
What does the practice of jūjutsu reflect about human history?
It reflects the instinct of self-preservation and the need to develop combat skills.
What ancient artifact shows evidence of grappling techniques similar to jūjutsu?
A Babylonian copper stand from the third Millennium BC.
What does the ‘Nihon Shoki’ refer to in the context of jūjutsu?
A tournament called ‘Chikara-Kurabe’, regarded by some historians as the beginning of Sumo.
During which period did empty-hand techniques become part of Japanese warriors’ training?
The Heian period (794 – 1185 AD).
Which Chinese philosophical text influenced the jūjutsu concept of soft overcoming hard?
The Tao Te Ching.
What was the main focus of jūjutsu techniques during the period of constant civil war in Japan?
Overcoming armored and armed opponents.
What was the significance of the Edo period (1603-1868) for jūjutsu?
It marked a shift from battlefield arts to personal protection in civilian settings.
What were some of the names used to describe empty-hand combat systems during feudal times?
- Yawara
- Taijūtsu
- Torite
- Kenpo
- Hakuda
- Kogusoku
How many recorded systems of jūjutsu were practiced in Japan during its golden age?
Over 500.
What major change occurred in Japan in 1868 that affected jūjutsu?
The Meiji Restoration abolished the samurai class and its ways.
What was the impact of Admiral Perry’s arrival on Japanese martial arts?
It led to a disillusionment with the old military arts, including jūjutsu.
What did Jigorō Kanō develop in response to the negative connotation of jūjutsu?
Kano Jūjutsu, later known as Kōdōkan Jūdō.
What character did Jigorō Kanō replace in jūjutsu to create the term jūdō?
He replaced jutsu with dō, meaning ‘way’ or ‘doctrine’.
What were the three principal objectives of Kano’s pedagogy?
- Self defense education (shobuho)
- Physical education (reshinho)
- Moral education (shushinho)
What concerns did Kano have regarding the growth of competitions in jūdō?
He worried it might lead to a retrograde form of contest jūdo and overshadow moral aims.
What aspect of jūdō did Kano emphasize over groundwork?
Throwing and striking techniques.
What happened to jūdō after World War II in the United States?
The sport gained popularity, leading to the gradual forgetting of its self-defense aspect.
