jujitsu

ju·jit·su

noun \jü-ˈjit-(ˌ)sü\

Definition of JUJITSU

: an art of weaponless fighting employing holds, throws, and paralyzing blows to subdue or disable an opponent

Variants of JUJITSU

ju·jit·su also ju·jut·su or jiu·jit·su \jü-ˈjit-(ˌ)sü\

Origin of JUJITSU

Japanese jūjutsu, from jū weakness, gentleness + jutsu art, skill

First Known Use: 1875

jujitsu

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Martial art that employs holds, throws, and paralyzing blows to subdue or disable an opponent. It evolved among the samurai warrior class in Japan from about the 17th century. A ruthless form of fighting, its techniques included the use of hard or tough parts of the body (e.g., knuckles, fists, elbows, and knees) against an enemy's vulnerable points. Jujitsu declined in the mid-19th century, but many of its concepts and methods were incorporated into judo, karate, and aikido.