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Japanese Jujutsu and Ninjutsu: An Intertwined Legacy of Taijutsu

The relationship between Japanese Jujutsu and Ninjutsu is not one of strict separation, but rather a complex tapestry woven from shared principles and mutual influences within the broader context of "Taijutsu." In feudal Japan, martial traditions were dynamic and interconnected, with practitioners often drawing from diverse sources. This fluid environment fostered an exchange of techniques and concepts, leading to a significant overlap between Jujutsu and Ninjutsu, despite their distinct primary objectives.

The Foundation of Taijutsu:

"Taijutsu," meaning "body techniques," served as the common ground for both Jujutsu and Ninjutsu. It encompassed a wide range of unarmed combat skills, including:

  • Grappling (Kumite/Torite): Joint locks (kansetsu-waza), throws (nage-waza), and holds (osae-waza) formed a core component of both arts.

  • Striking (Atemi-waza): Though emphasised differently, both arts utilised strikes to vulnerable areas.

  • Weapon Disarming (Tori-te/Buki-tori): Techniques for neutralising armed opponents were crucial for both samurai and shinobi.

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Jujutsu: The Art of the Samurai:

Jujutsu, primarily developed for samurai combat, emphasised formalised techniques (kata) designed for battlefield and duelling scenarios. Its focus on defeating armoured opponents led to a specialisation in:

  • Joint locks and throws to exploit weaknesses in armour.

  • Weapon disarming techniques to counter armed adversaries.

  • Schools like Takenouchi-ryu and Kito-ryu exemplify the battlefield focus of Jujutsu.

Ninjutsu: The Art of Covert Operations:

Ninjutsu, associated with the shinobi, prioritised espionage, survival, and unconventional warfare. Its emphasis was on:

  • Adaptability and improvisation, utilising environmental advantages.

  • Psychological warfare, deception, and misdirection.

  • Quick incapacitation or escape, often employing unconventional weapons.

  • While also using grappling and striking, the focus was to end conflict quickly and efficiently.

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The Intertwined Nature of Techniques:

  • It's crucial to recognise the fluidity of martial traditions. For example, the Tenshin Shōden Katori Shintō-ryū, a renowned Koryu, incorporates Ninjutsu principles within its advanced curriculum, demonstrating the overlap.

  • The use of weaponry influenced both arts. Jujutsu focused on traditional weapons, while Ninjutsu utilised improvised and concealed weapons, requiring related grappling and disarming skills.

  • Certain Jujutsu ryu specialised in self defence, and would have incorporated stealth and escape techniques, that would be considered ninjutsu.

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Historical Context and Modern Interpretations:

  • Distinguishing historical fact from myth is essential, particularly regarding Ninjutsu. Popular portrayals often romanticise ninja activities.

  • The scarcity of reliable historical records makes it challenging to definitively trace the evolution of these arts.

  • Modern Jujutsu and Ninjutsu have evolved significantly. Modern Jujutsu has seen the rise of styles like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, while modern "Ninjutsu" often blends historical techniques with contemporary martial arts interpretations.

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The Relationship Between Goshin Jujitsu and Ninjutsu:

Goshin Jujitsu and Ninjutsu share some similarities in their self-defence applications, but they stem from different historical and philosophical roots. While both focus on adaptability, efficiency, and practical combat, their approaches and influences vary significantly.

Origins and Purpose

  • Goshin Jujitsu ("self-defence Jujitsu") is a modern adaptation of traditional Japanese Jujitsu, focusing on practical self-defence against contemporary threats, such as armed and unarmed street attacks. It incorporates elements of traditional Jujitsu, Judo, Karate, and even Aikido, adapting classical techniques for modern-day scenarios.

  • Ninjutsu evolved as the martial art of shinobi (ninja) in feudal Japan, emphasising stealth, deception, survival tactics, and unconventional combat. While it included striking and grappling, it also integrated weapon use, escape techniques, and psychological warfare.

Technical Similarities

Both Goshin Jujitsu and Ninjutsu emphasise adaptability and efficiency in combat, using techniques such as:

  • Joint locks and throws – Common in traditional Jujitsu, Ninjutsu, and Goshin Jujitsu for controlling or disabling an opponent.

  • Striking and pressure point attacks – Used in both systems for quick and effective neutralisation.

  • Weapon defence – Goshin Jujitsu includes modern weapon disarms, while Ninjutsu historically trained with concealed weapons like kunai, shuriken, and hidden blades.

  • Escapes and counters – Both systems prioritise getting out of holds or dangerous situations using leverage and technique rather than brute strength.

Key Differences

  • Philosophy and Strategy: Goshin Jujitsu is defensive and reactionary, meant for personal protection in modern situations, whereas Ninjutsu was designed for covert survival and deception, often avoiding direct combat when possible.

  • Training Methods: Goshin Jujitsu relies on structured drills, sparring, and scenario-based training, while Ninjutsu includes stealth training, disguise, and unconventional movement strategies.

  • Weaponry: Ninjutsu historically trained with traditional ninja tools, while Goshin Jujitsu focuses more on modern threats, such as defending against knives, firearms, and street attacks.

Conclusion

While Goshin Jujitsu and Ninjutsu share fundamental self-defence principles, their historical contexts, training philosophies, and applications set them apart. Goshin Jujitsu adapts traditional Jujitsu for modern self-defence, while Ninjutsu incorporates stealth, deception, and unconventional tactics for survival. However, practitioners of either art can find value in studying the other, as both emphasise practicality and effectiveness in real-world confrontations.

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