subject: Jiu Jitsu Is The Gentle Way [print this page] Martial arts are a popular way to develop fitness and and learn self defense skills. People who have some self defense training feel safer and have more confidence. But some people are not attracted to the kicking, hitting and punching that are essential components of Karate, Tae Kwondo and Kung Fu. For those people Jiu Jitsu could be the ideal alternative. This practice is generally described as a form of grappling. Thus it is more closely related to wrestling than to boxing.
Although this martial art can involve hitting, kicking and gouging and weapons it is essentially a defensive art and was originally developed to be used by unarmed warriors against those better armed and armoured. Emphasis is more on throwing, joint locking and pinning an opponent rather than striking. Hitting an opponent in full body armour proved to be a fruitless endeavor and warriors of the time developed alternatives.
Women, children and small statured men often find Jiu Jitsu to be especially beneficial. It is an art that is effective against larger and more powerful opponents. Students learn to use the opponent's weight against them.
Like all martial arts this one bestows many benefits on its practitioners. Practice is vigorous and burns calories. It is an excellent part of an all round fitness program.
Like all martial arts this one requires of its students discipline and self control. The effort that goes into perfecting ones martial arts technique is transferable to other areas of life. Students develop patience. They learn to pay attention and focus on what they are doing.
Students who study Jiu Jitsu find that they develop attitudes and skills that will serve them well in all areas of their lives. Discipline, fitness, focus will make all future endeavors more productive.
