Jiu-Jitsu
Translation: "The Gentle Fighting Art"
Country of Origin: Japan
Created: 12th Century

Jiu-jitsu is an empty handed fighting art of the Japanese Samurai. It was designed to enable the disarmed soldier overcome opponents and is considered as the predecessor of all Japanese martial arts. (although it is thought to have originally gone by the names Aiki Jujitsu, tai-jutsu, yawara or hakuda and to have been introduced from China). Jiu-jitsu tends toward grappling, using more techniques such as throws, joint locks, chokes, and holds. However, all forms of Jujitsu incorporate a fair amount of striking techniques using kicks, punches, knees, and elbows. Originally only used by the Samurai (Knights), it was soon adopted by the Ninja (assassins) and then common soldiers and bandits. This didn't do wonders for it's image. More recently (1914 to be precise) a Japanese Jiu-Jitsu master named Mitsuyo Maeda, alias "Count of Combat", went to Brazil and taught a bright young lad named Carlos Gracie. Carlos, tested and refined the system through constant matches, open to all comers. At one point, he even advertised in newspapers for people to fight. He fought anyone and everyone who was willing, regardless of size, weight or fighting style. Even though he was a mere 135 pounds, his style was so effective that Carlos Gracie was never defeated and became a legend in Brazil. Thus giving rise to Brazilian or Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Because martial artists tend to make poor spellers Jiu-Jitsu can be written as Jijitsu, jijutsu, jiujitsu, jiujutsu, jujitsu, jujutsu or jiu-jutsu.