Again, with ancient origins, jujutsu is known to be one of the oldest forms of hand to hand combat evolving from combat systems of warfare that were primarily concerned with various weapons. These might have included the katana, yari, manriki kuzari, bo, jo and tanto.

Learned, taught and used by the samurai, traditional jujutsu formed the basis from which many styles of modern martial arts were developed, although the name itself is relatively new. Prior to the 17th century, the technique was known by many different names, one of which was kumiuchi (translated as hand to hand combat), and some 700 systems of jujutsu existed. As attempts were made to retain and organise the martial arts (after so many systems had been lost over time), the Butokuden Martial Arts Hall was established in 1899. It was Kano Jigoro who introduced a new school to preserve all teachings and techniques of the various jujutsu ryu. Jujutsu combines the two words 'ju' (yielding, flexibility, suppleness) with 'jutsu' (art, science or discipline).

Being both an art and a science, the discipline involves a knowledge of balance, bio-mechanics, leverage, momentum and physiology. Through strikes to vital points, joint locking or throwing, the potential 'victim' is placed at an advantage when confronted.