Jiu Jitsu is
actually used to refer to two
distinct but related martial arts: the Japanese Jiu Jitsu (or Ju Jitsu)
and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Japanese Jiu Jitsu has been around in
various
forms for hundreds of years, with the earliest account of it going back
to the historical records written during the Muromachi period of
Japanese history, which lasted from 1333 to 1573.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
was born out of a later Japanese martial art called Judo, which was
itself developed from various forms of Jiu Jitsu techniques.
Whichever,
form you are talking about though, they both rely primarily on
grappling as opposed to a striking style of fighting.
Possibly the most important component to Jiu
Jitsu mastery is knowledge of the control positions, of which there are
three: the Guard, the Cross Body, and the Mount.
In terms of amount of control that it can
give you, the Guard is the position that allows you the least. You
should spend a lot of time learning how to work from this position
however, as this is probably where you will end up in a lot of the
time, especially when you are just starting out.
Basically, if you can
develop a set of Jiu Jitsu techniques that will work well in this
position, you will be able to handle pretty much any other position.
Arm bars are an important offensive maneuver
in Jiu Jitsu, and it can be difficult to learn how to do it right. On
common mistake that many beginners make is not pinning the shoulders
securely when performing this move.
This makes it much harder to keep
your arm in position, and will allow your opponent to wiggle out of the
bar. Using your knees and your feet will also help you apply the hold
more effectively by focusing pressure on the shoulder area, leaving the
arm vulnerable to the lock.
Finally, one of the most spectacular of all
the Jiu Jitsu techniques used to make your opponent submit is the
triangle choke. This can be amazingly effective particularly if you
pull your opponent’s head towards the ground, increasing the
effect that your hold has on him.