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     Many of those who who express an interest in studying an adaptive Asian art are unsure of the differences between Judo, Jujitsu, and Goshinjitsu (self defense).  The confusion is understandable, and unfortunately often perpetuated by those involved in the study.

     Judo and Jujitsu have the same doctrine, strategy, and tactics, while Goshinjitsu's are slightly different.  We'll look at each separately, and in comparison to each other.

Jujitsu
     Jujitsu is a combination of two Japanese characters or words. The first, JU can be translated as gentle, flexible, or adaptive, while the second, JITSU translates to techniques or skills.  Jujitsu was the unarmed battlefield art of the Samarai. 

     As most martial arts, there were many schools of Jujitsu.  Some focused on throwing, others on ground fighting, some put more emphasis on striking with the hands and feet, and some on weapons.  While surviving on the battlefield was the ultimate goal, everyday conduct was governed by Bushido, the code of the warrior. 

     Hence, in Jujitsu, the techniques of adaptation were practiced as a purely physical act with a very utilitarian goal, staying alive.

Judo
     Judo is also a combination of two characters, and as in Jujitsu, Ju has the same meaning.  The second character, Do, translates as "way" or  "path".  Judo, or more correctly, Kodokan Judo, was created by Jigoro Kano, and is an amalgamation of the best techniques from the schools of Jujitsu still being practiced in Japan during the mid 1800's.  Kano discarded those techniques he thought inefficient  and modified others so that they could be practiced with a partner, in a dynamic, hands on way. 

    Kano's goal though was much more than creating a set of techniques.  His desire was the creation of a way that would develop not only the body, but the mind as well by fostering a concern about one's fellowman and community.  The techniques taught in Kodokan Judo are no less effective, or destructive than those of Jujitsu.  There is simply the assumption that the student has made a social commitment in addition to the physical.

     As Judo became more and more popular, it's rise as sporting competition also grew. (Judo is the second most practiced sport, after soccer, in the world.)  As is the case when any combat art is practiced as a sport, the rules of the competition begin to influence the techniques that are used.  An effect as evident in Judo as it is in Tae Kwon Do, Boxing, Archery or pistol craft.  This tendency has resulted in effectively creating two schools of Judo, Classical or Kodokan Judo whose focus is martial, and Olympic Judo whose focus is sport.  Many believe that the focus on sport aspects only have taken Olympic Judo full circle, to being interested only in the techniques without concern for bettering oneself or community.

     The skills of Judo and Jujitsu require a commitment to continuous practice over a long period of time, a willingness to work hard, and follow etiquette as directed by the Dojo Sensei.

Goshinjitsu
     Goshinjitsu, or self defense is once again the combination of two words, with Goshin meaning self protection.  Goshinjitsu, in it's purest sense has no affiliation to style, or country of origin.  They are simply techniques used to defend, what those techniques are and how they're used is irrelevant. 

     At West Shore Jujitsu, the doctrine of adaptation is the basis of our self defense course.  We believe that Goshinjitsu should consist of a small number of techniques that can be adapted through a wide range of circumstances. They should be simple, easy to learn, and easily remembered without continuous practice.  Most importantly, the skills don't rely on size or strength to be effective.

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Hours:
Tuesday - Thursday:
7:30-9:00PM

1st Sat. of each month 10:00 - 11:30AM

Saturday practices are Airsoft Force on Force.  You will need an electric Airsoft gun, plastic bb's, and eye protection.
Printable triangle target here 5

Doors open 15 minutes before class starts
Parking is on street and free