What does jujitsu mean?
Jujitsu is a Japanese martial art centred on controlling an opponent through throws, joint locks, and holds rather than primarily through striking. In English, it is an alternative spelling of the more familiar “jiu-jitsu,” while “jujutsu” is another traditional romanization of the Japanese name. Practitioners learn how to use leverage, balance, and precise body positioning to overcome greater physical strength, making the art both a combat system and a practical form of self-defence. The term can refer to the martial art as a whole or to a specific grappling style within it. Its historical roots lie in Japanese unarmed fighting traditions, and its modern identity remains closely associated with judo and mixed martial arts competition. Although often translated as “gentle technique,” jujitsu can be highly effective, particularly when a throw or joint lock is executed with correct timing and control.
nounA Japanese martial art that emphasizes unarmoured combat, especially throws, joint locks, and holds used to subdue or control an opponent.
- The Japanese martial art known more commonly as jiu-jitsu or jujutsu, particularly the system of throws and grappling controls used to defeat or subdue an opponent.
"She studied jujitsu for years before competing in mixed martial arts."
"The instructor demonstrated a basic jujitsu throw during the self-defence class."
"Years of jujitsu gave him the strength and timing to win the heavyweight bout."
Usually treated as an uncountable name for the martial art; when referring to a particular technique or school, the article can vary without requiring a regular plural.
"She has studied jujitsu since childhood."
Jujitsu literally means “gentle technique,” yet its throws and joint locks can be decisively effective.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jujitsu come from?
The English word comes from Japanese 柔術, read jūjutsu: 柔 means “soft,” “flexible,” or “gentle,” and 術 means “technique,” “art,” or “skill.” It is a romanization of the same Japanese name that is commonly rendered in English as “jiu-jitsu.” The spelling “jujitsu” preserves the pronunciation of the second syllable more closely than the older “jiu-jitsu” form.
Related word forms
How jujitsu is actually used
In English, “jujitsu” is chiefly an alternative spelling of “jiu-jitsu”; “jujutsu” is another established romanization. The name often denotes the martial art as a whole, though it may also refer more narrowly to a particular grappling system or technique.
Easily confused with jujitsu
Jujitsu and jiu-jitsu refer to the same martial art, but jujitsu is a less common romanization of the name.