Ju-Jitsu (柔術, jūjutsu or jiujitsu) is a Japanese martial art that can be translated as “yielding art” or “gentle art” (jū: yielding, gentle, soft or flexible and jitsu: art or technique). The term jūjutsu was probably used for the first time around the 1630, likely derived from the word yawara which comes from the verbs yawaragu (to soft) and yawaregeru (to make soft). Jūjutsu is an alternative reading of yawara-jutsu.
Ju Jitsu expresses the philosophy of yielding to an opponent’s force rather than trying to oppose force with force. Manipulating an opponent’s attack using his force and direction allows jujutsuka to control the balance of their opponent and hence prevent the opponent from resisting the counterattack.
Basic methods of attack include striking, punching, kicking, throwing, pinning or immobilizing, strangling, and joint-locking. The bushi (the warriors) are also trained to develop effective methods of defense, including parrying or blocking strikes, receiving throws or joint-locking techniques, falling safely and knowing how to yield in order to neutralize a technique’s effect, releasing oneself from an enemy’s grasp, and changing or shifting one’s position to evade or absorb an attack.
The style taught in this school is the style of Soke Robert Clark, in the World Ju-Jitsu Federation (WJJF), precursor of the “modern” Ju-Jitsu.
WORLD JU-JITSU FEDERATION (WJJF)
The WJJF style is based on a syllabus developed by SOKE Clark. The main features of this style are the speed and the effectiveness of the actions and the techniques taught consist of punches and kicks, throws, grappling techniques and counter-techniques, locks and strikes to the pressure points (kyūsho 急所, vital point or tender spot). The traditional aspect is maintained through kata with empty hands and with weapons included from kobudo and the study of their applications.
It is not the style that creates a man, it is the man who creates the style.
Shike Giacomo Spartaco Bertoletti
The WJJF is recognised by All Japan Ju-Jitsu International Federation and Kuniba Kai Japan Budo International.
Through the World Ju-Jitsu Confederation, the WJJF is also recognised by TAFISA (Association For International Sport for All), an organization supported by IOC (International Olympic Committee).
The Yanagi no Ken Ryu was founded thank to the collaboration of Shinan Mirko Di Cristofaro and his Bushido Martial Academy. Mirko Di Cristofaro, with almost 30 years of martial experience, is a 6th dan of Ju-Jitsu and permanent member of the Shihan-Kai, management authority of the WJJF.
YKR - Amsterdam 