Violent Origins

The origins of Japanese martial arts are quite vague. As told in early Japanese chronicles, Chinese monks devised a technique of protecting themselves from physical harm without the use of weapons due to their strict compliance with their religion. It has also been reported that the art of Jujitsu became a popular means of fighting amongst the Samurai warriors during the latter part of the 12th century. However, the establishment of Jujitsu art formally came in 1532 when the Takenouchi-ryu system was founded.

Over the succeeding centuries, martial arts systems of different genres sprouted due to the demand of the feudal mentality. By the start of the 19th century, over 700 variations of Jujitsu existed, including the Kito-ryu and Tenshin-Shinyo-ryu systems, catalysts in the eventual formation of Judo.