Jujutsu as the term is popularly used, is a generic term commonly used to describe the various methods of unarmed combat used by the samurai. Usually referred to as the “gentle art”, a more accurate translation would be “Pliable art” or “Flexible art”.

To discuss jujutsu properly, a short history recap is needed. Japan went through numerous periods of war from the mid-11th century up to the early 17th century and the establishment of the Tokugawa Shogunate.  In the course of these times, what we now know as “ryu” developed.

Ryu can be loosely defined as a "school" but is best thought of as comprehensive systems teaching use of weapons as well as empty hand tactics. Ryu developed out of necessity as a method of training others and to be able to survive conflicts. Each ryu had favored methods of movement, ideology, and philosophies, developed by the founder and his successors, which made the art unique.  Some ryu were very simple and direct, others had what may be considered more sophisticated methods.  Which is better is topic of debate, but the key factor that mattered back in the warring era of Japan was effectiveness and being able to pass along those skills.  Those teachers and systems that were able to accomplish this thrived and gathered in students. As time went by these methods became more systematized and formalized.

This section of the ryu with emphasis on unarmed combat is typically thought of as the jujutsu component of the ryu.  In some older arts, the term jujutsu may encompass the use of weapons as well.  (Note: There is no hard fast rule as to use of the term, it varies by each system) The emphasis on empty hand methods alone referring to jujutsu is more modern, dating back to the late 1800’s and the Meiji era reforms.

Daimyo (Literally Big Names, refers to the ruler of a geographic area) needed samurai with good combat skills to defend their own lands or to attack other Daimyo’s domains.  It was very common for each domain to have favored ryu that were sponsored by the Daimyo.  One of the most often cited examples is the Edo-Yagyu ryu as taught by Yagyu Munenori and favored by the Tokugawa shogunate.  Other ryu were also taught in a domain in addition to those favored by the Daimyo.

Other ryu were connected to temples, families, or locales. Examples are Tenshin Katori Shinto ryu, headed by a family and connected to a temple, Kashima Shinto ryu and Hozoin ryu which have connections to temples, and Maniwa Nen ryu which is connected to a specific location, Maniwa village in Gunma.  Many of these comprehensive systems are still practiced and are usually referred to as “Koryu” arts. 

As time went on and social conditions in Japan changed, many ryu died off, other adapted and changed the emphasis in their purpose for existence while attempting to preserve the techniques handed down from previous generations. These koryu arts today preserve part of Japan’s historical martial culture with their existence and efforts.

This change in emphasis, which can be regarded as a shift from practical functionality to a practice as a guide and way of life is simple but complex. Training is for the sake of training. The process of self-discovery is simply a part of the training process.  Regardless of how your chosen art classifies itself, bujutsu, budo, gendai budo, goshin budo, this will hold true for all arts.  You may be upholding a part of a tradition, honoring those who came before you, but it is still about proper training under a qualified instructor.

Today, the meaning of ‘jujutsu’ typically refers to the empty hand grappling and throwing methods alone, which became more popular in Meiji era Japan after the abolition of the samurai, wearing of swords, and the caste system.

Examples of these unarmed emphasis arts are Kito Ryu, Tenjin Shinyo Ryu, Yabe Ryu, and even Daito Ryu. (There is some dispute on origins of Daito Ryu, current research favors it being of more modern origins) While there are some weapon skills and defenses still retained, the majority of the art taught focuses on unarmed skills. 

Modern Judo is an outgrowth of these Meiji era arts. Aikido is another example of a modern day derivative of these jujustu ryu.  These modern day arts are commonly referred to as “Gendai Budo”.

Out of these gendai budo arts, came innovations and revisions that took place outside of Japan.  For examples, Danzan ryu, originated in Hawaii, Gracie jujutsu, originated in Brazil, Icho ryu, originated in the Northwestern United States. Though the use of Japanese terminology and clothing remain, these arts are not properly Japanese arts. More properly these arts developed outside of Japan which can clearly show a connection to Japanese heritage can be called “Goshin Budo”

There is no better or worse in distinction between koryu, gendai budo, and goshin budo.  What is important is your relationship with your instructor and training to learn what is taught.