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Jiu-Jitsu & Aikido
Context:
Rahul Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha revealed that during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, he practised jiu-jitsu daily, bringing together young martial arts students in the towns they visited.
Overview of Jiu-Jitsu & Aikido:
- Jiu-Jitsu (Jujutsu)
- Origins and History:
- A Japanese martial art developed in the late 16th century by samurai warriors.
- Known as the “gentle art,” focusing on grappling, joint locks, pins, and throws.
- Evolved to neutralise opponents without striking, particularly useful against armoured foes.
- Modern Forms:
- Judo: Developed in the 19th century, it is now an Olympic sport.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Focuses on ground fighting, popularised globally in self-defence and MMA.
- MMA (Mixed Martial Arts): Combines elements of jiu-jitsu and other combat sports.
- Key Principle: Manipulates an opponent’s energy against them, leveraging technique over strength.
- Aikido
- Origins and History:
- Developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba as an offshoot of jiu-jitsu.
- Emphasises harmony, non-violence, and spiritual development.
- Techniques and Philosophy:
- Focuses on deflecting an attacker’s force, using joint locks and throws.
- Aims to control situations without causing harm, aligning with the principle of “harmonising energy.”
- No competitions; practices emphasise holistic growth.
- Criticisms and Strengths:
- Criticised for lack of practical fighting application.
- Valued for promoting self-discipline and mental resilience.
Comparison: Jiu-Jitsu vs. Aikido
- Focus:
- Jiu-Jitsu: Ground fighting, submissions, aggressive and combative.
- Aikido: Blending with and redirecting energy, non-resistance, and non-violence.
- Training:
- Jiu-Jitsu: Intense physical conditioning, live sparring.
- Aikido: Partner exercises (kata), focus on fluid movements and situational awareness.
- Self-Defense:
- Jiu-Jitsu: Effective in close-quarters combat, emphasises leveraging strength and technique.
- Aikido: Focuses on non-violent resolution and control, ideal for diffusing conflicts.
Martial Arts in India
- Kalaripayattu (Kerala): Ancient martial art integrating strikes, grappling, and weapons; includes yoga and Ayurveda.
- Silambam (Tamil Nadu): Stick fighting using bamboo staves.
- Thang-Ta & Sarit Sarak (Manipur): Emphasises agility with sword, spear, and unarmed combat.
- Gatka (Punjab): Martial art involving sticks and swords, rooted in Sikh tradition.
- Musti Yuddha (Varanasi): Focuses on punches and kicks, with spiritual elements.
- Pari-Khanda (Bihar): Weapon-based techniques with swords and shields.
- Kuttu Varisai: Dravidian martial art emphasising empty-hand techniques and incorporating yoga principles.
