The history of the martial art of JuJitsu can be traced back over 2500 years. JuJitsu (Ju - Gentle, Jitsu - Art) developed from many individual teachings that either originated in Japan or found their way to Japan from other Oriental countries.

Going far back into Japanese history one might be able to trace JuJitsu to the ancient Japanese gods, Kajima and Kadori, who allegedly used the art of JuJitsu to chastise the lawless inhabitants of an eastern province.

The first dated mention of JuJitsu occurred during the period of 772 - 481 B.C., when open hand techniques were used during the Choon Chu Era in China. In 230 B.C. the wrestling sport of Chikura Kurabe developed in Japan and was integrated into JuJitsu training. During the time period around B.C. and A.D. change in dating, there is also mention of the development of wrestling and related techniques that served as the origin of JuJitsu. A number of JuJitsu schools developed from 230 B.C. on. There is also evidence that empty handed techniques were in use during the Heian period (748 A.D.) in Japan, but in conjunction with weapon training as a part of the samurai warrior's training. In 880 A.D., Prince Teijun founded the Daito Ryu Aiki JuJitsu School.

Most of the actual credit for founding the formal art of JuJitsu goes to Tenenuchi (or Takenouche) Hisamori, who formed the school of JuJitsu in Japan in 1532. In 1559, Chin Gen Pinh (a monk) migrated from China to Japan, bringing Kempo (China Hand) with him, parts of which were integrated into the current teachings of JuJitsu. This brought Chu-an Fa and Korean T'ang Su (punching and nerve striking skills) to Japan. Both of these skills were also integrated into JuJitsu. During the Tokugawa era (1650 and on), JuJitsu continued to flourish as a part of the samurai warrior's training.

With the passing if the Tokugawa era (1800) Japan became somewhat united. One of the consequences of the change in Japanese society was the reduction in status of the samurai warrior to common citizen. In this new position the samurai could no longer carry a sword and was forced to rely solely on empty handed techniques as a means of defending himself.

The next mention of JuJitsu is in 1882, when Jigaro Kano developed the sport of Judo (Ju - Gentle, Do - Way) from JuJitsu in order to increase the popularity of the martial arts and to provide a safe sport using selected techniques from the effective self defence system of JuJitsu.