Yawara (Jūjutsu)

Samurai Art of Unarmed Combat

Description

literally translates as the "supple art". It employs a wide range of grappling, joint-locking, sweeping and throwing techniques. Pressure-point striking and some degree of ground-fighting is also encompassed.

The Edo-line of Yagyū Shingan-ryū, known as Taijutsu (body art), is often referred to as the hard or muscular style of Yagyū Shingan-ryū. While this may appear to be the case, emphasis is placed on body physics, as opposed to the use of brute strength. There are over 50 jūjutsu kata in the Edo lineage.