This Japanese art (whose more philosophical and sporting counterpart is judo) grew out of the integration of the weapons techniques of katori shinto ryu and grappling techniques during the 15th century. The name jiu-jitsu (or jujutsu) was first used in the late 17th century. Knowledge of jiu-jitsu was spread world-wide by travelling Japanese practitioners in the early years of the 20th century.

The usual jiu-jitsu techniques involves bearing an opponent to the ground and then pinning him there or rendering him unconscious. The art utilizes hip throws, sweeping throws, shoulder and neck locks, and a sacrifice body drop. The dangerous joint-breaking techniques taught in jiu-jitsu is not taught in normal judo.