The origin of Jujitsu (The Gentle Art) is yet still a mystery, but there is no question it is a Japanese art. Many researchers believe that a Chinese priest (Chen Genpin) introduced the art of Kempo (kicking and striking) to Japan around 1659.
Practicing Jujitsu at Kokushij Temple in Tokyo, Chen Genpin schooled three Samurai named Fukuno, Isogai and Miura. After completing their training, the three Samurai independently founded their own Jujitsu Ryu. It was not possible that Chin Genpin first introduced Jujitsu to Japan. Chinese Kempo, which he may have brought over to Japan, was of a different art than Japanese Jujitsu. Jujitsu can also be traced back to before the time Chin Genpin was in Japan.
An incident that occurred in Japan in 24 B.C. is evidence that Jujitsu was established there. When the Emperor Suinin ordered two men named Sukune and Kuehaya to fight his presence, which consisted of kicking, hitting and gouging. Sukune won the battle, by trampling on Kuehaya's back, breaking his ribs and fatally injuring him. Although this incident was know for being the origin of wrestling in Japan, it seemed to be more the art of Jujitsu, since Kuehaya was kicked and gouged to death.
Sumo wrestling is the nation sport of Japan, but it is not the only sport derived from the ancient court wrestling of the Nara Emperors. Wrestling was banned by edict in 1175 A.D. and hand to hand fighting arts were started, which were influenced by the military. This lasted for many centuries and various systems of martial arts were developed. These systems only concentrated on situations where no weapons were involved, these systems were called Jujitsu.
It's impossible to discuss all the different Ryu (styles) of Jujitsu, but here are a few that are considered to be the most significant of the art: The oldest Jujitsu movement is the Takenouchi-Ryu, originated by Takenouchi Hisanori, a native of Sakushu in 1532. This organization taught Kogusoku (The art of seizing) which was somewhat different than the pure art of Jujitsu. Kito-Ryu , originated by Fukuno Schichiroemon of Temba, which appeared in the mid seventeenth century. Nage-waza (The Art Of Throwing) and Kata (Form Practice) gave the Kito-Ryu great prestige and popularity. Jukishin-Ryu, originated by Terada Kanemon, a native of Unsho and the contemporary of Fukuno. Fukuno and Terada lived in the middle of the seventeenth century and they had a close relationship. They established two separate systems of Jujitsu, before the time of Chin Genpin, which were the oldest systems of Jujitsu.
