Today's martial artists begin their training for many different reasons. Some, because it seems a perfect vehicle for reaching a level of physical fitness, others train because the martial arts offer a way of self protection in these violent times, with muggings and rapes becoming commonplace. No matter what the reasons, all start the jouney evenly. It is up to the individual to ascertain how far they wish to step. Each person has a separate goal to fulfill. The martial arts offer guidance along a special route for those who wish to follow it.

Amongst the many Japanese martial arts, probably the most misrepresented has been Ju-Jutsu, which is often described as the forerunner of Judo and various styles of Karate and the inspiration for Aikido. Ju-Jusu means the art of gaining victory by yielding or pliancy. In the west, it is usually said to mean, "Gentle Art". The art dates back to antiquity, being known under various names of Tai-Jutsu, Yawara, and Hakuda.

Ju-Jutsu is not a contest of muscular strength, in fact this is not a major factor at all. The art relies on balance, leverage, and speed to effect the necessary movements, and then available strength is applied to it's greatest advantage. Ju-Jutsu tends to wipe out the differences in size, weight, height, and reach, thus evening the odds and making the art acceptable and accessible to all genders, ages, and various size of peoples.

Ju-Jutsu is a combination (or series of combinations) of throws, strikes, holds, and locks applied in most cases on the limbs. They are carried out in such a manner that by the addition of extra pressure, dislocation of a joint or breakage of a bone may occur. The art is based entirely upon a thorough knowledge of body balance, together with an accurate understanding of the construction of the human body.

Over the past number of years Ju-Jutsu has been developed as a sporting and competitive activity. Because of this, many of it's lethal techniques have been omitted from training programs. Although at some clubs, such as Ketto Ryu, the dangerous maneuvers are still taught. Many of today's police forces have used the techniques of Ju-Jutsu as a basis for their control tactics. Most modern and practical self defense systems in the west are based upon this art.