G'day, There was many names given to many different practises, which ultimately became grouped under the term "Jujutsu" during the Tokugawa era. Serge Mol makes a rather comprehensive list of the names which later became known as jujutsu, this list is as follows: "Over the centuries, jujutsu and jujutsu-like systems... have been known by a multitude of names... Some of the most commonly encountered are: kumiuchi, and its variants: -senjo kumiuchi (yaroi kumiuchi and katchu kumiuchi) -heifuku kumiuchi and suhada kumiuchi kogusoku, koshi no mawari, kogusoku koshi no mawari jujutsu, yawara yawarajutsu, yawaragi, yawaraiki wajutsu torite aikijujitsu, aiki no jutsu, aikijutsu hade, hakuda, kenpo, shubaku goho, koppo kowami taijutsu Although there are certain technical differences among some of these systems, they are all classed under the general term jujutsu." (Mol,S. 2001. pp.17)** The term Hakuda is one which is not often used but carries the connotation that atemiwaza (striking techniques) play an important role in the system. It is true that the origins of Aikido can be found in Daito Ryu Jujutsu and the origins of Judo can be traced back to kano's study in Kito Ryu and Tenjin Shinyo Ryu Jujutsu, as well as influences from external Jujutsu schools (from memory). However, as was discussed earlier, Karate developed as a totally independant entity due to geographical isolation. It has been suggested, on good authority, that the arts of Karatedo and the Jujutsu-like arts of Kenpo, as well as the Koto Ryu and Gyokko Ryu came from, or were heavily influenced by Chinese fighting systems. As for the Samurai, they practised Jujutsu under its many guises. The Samurai were not a single unified force with a standard training curriculum. They were made up of regional clansmen, not unlike the way the Scottish troops were pulled together in the movie "Braveheart". Each group had their own practises based on their own regional experiences. There were literally hundreds of Jujutsu Ryu (schools) present during the time the Samurai were flourishing in Japan, each of which can claim connection to some group of Samurai somewhere. As for time frame Jujutsu like techniques were mentioned in the Nihongi and Kojiki, which are the oldest extant texts of Japan and date back to the Nara period of 710-784 CE. As for what martial art is the oldest, well that debate is a pointless one which continues to rage. Combat is as old as human existance. The earliest records of mae geri type kicks and tegatana or shuto type strikes appear on ancient greek vases! I doubt the early greeks learned or taught these techniques in asia. I am happy to believe that sinse the dawn of human existance we have been developing fighting systems, and sinse there is limited ways of moving and manipulating our bodies there has to be some blending of ideas. Dao ** Mol, S. (2001) Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu. Kodansha International.
