# jujitsu

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌd͡ʒuːˈd͡ʒɪtsuː/ · frequency rank #71,614

## Definitions
1. A Japanese martial art and method of self-defence, typically unarmed, emphasizing manipulating an opponent’s force against themselves rather than directly opposing it with force, and using a wide variety of holds, throws, and defensive techniques.
2. Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a related art, derived from judo.
3. Strategic maneuvering, especially with the aim of using the strength of one's opponent against them in an unexpected or counterintuitive way.

## Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese 柔術 (jūjutsu). Popular spelling jitsu (instead of less popular jiutsu or jutsu) could reference to allophonic [d͡ʑɨ] or [d͡ʑi] (in Shitamachi dialect). First mentioned in The Japan Mail (1875, page 133), before the widespread use of the Hepburn system.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/jujitsu