Judo is a martial art form derived from Jujutsu. The style was formed at the Kodokan Judo Institute in Tokyo, Japan in 1982 by Professor Jigoro Kano, who mastered several styles of Jiujutsu in his youth. The word Judo means “the gentle way” and is a style that seeks to use an opponent’s energy against him.

Jujutsu does not have one definite source from which it originated, but finds its fame from feudal Japan, as it is often thought as the martial art used by samurai who had lost their weapons. The actual term Jujutsu was first used in 1532 when Hisamori Tenenuchi officially established the first school of Jujutsu in Japan.  After the end of feudal Japan and the samurai, the battle application of Jujutsu became obsolete, and a more practical application was needed.

Aikido is another martial art derived from Jujutsu. The style was formed in Japan by Morihei Ueshiba. Aikido, which means “the way of unifying life energy” or “the way of harmonious spirit”, has a greater focus on personal and spiritual development and isn’t meant to be seen as a sport, but rather a way to master one’s self to create harmony.

Goju Ryu is a form of karate that traces its origins back to Okinawa, Japan. Founded by Grandmaster Chojun Miyagi, he was trained in Naha-Te (one of two forms of karate in Okinawa) under Grandmaster Kanyro Higaonna, who trained in China. The name of Goju Ryu was later coined by one of Chojun Miyagi’s students, who stated that the style that he was taught was “Ho Goju Donto” or ‘the way of inhaling and exhaling is hardness and softness.”

Hapkido is a Korean martial art founded by Choi Yong Sool, who during the Japanese occupation, worked for the patriarch of Daito Ryu Aikijitsu (a Japanese martial art). When Choi returned to Korea, he quickly received his first student, a brewery manager who was a 1^stDan blackbelt in Judo. This student helped him establish a school to teach Dae Dong Ryu Yu Sool. Choi’s knowledge of this style along with the influence of Judo from his first student helped create the style of Hapkido. Hapkido was introduced to the U.S. in 1964 by Sea Oh Choi.

American Kenpo was founded by Ed Parker in 1954. In an article in the Los Angelas Examiner, Ed Parker stated that the style “combines Judo, Jiu Jitsu, boxing, some wrestling and much of the rough and tumble of street fighting.”

During the period in which the war application of Jujutsu had come to an end, and a new practical style was being sought after, Brazilian Jiujitsu was created. Japanese Jujutsu/Judo was introduced to the Gracie family in Brazil in 1914 by Esai Maeda (AKA Conde Koma). The style was further developed by Carlos Gracie, who modified the techniques to emphasize the use of leverage and timing over strength and speed.