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noun

jujitsu

joo-JIHT-soo

Jujitsu (noun) means a Japanese martial art that focuses on grappling, holds, and throws, using an opponent's own force against them rather than relying on brute strength. Example: “She has trained in jujitsu since she was ten years old.”

noun
1
A Japanese martial art that focuses on grappling, holds, and throws, using an opponent's own force against them rather than relying on brute strength.
"She has trained in jujitsu since she was ten years old."
"His jujitsu skills let him pin opponents twice his size."

How to use jujitsu

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA martial art built around redirecting an opponent's force rather than meeting it head-on.

UK vs US

Also spelled jiu-jitsu; Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a related, widely practised offshoot developed from judo.

Word forms

jujitsued past tense, jujitsu-ed past tense, jujitsus plural, jujitsus singular, jujitsu's singular

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Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese jūjutsu, literally "gentle technique" or "soft skill."

Origin: Japanese

jujutsu jiujitsu

Frequently asked questions

What does “jujitsu” mean?

The word “jujitsu” means a Japanese martial art that focuses on grappling, holds, and throws, using an opponent's own force against them rather than relying on brute strength. In plain terms, a martial art built around redirecting an opponent's force rather than meeting it head-on.

How do you pronounce “jujitsu”?

“Jujitsu” is pronounced joo-JIHT-soo (/ˌd͡ʒuːˈd͡ʒɪtsuː/ in IPA).

How do you use “jujitsu” in a sentence?

Here is “jujitsu” used in a sentence: “She has trained in jujitsu since she was ten years old.”

What part of speech is “jujitsu”?

“Jujitsu” is a noun.

Where does the word “jujitsu” come from?

The word “jujitsu” comes from Japanese. Borrowed from Japanese jūjutsu, literally "gentle technique" or "soft skill.".

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