jujitsu

Meaning

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) 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. (countable, uncountable) Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a related art, derived from judo.
3. (countable, figuratively, uncountable) Strategic maneuvering, especially with the aim of using the strength of one's opponent against them in an unexpected or counterintuitive way.

Verb

To attack (someone) or overcome (a challenge) with strategic maneuvering.

Synonyms

jujutsu

jiujitsu

judo

jiu-jitsu

ju-jitsu

jui-jitsu

Translations

jiu-jitsu

jiu-jitsu

ζίου ζίτσου

jiu-jítsu

jiu jitsu

ju-jitsu

jūjutsu

jujitsu

jujitsu

jujitsu

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˌd͡ʒuːˈd͡ʒɪtsuː/

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.