Jiu-jitsu

Jiu-jitsu is a generic or collective term which when translated means "the art of flexibility or adaptability."

In Canada, in addition to a combat self-defence art, Jiu-jitsu is practised as a healthy and exciting sport at the provincial, national and international levels. The Canadian Jiu-jitsu Association, founded in 1963 by Ronald W. Forrester, sent its black-belt team to Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1977 to win top honours in the first recorded international Jiu-jitsu team tournament. At the 1978 Canadian National Exhibition, the Canadian Jiu-jitsu black-belt team defeated teams from the US and West Indies; in addition, Canadian Jiu-jitsu athletes won the first 5 places in individual competition, male and female divisions. In 1981 the Canadian Jiu-jitsu team defeated the Florida State black-belt team by winning 7 matches out of 8.

The first world Jiu-jitsu championships, in which countries from 4 continents participated, were held in 1984 in Niagara Falls, Ont. The Canadian Jiu-jitsu team won first place in the team, heavyweight and lightweight divisions. The second world Jiu-jitsu championships were held in 1986 in London, Eng, where Canada swept the championships with first-place victories in the team, heavyweight, middleweight, and newly created senior divisions (over age 45). The third world Jiu-jitsu championships are scheduled to be held in Brisbane, Australia, in 1988. Jiu-jitsu now ranks as one of the most popular of the martial arts, and one of the most effective systems of self-defence. Its ultimate aim is to produce well-adjusted individuals through recreation.