2000 Years - Jiu Jitsu - Kodokan Judo - Early American Judo by Dennis Helm

SAMPLE TEXT

The origin of Jujitsu is lost in the mists of antiquity. The "Nihon Shoki," THE CHRONICLE OF JAPAN, a history, compiled by Imperial command in 720 AD refers to a tournament of Chikara Kurabe, (a fight to the death), refers to the contest of strength, which was held in the 7th year of the Emperor Suinin.

The year was 230 BC. when Emperor Suinin ordered two strong men named Nomi No Sukune and Tagima No Kuehaya to wrestle in his presence. This struggle to test the strength and courage of the two ancient giants consisted mainly of kicking, hitting, and gouging with Sukune gaining advantage of his opponent by breaking his ribs, after which he "trampled" upon his loins and back until Kuehaya was fatally injured. Although this incident is generally cited as being the origin of wrestling in Japan, it would seem that it was actually more in the nature of Jiu Jitsu in view of the fact that Kuehaya was kicked and gouged to death. Although it is questionable whether the brutal fighting of the Chikara Kurabe bore any relation to either the Sumo or Jujitsu of later days, the event is recorded as an important historic proof showing the embryonic stage of both Sumo and Jujitsu in the remote past.

During this period fights to the death became extremely popular and were organized in almost every city in Japan. As the value of human life became more respected the brutal fighting art of Chikara Kurabe evolved into a more humane art called Kumi Uchi, the grappling of the Samurai.