Congress MP Rahul Gandhi shared on National Sports Day (August 29) that during his Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra earlier this year, he followed a daily routine of practicing Jiu-Jitsu each evening. This routine brought together young martial arts enthusiasts from the towns they visited.
The video titled "Seekhoge Thoda Martial, Thoda Gentle Art" features Rahul Gandhi, a black belt in Aikido and blue belt in jiu-jitsu, and his trainer, Arun Sharma, a jiu-jitsu black belt. It shows them conducting evening camps during the yatra in various states, where they teach children martial arts techniques and self-defense skills.
He wrote :During the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, as we journeyed across thousands of kilometers, we had a daily routine of practicing jiu-jitsu every evening at our campsite. What began as a simple way to stay fit quickly evolved into a community activity, bringing together fellow yatris and young martial arts students from the towns where we stayed.
Our goal was to introduce these young minds to the beauty of the ‘Gentle Art’—a harmonious blend of meditation, jiu-jitsu, Aikido, and non-violent conflict resolution techniques. We aimed to instill in them the value of transforming violence into gentleness, giving them the tools to build a more compassionate and safer society.
On this #NationalSportsDay, I want to share our experience with all of you, hoping to inspire some of you to take up the practice of the ‘Gentle Art’.
P.S.: Bharat Dojo Yatra is coming soon
During the Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra, as we journeyed across thousands of kilometers, we had a daily routine of practicing jiu-jitsu every evening at our campsite. What began as a simple way to stay fit quickly evolved into a community activity, bringing together fellow yatris and… pic.twitter.com/Zvmw78ShDX
Now, lets know what are jiu-jitsu & aikido that Rahul Gandhi practiced during Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra
Jiu-Jitsu and Aikido are both Japanese martial arts with distinct philosophies and techniques:
Jiu-Jitsu: Originating in Japan, Jiu-Jitsu (or "jujutsu") is a traditional martial art that focuses on close combat. It includes a range of techniques such as joint locks, throws, and strikes, designed to neutralize an opponent through leverage and technique rather than strength. It was historically developed for samurai to defend themselves if disarmed.
The term "ju" can be translated as "gentle, soft, supple, flexible, pliable, or yielding," while "jutsu" means art or "technique. Thus, "jujutsu" translates to yielding art, reflecting its core philosophy of using an opponent's force against them rather than directly opposing it with one's own strength.
Interest in jiu-jitsu, especially the modern Brazilian form, surged dramatically following Royce Gracie’s legendary performance in the inaugural Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993. Gracie methodically defeated much larger and stronger opponents, relying primarily on submission holds rather than traditional kicks and punches
Techniques from various styles of jujutsu have contributed to the development of many modern martial arts and combat sports, including judo, aikido, sambo, ARB, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and mixed martial arts (MMA).
(Credit :Rahul Gandhi Instagram)
Aikido: Developed in the early 20th century by Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art emphasizing harmony and the redirection of an opponent's energy. Unlike Jiu-Jitsu, which often includes strikes and submissions, Aikido focuses on using an opponent’s movements and momentum against them with a strong emphasis on fluid, circular motions and joint locks. The goal is to neutralize aggression in a way that minimizes harm to both the practitioner and the opponent.
(Credit : Rahul Gandhi Instagram)
Forms of Jiu-Jitsu
Jiu-Jitsu has several forms and styles, each with its own focus and techniques. The primary forms include:
Classical Jiu-Jitsu (Jujutsu): The traditional form practiced by samurai, focusing on a wide range of techniques such as throws, joint locks, and strikes. It was developed for self-defense and battlefield combat.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): A modern evolution of Jiu-Jitsu, it emphasizes ground fighting and submission grappling. BJJ practitioners focus on techniques such as joint locks and chokeholds to control or submit an opponent, often using leverage and positioning rather than strength.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu: This form, often referred to as "Traditional Jiu-Jitsu," includes various schools and styles that preserve classical techniques and strategies. It maintains the original principles and methods used by samurai.
Judo: Developed from traditional Jiu-Jitsu by Jigoro Kano, Judo focuses on throws and takedowns, with an emphasis on using an opponent’s force against them. While Judo shares many techniques with Jiu-Jitsu, it also incorporates a sporting aspect with competitive matches.
Modern Jiu-Jitsu: This category includes contemporary adaptations and blends of traditional Jiu-Jitsu principles with other martial arts or modern self defense techniques, often evolving to meet the needs of today’s practitioners.
Sambo : Sambo is a Russian martial art and combat sport that combines elements of judo and wrestling. Developed in the Soviet Union in the early 20th century, its name is an acronym for "SAMozashchita Bez Oruzhiya," which means "self-defense without weapons." The sport includes two main styles: Sport Sambo, which focuses on throws and grappling techniques, and Combat Sambo, which incorporates strikes and self-defense techniques. Sambo is known for its practical applications and effectiveness in both sport and self-defense contexts.
Each form has its own training methods, principles, and applications, but all share a common foundation in leverage and technique.
(Credit : Rahul Gandhi Instagram)
History of jiu jitsu
The history of Jiu-Jitsu (or "jujutsu") is rich and complex, spanning several centuries and evolving through different periods and cultures:
Origins (Early Japan): Jiu-Jitsu originated in feudal Japan during the Sengoku period (15th-17th centuries). It was developed by samurai as a method of self-defense when disarmed or in close combat situations. The techniques were designed to neutralize opponents through leverage, joint locks, throws, and strikes.
Classical Development (Edo Period): During the Edo period (1603-1868), Jiu-Jitsu continued to evolve as various schools (ryu) emerged, each with its own techniques and philosophies. The focus was on practical self-defense and battlefield combat, with a strong emphasis on training for real-life scenarios.
Transition to Judo (Late 19th Century): In the late 19th century, Jigoro Kano, a practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu, developed Judo by refining and systematizing Jiu-Jitsu techniques into a structured martial art with a focus on throws, groundwork, and competitive sports. Judo's creation marked a significant shift from traditional Jiu-Jitsu.
Modern Adaptations (20th Century Onwards): Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) emerged in the early 20th century when Japanese Jiu-Jitsu practitioners, including Mitsuyo Maeda, introduced the art to Brazil. The Gracie family, in particular, adapted and refined these techniques into a new form focused on ground fighting and submissions, which became widely popular and influential in martial arts worldwide.
Contemporary Era: Today, Jiu-Jitsu continues to evolve, with various styles and schools incorporating modern techniques, training methods, and competition formats. Its influence extends beyond martial arts into areas like self-defense and mixed martial arts (MMA).
Each phase in Jiu-Jitsu's history reflects changes in martial culture, technology, and societal needs, leading to its current diverse forms and global popularity.
(Credit : Rahul Gandhi Instagram)
Aikido
Aikido, founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century, is a modern Japanese martial art with a unique philosophy and approach: Aikido is known for its elegant and non-competitive approach, aiming to promote peace and personal growth through martial practice.
Aikido is centered around the concept of harmony and blending with an opponent's movements. The core idea is to neutralize aggression without causing harm, using techniques that redirect the opponent's force. This philosophy reflects Ueshiba's belief in achieving peace and unity through martial practice.
Aikido techniques primarily include joint locks, throws, and pins. Practitioners use circular movements and fluid motions to redirect and control an opponent's energy. Unlike many martial arts, Aikido avoids direct confrontation and aims to use minimal force.
Aikido includes training with traditional Japanese weapons, such as the bokken (wooden sword), jo (wooden staff), and tanto (wooden dagger). These weapons training sessions help practitioners understand the principles of movement and distance, as well as improve their overall technique and understanding of Aikido concepts.
Aikido places a significant emphasis on the development of character, self-discipline, and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution to conflict. It integrates physical practice with philosophical and ethical teachings, encouraging practitioners to cultivate a harmonious mindset both on and off the mat.
"True victory is the final victory over oneself, here and now,” meaning that an Aikido practitioner’s primary goal is self-mastery rather than the cultivation of violence or aggression. This philosophy explains why there are no Aikido competitions; instead, practitioners focus on demonstrations and engage in various practices aimed at holistic mental and physical growth.
Some critics question Aikido’s effectiveness as a real-world fighting technique, suggesting that Aikido practitioners might struggle against more aggressive martial arts. However, others contend that the skills and discipline cultivated through Aikido are invaluable, not only for self-defense but also for personal development and life in general.
What is Dojo?
A Dojo is a hall or place dedicated to immersive learning, experiential learning, or meditation, traditionally within the context of martial arts.
The Bharat Jodo Nyay Yatra lasted over two months and covered more than 6,200 kilometers, beginning on January 14 in Manipur and concluding in Mumbai. This journey was a hybrid initiative and marked the second phase of Gandhi's earlier padyatra, which spanned from Kanyakumari to Kashmir from September 2022 to January 2023.
