The art of Ju-Jitsu began to grow during the period of clan warfare in Japan, from the eighth to the sixteenth centuries. During this period of constant civil war, the different styles of armed combat were undergoing continuous revision and refinement on the battlefield. The weaponless styles of Ju-Jitsu were integrated into the training of the Samurai during this time.
In 1603, Tokugawa Leysu united Japan under the control of the Tokugawa government, and so began the era that bears their name. During this time, as Japan was united, there was less and less armed warfare, and so the weaponless style of Ju-Jitsu became more and more prominent.

The Tokugawa era came to and end with the Meji restoration, which returned the emperor to power. Many of the samurai had supported the Shogun in the wars that began the restoration, and as a result, Emperor Melse published an edict that made it illegal to practice the old combat arts. Some masters, however, continued to do so underground, or moved to other countries.
In the mid 19th century, the Samurai class was formally disbanded, and many schools died out. It was at this time that Jigoro

Jioro Kano, a master of the Tenshin Shin'Yo ryu Ju-Jitsu developed a new kind of Ju-Jitsu that would focus more on the sporting and exercise aspects of the art in 1882. This style was more accepted by the populace. He called this new style Judo. He also introduced the belt ranking system that we have today, consisting of the Kyu ranks for lower belts and Dan ranks for upper belts.

The Ju Jitsu that is taught as Loyola College is Maru Ketsugo Jutsu which comes from several different styles of Ju-jitsu. among them is Samuri Ryu Ju-Jutsu, Small Circle Ju-Jitsu, Ketsugo Ju-Jitsu, Taiho Jitsu (Styles before 1882), Kodokan Judo, Budoshin Ju-Jitsu, Haddo Ryu Ju-Jutsu, Seibukan Ninhon Ryiu Ju-Jutsu and Shuai Chiou a Chinese verson of Ju-jitsu. We also study Cha Qua an ancient art from the Kung Fu system.