Theodore Roosevelt and Jiu-Jitsu: The President's Pioneering Journey in Martial Arts (Jiu -Jitsu)
- Self Defense Academy COS
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Theodore Roosevelt—Teddy to those who admired his larger-than-life personality—was a man who lived the "strenuous life." A Rough Rider, hunter, conservationist, and the 26th President of the United States, Roosevelt believed physical fitness and self-reliance were essential to character and leadership. Few know that this belief led him to become the first U.S. president to train in Japanese jujutsu, bringing grappling arts to the White House and helping popularize them across America.
Roosevelt's embrace of jujutsu wasn't just a hobby—it was a deliberate pursuit of mental toughness, practical self-defense, and overall vitality. In an era when boxing and wrestling dominated, he sought out Japanese masters to expand his skills.
Roosevelt's Path to Jiu-Jitsu: From Boxing to the Dojo
Roosevelt who was born on thweaker side. Decided that this state was not acceptable began lifting weights, and figthing at a young age. He transformed himself into becoming athletic. He boxed regularly and even sparred with White House aides. But in 1902, after a boxing injury damaged his eyesight, he turned to jujutsu as a safer yet effective alternative.
His first instructor was Professor J.J. O'Brien, an Irish-American who had studied in Japan. O'Brien taught Roosevelt in the White House, focusing on throws, joint locks, and ground control—techniques that emphasized leverage over brute strength.
In 1904–1905, Roosevelt invited Yoshiaki Yamashita, a high-ranking judoka (later the first 10th-degree black belt), to train him and his inner circle, including conservationist Gifford Pinchot. Roosevelt practiced diligently, even during his presidency.
He once wrote to his children about the art's value, praising its blend of physical and mental discipline. Though he trained only in short, intense periods, Roosevelt's enthusiasm helped introduce jujutsu to American audiences.
Why Jiu-Jitsu Resonated with Roosevelt
Roosevelt saw jujutsu as more than combat—it aligned with his philosophy of overcoming adversity. Aftre having an exhibition in the White ouse against the best of American Fighters. He believed the art built resilience, humility, and strategic thinking. In his words, it was "worth more in every way than all of our athletics combined."
Today people are hyped up about the UFC doing an event in the White House. When as we can see in the pragrapgh above. Teddy Roosevelt already did a version of this when he invited the Japanese fighters to fight the Americans.
His training popularized Japanese grappling in the U.S., laying groundwork for judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu's later rise. The U.S. Judo Association even posthumously awarded him an honorary black belt.
Roosevelt's Legacy and the Remount Foundation
Roosevelt's commitment to preparedness extended beyond martial arts. In 1908, he established the U.S. Army Remount Service to breed and train quality horses for military use—a vital part of national defense at the time.
Today, the Remount Foundation which is located here in Colorado Springs inside the Air Force Academy honors that legacy by caring for horses and supporting equine programs tied to Roosevelt's vision. Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs volunteered with the foundation, connecting Roosevelt's ideals of strength and service to modern self-defense training.
Bringing Roosevelt's Spirit to Today
Roosevelt's story reminds us that self-defense and fitness build confidence and character. At Self Defense Academy Colorado Springs, we teach practical JuJutsu for real-world situations, emphasizing fundamentals, respect, and empowerment—just as Roosevelt valued.
Ready to channel your inner Rough Rider? Join us for a complimentary Trial class and experience the art that fascinated a president. YOU are worth defending! Theodore Roosevelt and Jiu-Jitsu: The President's Pioneering Journey in Martial Arts (Jiu -Jitsu)
Thought of the Moment: "Wrestling is simply a sport with rules almost as conventional as those of tennis, while jiu jitsu is really meant for practice in killing or disabling our adversary. The art of Jiu-Jitsu is worth more in every way than all of our athletics combined." - Theodore Roosevelt
