Jitsu

SUMMARY:
Jitsu, the “Evil Master of Martial Arts”, was produced in Hong Kong, Mexico (Aurimat), Argentina (Top Toys), France, Spain and India. This figure comes with removable armor and a katana. Jitsu has a twisting punch action as well as a spring-loaded chopping right arm.

The Aurimat Jitsu can be identified by its reddish-brown skin tones, dark reds, and chopping hand that is molded in either a red or cream-colored under base. 

It was first released in the second year of the Los Amos del Universo production (1985), using France molds. As is the case with France mold Jitsus, the biceps on this figure are enormous! The figure is either marked © Mattel. Inc. 1983 FRANCE or © Mattel. Inc. 1983 (Erased COO).  The semi-rigid, glossy katana can either say France, or it can be erased. The Fist has a red under base that is then painted gold. The gold of the armor is more muted, and its marked © MATTEL INC 1983 on 3 lines. The chest mold is more tapered and has a mostly brushed-out belly button. The shorts have lots of texture, and the leg muscles are smooth. The head is semi-hard.

The following year (1986) Malaysia Fisto molds were used. The figure now has regular (smaller) biceps. The figure is marked © Mattel. Inc. 1983 MALAYSIA. The shorts are smooth, very similar to Leo shorts. The gold on the boots and armor is much brighter. The armor has the © Mattel Inc 1983 markings all in one line. The semi-rigid, glossy katana is marked Hong Kong just like Aurimat Fisto Katanas. The fist has a cream-colored under base that is then painted gold. The belly button is smaller, more centered and anatomically correct. The head is soft.

While the katana is generally opaque, it's occasionally found translucent. It's not clear that this is a factory variation, or if it's caused by discoloration. 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:
1. Reddish-brown skin tones
2. Dark reds in the shorts and armor
3. Chopping hand in either a red or cream-colored underbase

FIRST WAVE (1985):
MARKED: © Mattel. Inc. 1983. FRANCE or © Mattel. Inc. 1983  (Erased COO)
ARMOR MARKED: © MATTEL INC 1983 on 3 lines
SWORD MARKED: FRANCE or No COO, just batch and serial numbers

SECOND WAVE (1986):
MARKED: © Mattel. Inc. 1983.  MALAYSIA
ARMOR MARKED: © Mattel Inc 1983 on one line
SWORD MARKED: HONG KONG, plus batch and serial numbers