Brazilian Ju-jitsu Vs Japanese Ju-Jitsu

By Nathan Lambert

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   Many people cannot tell the differences between the two types of jiu-jitsu most commonly in circulation. The reason why the martial art split is mainly due to certain people not liking certain aspects of Japanese ju-jitsu, mainly the stripes and the more strength-focused approach at the time, and those people created judo. Judo later evolved into Brazilian jiu-jitsu once it arrived in the Americas in the 20th century.

   In BJJ (Brazilian ju-jitsu), the focus is more on what to do when your opponent is on the ground, leading to a submission. You mainly train this by “rolling” and live sparring. Many people believe that BJJ is primarily used for sport by focusing on techniques above all else. Although this is true for certain techniques, there are starting to be different sub-sections of BJJ where you can strike, making certain people change their syllabi to protect themselves from strikes.

   In JJJ (Japanese ju-jitsu), it is broader in its teaching styles, allowing strikes and kicks, commonly being referred to as “deadly.” This kind of ju-jitsu is broader in its teachings due to its use in feudal Japan, with monks and samurai using it for self-defense. Although this form of ju-jitsu is referred to as more deadly, the training style of most gyms doesn't train with much resistance; they don't work as if they are in a situation where their partner is resisting them.

   Although with all of this, I believe any martial art is a good way to spend your time, and different gyms train differently.