Traditional Japanese jujitsu and Brazilian jujitsu are related martial arts. The Japanese art is a commonly practiced martial art that is practiced for self-defense and self-development across the world. Brazilian jujitsu, or BJJ, is a martial art and combat sport that focuses extensively on ground fighting.
History
Traditional jujitsu was developed from the unarmed combat arts of the samurai. Techniques such as strikes, throws and joint locks designed to incapacitate an armed or unarmed opponent all incorporated. From this art came judo, developed by Jigoro Kano. By removing some of the more violent techniques and placing an emphasis on sporting competition and randori, or live sparring, he felt the art would become more practical and efficient. BJJ was created by the Gracie family of Brazil after one of Kano's students, Mitsuyo Maeda, came to Brazil to teach judo.
Techniques
Many of the joint locks and strangleholds of jujitsu also are found in BJJ and vice versa. However, while jujitsu incorporates strikes, blocks and techniques against armed opponents, BJJ is solely a grappling art. It emphasizes controlling techniques as well as joint locks and choke holds from the ground, whether from on top of or under your opponent. BJJ involves a few throws and takedowns, but generally these are less elaborate than the wristlock throws common in jujitsu, partly as a result of the live training and partly because of the influence of judo.
Training
Jujitsu training is often based on set routines known as kata, as well as rehearsed partner drills. Kata involves performing set movements against imaginary opponents. Drills involve a tori, or the partner performing the technique, as well as an uke, or the partner who has the technique performed on him. Drills are performed without much resistance and include weapon disarms and other self-defense moves. BJJ focuses on drilling specific techniques on a partner, such as joint locks and sweeps, which will then be practiced in live training, or rolling.
Other Differences
Jujitsu is more commonly seen as a martial art, focused on self-defense, discipline and budo, or martial spirit. BJJ is commonly seen as a combat sport, which achieved fame when Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993, a no-holds-barred fighting event that pitted stylists from different martial arts against one another. Gracie won by taking down and submitting a variety of martial artists, while no traditional jujitsu stylists have achieved much success. Both styles use different uniforms and belt systems, although the coveted black belt is the highest achievable rank in both.
References
- "Classical Fighting Arts of Japan: A Complete Guide to Koryu Jujutsu"; Serge Mol, 2001
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation
- "Mastering Jiu Jitsu"; Renzo Gracie; 2003
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