Aiki jitsu and Brazilian jiujitsu are two of the dozens of arts stemming from battlefield grappling techniques of feudal Japan. Although they share common roots, they represent very different -- nearly opposite -- parts of the spectrum of jiujitsu-related martial arts.
Uniforms
Aiki jitsu practitioners wear the same traditional uniform as aikidoists and kenjutsu stylists. It consists of lightweight, loose pants, a quilted white jacket and a loose, black skirt called a "hakama." Some organizations allow only black-belt practitioners to wear the hakama. Brazilian jiujitsu stylists wear a standard judo uniform, consisting of just the pants and jacket -- both reinforced against the rigors of ground fighting.
Emphasis
Both aiki jitsu and Brazilian jiujitsu practice grappling, joint locks, sweeps and throws rather than emphasizing striking as with tae kwon do or karate. However, aiki jitsu students focus on stand-up techniques, while Brazilian jiujitsu moves are mostly about ground fighting. Both arts study both styles of grappling, but there is a clear difference in emphasis.
Signature Moves
The iconic moves of Brazilian jiujitsu are the chokes and submission locks that secure a win in competition. Examples include the arm bar, triangle choke and rear-naked choke. Signature moves from aiki jitsu are about redirecting the energy of an opponent by capturing an incoming attack and applying a circular motion to throw the opponent or break a limb.
Philosophy
Aiki jitsu is a highly traditional martial art. Learning it includes study of martial ethics, Japanese history, the code of Bushido and often calligraphy and massage. Brazilian jiujitsu focuses mostly on sport application, and students learn about the rules and customs of the game as played in modern competition. There are exceptions to both rules: It's possible to find a combat-oriented aiki jitsu program, just as it's possible to find Brazilian jiujitsu schools that focus on traditional values.
References
- Dave Coffman; Martial Arts Instructor; Bushido Martial Arts; Hillsboro, Oregon
- "GURPS Martial Arts"; Peter Dell'Orto & Sean Punch; 2006
- "Martial Arts of the World"; Thomas Green; 2010
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