The difference between Japanese jiujitsu and Brazilian jiujitsu is technique, application and origin. Jiujitsu first appeared in Japan, possibly as early as 24 B.C., and it was introduced to America in the late 1930s. Brazilian jiujitsu is a newer martial art, originating in Brazil around 1915 and introduced to North America during the late 20th century.
Japanese
During the feudal period, the Japanese developed traditional jiujitsu as a system for close-quarter combat by refining other martial arts and adding more sophisticated grappling techniques designed specifically for warfare. Japanese jiujitsu is still practiced in its classical martial art form and has also evolved and branched into other martial arts, including judo and other forms of jiujitsu.
Brazilian
Brazilian jiujitsu originated hundreds of years after traditional Japanese jiujitsu. Esai Maeda Koma, a master of Japanese jiujitsu, traveled to Brazil and trained Carlos Gracie Sr., a small Brazilian teenager, in his martial art style. Gracie absorbed fighting lessons from Maeda, focusing primarily on groundwork techniques and began sharing this knowledge with his brothers. The Gracie brothers further adapted and refined the sport, and Carlos opened the first Brazilian jiujitsu academy in 1925 in Rio de Janeiro.
Technique
If you are interested in learning self-defense and a progressive system of ground-fighting techniques, including chokes, holds and arm and leg locks, train in Brazilian jiujitstu. Brazilian jiujitsu is a ground-grappling martial art, progressively evolving with the creativity and invention of moves from expert artists. To learn the traditional, standing combat techniques used by ancient Japanese warriors, such as weaponry defense, standing chokes, joint locks and other armored grappling and standing execution techniques, practice Japanese jiujitsu. Either martial art will provide you with valuable lessons.
Application
To increase your ability to defend yourself and fight in everyday situations, especially in any fight that heads to the ground -- as most fights do -- learn and train in Brazilian jiujitsu, which is is a more practical method for present-day fighting, as classic Japanese jiujitsu was developed to create an advantage on an ancient battlefield, where there were classic weapons used and armor worn.
References
- "Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Clinics of North America"; The Martial Arts; C. Terry; 2006
- Jiu-Jitsu: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Newbie Guide -- FAQs
- Jiu-Jitsu: History
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation: The History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- "Black Belt"; Submission Grappling vs. Classical Ju-Jutsu; When Cultures and Concepts Collide; Stephan Kesting, et al.; May 2005
- Carpe Jiujitsu: Birth of Jiujitsu
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