Wrestling and jujitsu are both martial arts that prominently employ take downs, joint locks, pins, grappling holds and throws. Although both martial arts utilize a variety of grappling maneuvers, they tend to differ considerably in history and fighting philosophy. Unlike wrestling, which is primarily concerned with sport competition, jujitsu is a traditional martial art that embodies a specific culture, philosophy and way of life.
Wrestling
According to the International Federation of Associated Wrestling Styles, wrestling made its debut in the ancient Olympic Games in 708 B.C. Since then, wrestling as a combat art and competitive sport has grown to include a list of specific exercises and techniques for bringing an opponent to submission. Unlike jujitsu combatants, who are paired up according to rank, wrestlers use a weight system so that they are consistently competing against wrestlers of similar body size.
Jujitsu
According to the "Aikido Journal," the term jujutsu -- the fighting style from which the modern form jujitsu evolved -- dates back to the Muromachi period in 14th century Japan, where a variety of different schools began instructing students in unarmed close combat attacks designed to immobilize and pin down an opponent. Since jujitsu as a martial art is taught in a variety of different schools, it is difficult to obtain a comprehensive list of katas and techniques. However, most jujitsu curriculum focuses on manipulating an opponent's body force and momentum using pins, joint locks, traps and throws.
Comparisons
Most wrestlers compete wearing a singlet, a small piece of clothing that extends from the shoulders down to the groin. Jujitsu combatants typically wear their class uniforms: a black hakama or Japanese skirt, and a T-shirt or kimono covering their torso. Both fighters may wear a cup or mouth guard for protection during a fight, although wrestlers often wear a headguard to protect the ears during combat. Whereas wrestlers learn a curriculum based solely on judged one-on-one competitions, jujitsu students learn how to defend against multiple attackers. In addition to unarmed grappling techniques, some traditional jujitsu schools may instruct students on the use of Japanese weapons such as the bokken, katana or jo staff.
Safety Considerations
Both wrestling and jujitsu are considered full-contact martial arts and carry a significant risk of injury. In addition to the regular sprains and bruises encountered during competition, accidents and foul play could potentially lead to broken bones or other large injuries during the course of a martial artist's career. Talk to your doctor if you have an injury or health condition that might impede or complicate your training.
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