Jiu-jitsu and judo are forms of martial arts. To an onlooker, jiu-jitsu and judo might appear like the same form of martial art, but both are derived from different perspectives and philosophies. Jiu-jitsu was created primarily for self-defense while judo was established for the purposes of personal development and competition.
History
The first documented reference to jiu-jitsu occurred in 230 B.C., and it is best known as the martial art of the samurai, according to a webpage on the University of Chicago website. This form of martial art developed as a way to defend one's self through the use of combat tools and techniques designed to disarm or kill adversaries. During the 1800s, jiu-jitsu experienced a decline in popularity and training. Judo derived from jiu-jitsu during this time when founder Jigoro Kano developed the new art. Judo was created to increase the popularity of martial arts while incorporating safe jiu-jitsu techniques with an emphasis on self-discipline.
Philosophy
The term "jutsu" means a fighting method associated with war, according to Bishop's Kajukenbo Academy. Judo resembles a way of life for a martial artist. The term "do" describes an art incorporating spiritual and moral values with an emphasis placed on personal development and enlightenment.
Weaponry
Jiu-jitsu originated with the samurai, a warrior who used war tools and combat techniques to defeat and kill opponents. The sword and the long-bladed spear are two forms of weapons that the samurai used. Jiu-jitsu techniques evolved with evasion methods to dodge an adversary's plunge and take hold of the arm gripping the weapon. The samurai would apply a joint lock to the limb to disconnect the tendons and muscles. While the samurai days are behind us, jiu-jitsu is still used today for self-defense. Judo is practiced as a sport with an emphasis on throwing techniques.
Competition
Unlike jiu-jitsu, competition is essential to judo. Competition has helped judo become "The most widely practiced martial art in the world," according to a 2009 article in the West Point Competitor. Since 1964, athletes practicing judo have participated in the Olympics. Judo, unlike jiu-jitsu, does not include striking moves, which are also illegal in competition. During competition, the purpose for the athletes is to use standing techniques to throw the competitor to the ground and secure the competitor with a grappling move, such as arm bars or chokes.
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