The fighting style of Wing Chun was developed in China from the martial art known as kung fu. There is controversy as to the origins of Wing Chun. Some Wing Chun practitioners believe the story the art it is named for Yim Wing Chun, a woman who practiced it, is nothing more than a myth, and the art began as a compilation of numerous different kung fu styles. Brazilian jujitsu was developed in Brazil from practitioners of traditional Japanese jujitsu who immigrated to Brazil in the early part of the 1900s. Jujitsu is Japanese for "gentle art."
Wing Chun
There are three components behind the philosophy of Wing Chun. The first refers to the idea of directness. Directness pertains to applying your movements in a straight line or, in other words, using the shortest route when applying a technique. The second principle of Wing Chun is efficiency -- using as little effort as necessary to apply as much force as is required. The third concept of Wing Chun is simplicity, using techniques that are easily understood and therefore applied effectively.
Brazilian Jujitsu
The concept of Brazilian jujitsu is based on three ideals. The first element involves striking and self-defense as it relates to techniques applied to both armed and unarmed assailants. The second element is devoted to free-fighting competitions. Free fighting involves practitioners of Brazilian jujitsu who are interested in competing in mixed martial arts competitions, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The third aspect of Brazilian Jujitsu principles deals with grappling, both with and without a "gi," or uniform worn by a martial artist. To grapple means to employ the use of chokes and joint locks designed to cause your opponent to submit.
Differences
The essential difference between Wing Chun and Brazilian jujitsu is that Brazilian jujitsu incorporates grappling or ground techniques into its system of self-defense. The premise behind this idea is that most physical altercations eventually succumb to some form of clinching -- wrestling or grabbing. Brazilian jujitsu employs an aspect to its training called "randori," which means freestyle competitive practice. This allows the student the opportunity of applying the techniques and feeling the techniques applied on him in a controlled environment, whereas, Wing Chun has no such aspect to its training.
Prominence
The most celebrated aspect of Wing Chun is its association with film star Bruce Lee. Lee had studied Wing Chun as a teenager in Hong Kong and it was the driving force behind Lee's famous fighting style. Brazilian jujitsu is most noted for its influence on mixed martial arts competitions, which have exploded in popularity over the last few years. A large influence in mixed martial arts is the Gracie family of Brazil, who developed their style of jujitsu to the point where Gracie jujitsu and Brazilian jujitsu are considered synonymous.
References
- Ving Tsun Museum; The Secret History of Wing Chun; Benny Meng and Alfredo Delbrocco
- Jiu-Jitsu.net: Jiu-jitsu History
- International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation: The History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Wing Chun Martial Arts; Wing Chun by Definition; David Peterson and Enzo Verratti
- Tim Cartmell - Shen Wu Martial Arts: History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
- "Ju-jitsu"; Martin Dixon; 2003
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