Jujitsu, or the gentle art, has been the starting point for a variety of self defense styles. One style that has made great gains in popularity over the last few years is Brazilian jujitsu, also known as Gracie Jujitsu in reference to the family that developed this form. Even though Brazilian jujitsu was developed from traditional jujitsu, there are major differences in their focus of techniques, while the similarities between the two form a base of their overall structure.
History
The martial art form of jujitsu is hundreds of years old. The style of jujitsu that we are familiar with was developed by the Japanese around the feudal era of Japan's history. The first recorded use of the term jujitsu was during the mid-1500s. Ancient Japanese instructors of jujitsu maintained a mystical secrecy about their art, however, the development of this style of martial art originated from Greek wrestling techniques, as well as Chinese and East Indians self-defense methods. Brazilian Jujitsu originated when Esai Maeda, a student of jujitsu, moved from Japan to Brazil around 1916, where he taught jujitsu to the Gracie brothers. The Gracie brothers opened their own jujitsu school in 1925 and began developing their style of Brazilian jujitsu.
Similarities
Both traditional jujitsu and Brazilian jujitsu employ the use of choke holds and arm locks(joint manipulation) to subdue their opponent. They both apply throwing techniques in an attempt to place their opponent in a prone position on the ground in order that they may implement the chokes or arm locks more easily Other styles of martial arts, such as karate and tae kwon do, are limited because of their emphasis is on striking and kicking. Jujitsu, as a result of its emphasis on submissions, can practice at full capacity. This form of practice is called Rondori or free style practice.
Differences
Essentially, the main difference between traditional and Brazilian jujitsu is that the Brazilian form focuses on grappling and the application of techniques once the two combatants have fallen to the ground.Traditional jujitsu concentrates on standing techniques and self defense methods. Another difference is that traditional jujitsu does allow for certain strikes and kicks, whereas Brazilian jujitsu uses throws to send opponents to the ground where they can then fully apply their style.
Study Both
Brazilian jujitsu practitioners are instructed in the simplest and most effective way of subduing their opponent. Even though the object of traditional jujitsu is to apply techniques effectively and efficiently, there are many techniques that are extremely complex and require many years of practice to master. The traditional jujitsu knowledge of many different techniques is impressive, however, the instinctual application of a few techniques of Brazilian jujitsu is equally impressive. Both traditional and Brazilian jujitsu have qualities that make them individually formidable, a well-rounded student would be best advised to study both styles.
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