The Differences Between Brazilian Ju Jitsu and Ju Jitsu
As mixed martial arts has exploded in popularity over the past decade, the popularity of individual schools of training and styles of fighting have also increased.
Most prominent amongst these is Brazilian JuJitsu.
But many people don't know the difference between BJJ and standalone Ju Jitsu.
It's important to know these differences, whether you want to begin training or you simply want a better understanding of mixed martial arts.
JuJitsu, also known as JuJutsu, is an original Japanese style of fighting.
Its origins date back hundreds of years, until at least the 1600s.
But actually, its predecessors and style date back several hundred more years prior to this, although the techniques and stylistic teachings were not grouped together as "JuJitsu" until the 17th century.
This ancient martial art focuses on grappling, neutralizing an enemy, and using his own energy and power against him.
Brazilian Ju Jitsu is a much more recent development to the scene, with a history of about 100 years.
BJJ actually stemmed from Judo, which itself stemmed from JuJitsu.
It was developed by Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie in the early 1900s after Mitsuyo Maeda had taught the teenagers Judo in appreciation to their father, Gastao, who had helped him.
It's different from classic Ju Jitsu in many ways.
First, BJJ is not just a school of martial arts, or a system of fighting, it's also a sport and a competition.
JuJitsu is not, it is a standalone school of fighting and training, and does not have any competitions using its craft.
BJJ though is a sport and is taught as such.
BJJ incorporates a number of belts and rankings, and can be used in competition against others.
Additionally, with Brazilian Ju Jitsu, you'll find a much more clear system of principles and strategies for dealing with opponents, and how you can guide them or approach them throughout an altercation or interaction.
Ju Jitsu had many individual principles, but these were not put together as cohesively into a clear approach for how to cope with a situation.
Also, with BJJ, the emphasis is clearly not only on grappling, but on getting an opponent to the ground.
Defending against strikes and other attacks on the ground, controlling body position on the ground and submitting opponents from the ground, are the paramount techniques of BJJ, while Ju Jitsu wasn't as focused on ground work.
So what's the real difference between BJJ and Ju Jitsu? You can think of Brazilian Ju Jitsu as a grandchild of Ju Jitsu.
It was based on Judo, which was based on the original Japanese Ju Jitsu.
It developed and incorporated new ideas and techniques, while retaining much of the classic style and purpose.
It's important to recognize these two different branches of the martial arts tree to understand for yourself what's out there, and further, what you may want to get involved in for yourself.
Most prominent amongst these is Brazilian JuJitsu.
But many people don't know the difference between BJJ and standalone Ju Jitsu.
It's important to know these differences, whether you want to begin training or you simply want a better understanding of mixed martial arts.
JuJitsu, also known as JuJutsu, is an original Japanese style of fighting.
Its origins date back hundreds of years, until at least the 1600s.
But actually, its predecessors and style date back several hundred more years prior to this, although the techniques and stylistic teachings were not grouped together as "JuJitsu" until the 17th century.
This ancient martial art focuses on grappling, neutralizing an enemy, and using his own energy and power against him.
Brazilian Ju Jitsu is a much more recent development to the scene, with a history of about 100 years.
BJJ actually stemmed from Judo, which itself stemmed from JuJitsu.
It was developed by Carlos Gracie and Helio Gracie in the early 1900s after Mitsuyo Maeda had taught the teenagers Judo in appreciation to their father, Gastao, who had helped him.
It's different from classic Ju Jitsu in many ways.
First, BJJ is not just a school of martial arts, or a system of fighting, it's also a sport and a competition.
JuJitsu is not, it is a standalone school of fighting and training, and does not have any competitions using its craft.
BJJ though is a sport and is taught as such.
BJJ incorporates a number of belts and rankings, and can be used in competition against others.
Additionally, with Brazilian Ju Jitsu, you'll find a much more clear system of principles and strategies for dealing with opponents, and how you can guide them or approach them throughout an altercation or interaction.
Ju Jitsu had many individual principles, but these were not put together as cohesively into a clear approach for how to cope with a situation.
Also, with BJJ, the emphasis is clearly not only on grappling, but on getting an opponent to the ground.
Defending against strikes and other attacks on the ground, controlling body position on the ground and submitting opponents from the ground, are the paramount techniques of BJJ, while Ju Jitsu wasn't as focused on ground work.
So what's the real difference between BJJ and Ju Jitsu? You can think of Brazilian Ju Jitsu as a grandchild of Ju Jitsu.
It was based on Judo, which was based on the original Japanese Ju Jitsu.
It developed and incorporated new ideas and techniques, while retaining much of the classic style and purpose.
It's important to recognize these two different branches of the martial arts tree to understand for yourself what's out there, and further, what you may want to get involved in for yourself.
