Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ: Ultimate Hack to New Fighter’s Choice

The debate over Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ is common in martial arts circles. Both styles come from the same roots but have evolved into different systems. Japanese Jiu Jitsu focuses on traditional self-defense, while Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ) is more about ground fighting and submissions.

I have trained in both Japanese Jiu Jitsu and modern BJJ. Each has unique strengths. Knowing the differences can help you choose the right one for your goals.

Let’s dive into the key similarities, fighting techniques, and how the two systems diverge. Start Your Crosstraining Journey Today!

What Is Japanese Jiu Jitsu?

Japanese Jiu Jitsu (also written as Japanese Jujitsu) is an ancient martial art. It was created for samurai in feudal Japan. This fighting style includes throws, joint locks, strikes, and structural attacks.

1. ✔ Uses Japanese terminology for techniques.
2. ✔ Includes standing and ground techniques.
3. ✔ Focuses on self-defense rather than competition.
4. ✔ Used by samurai warriors for real combat.

Aikido Japanese Jiujitsu also comes from this system. It emphasizes fluid movements and using an opponent’s force against them.

What Is Brazilian Jiujitsu (BJJ)?

Modern BJJ was developed in Brazil by the Gracie family. They modified Japanese Jiu Jitsu techniques to focus on ground fighting.

1. ✔ Specializes in submission techniques and positional control.
2. ✔ Uses a structured promotion system from white to black belt.
3. ✔ Popular in Brazilian Jiujitsu competition.
4. ✔ Focuses on leverage and technique over strength.

New BJJ black belts are tested in rolling sessions, not just formal exams. Compare Fighting Styles & Learn More!

Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ: Key Similarities

There are many similarities between the two arts:

1. ✔ Both use throws, locks, and submission techniques.
2. ✔ Both have a belt system (yellow belt, orange belt, brown belt, etc.).
3. ✔ Both require years of training to reach senior master levels.
4. ✔ Both encourage crosstraining journeys with other martial arts.

Despite these similar threads, the focus of each style is different. Discover the Similar Threads in Both Arts!

Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ: Key Differences

1. Focus: Japanese Jiu Jitsu includes strikes and throws. BJJ focuses on ground fighting.
2. Belts: The promotion systems differ. BJJ has a more detailed belt system.
3. Competition: BJJ offers more competition opportunities.

How the Two Systems Diverge

The strangest thing about the jiu jitsu vs BJJ debate is how different they are in practice.

1. Fighting Techniques

1. ✔ Japanese Jiu Jitsu has overt ways of attacking, including strikes and weapons defense.
2. ✔ BJJ relies on different submission techniques and positional control.

2. Training Methods

1. ✔ Japanese Jiu Jitsu practices structural attacks in preset drills.
2. ✔ BJJ uses live sparring to test techniques in real-time.

3. Original Purpose

1. ✔ Japanese Jiu Jitsu was made for battlefield combat.
2. ✔ BJJ was designed for one-on-one fights, like in MMA.

This is why Japanese and Brazilian styles feel so different. Master Different Submission Techniques Now!

Competition Opportunities

If you love competing, BJJ offers more choices.

1. ✔ Brazilian Jiujitsu competition happens worldwide.
2. ✔ BJJ includes gi and no-gi events.
3. ✔ Japanese Jiu Jitsu has fewer competitive events.

BJJ is also widely used in MMA because it works well in real fights. Join a Brazilian Jiujitsu Competition!

Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ: Belt Systems Compared

Both arts have promotion systems, but they work differently.

1. ✔ Japanese Jiu Jitsu belts: White, Yellow, Orange, Brown, Black.
2. ✔ BJJ belts: White, Blue, Purple, Brown, Black.

In BJJ, a brown belt must train for years before testing for black. New BJJ black belts have to prove their skills in live sparring.

Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ: Which Is Better for Self-Defense?

1. ✔ Japanese Jiu Jitsu teaches defenses against strikes, grabs, and weapons.
2. ✔ BJJ is best for ground control and escaping dangerous positions.

Both have value, but Japanese Jiu Jitsu covers more real-world threats. Explore Japanese and Brazilian Styles Today!

The Role of Crosstraining

Some martial artists mix both styles.

1. ✔ Crosstraining journeys help students gain a complete skill set.
2. ✔ Many BJJ practitioners add Japanese Jiu Jitsu for stand-up defense.
3. ✔ Some Japanese Jiu Jitsu students learn BJJ for ground fighting.

Adding skills from both can make you a better fighter. Start Your Crosstraining Journey Today!

Personal Experience with Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ

I started with Japanese Jiu Jitsu but later trained in BJJ. The quick similarities were clear, but the approach was different. BJJ’s submission techniques felt more effective in ground fights. However, Japanese Jiu Jitsu gave me better self-defense tools.

Strangest Things About Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ

1. ✔ Drop Bear & Oily Dragon – Nicknames used in Australian martial arts circles.
2. ✔ Frank Raud & Kingofjong Mider – Unusual figures in martial arts history.
3. ✔ Oily Dragon Dunc – A mysterious name from BJJ discussions.

These odd references show the rich culture behind both arts. Discover the Similar Threads in Both Arts!

Which Style is Right for You?

1. Choose Japanese Jiu Jitsu for traditional fighting techniques.
2. Pick BJJ if you love ground fighting and competition opportunities.
3. Consider both for a well-rounded crosstraining journey.

Related Coverage

1. Oily Dragon Dunc: Learn about different submission techniques.
2. Frank Raud: Explore the strangest thing about Japanese terminology.
3. KingofJong Mider: Discover the two systems diverge in focus.

Final Thoughts on Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ

1. ✔ Japanese Jiu Jitsu is best for self-defense and history.
2. ✔ BJJ is best for competition and ground control.
3. ✔ Both styles have many similarities but different training goals.

Which should you choose? It depends on your goals. Try both if possible to see which suits you best! 🥋

FAQs: Jiu Jitsu vs BJJ

1. What is the difference between Japanese Jiu Jitsu and BJJ?

Japanese Jiu Jitsu focuses on structural attacks and self-defense. Modern BJJ is a sport-based fighting style with submission techniques.

2. How do the two systems diverge?

Japanese Jiu Jitsu includes strikes, throws, and joint locks. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) emphasizes ground control and different submission techniques.

3. What are the key similarities between them?

Both share similar threads in grappling, joint locks, and chokes. They also have structured promotion systems with belts like yellow belt and brown belt.

4. What is the original purpose of Japanese Jiu Jitsu?

Its original purpose was battlefield combat. It evolved into aikido Japanese Jiujitsu and other martial arts.

5. How does the Brazilian Jiujitsu belt system work?

It starts at white belt and progresses through blue, purple, brown, and black. New BJJ black belts earn their rank after years of training.

6. Does BJJ use Japanese terminology?

Yes, modern BJJ still uses some Japanese terminology from traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu.

Master Different Submission Techniques Now!

7. What are the competition opportunities for both?

Brazilian Jiujitsu competition is common, with rules for points and submissions. Japanese Jiujitsu has fewer overt ways to compete.

8. How do the training methods compare?

Japanese Jiujitsu focuses on drills, while modern BJJ includes sparring. Many similarities exist, but BJJ allows more live practice.

9. Can you crosstrain in both styles?

Yes! A crosstraining journey in both arts can improve your fighting techniques and make you well-rounded.

10. Who are some notable figures in both styles?

Frank Raud and Kingofjong Mider have contributed to these arts. Some even mix styles, like Oily Dragon Dunc and Drop Bear.

11. What is the strangest thing about these arts?

One of the strangest things is how BJJ evolved from Japanese Jiujitsu but became very different over time.

12. What belts exist in Japanese Jiujitsu?

Ranks include yellow belt, orange belt, brown belt, and senior master levels.

13. What are some different submission techniques used?

BJJ has armbars, triangle chokes, and leg locks. Japanese Jiujitsu uses more structural attacks with joint manipulations.

Join a Brazilian Jiujitsu Competition!