Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most prominent forms of Samurai martial arts that you can find in the world. It is possible for you to discover many different forms of Jiu-Jitsu, as well. Out of them, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have received the most attention. 

We have seen how most people get confused because of their inability to understand the differences and nuances that exist between these two forms of Jiu Jitsu. That’s why we thought of sharing more details about them, so you can understand the differences that exist in between the two forms of Jiu-Jitsu.

What is Japanese Jiu-Jitsu? 

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (柔術), known as JuJutsu in Japan, is the original form of this Samurai art. For that very reason, some people tend to call it the “Mother” art. Back in the day, samurai soldiers practiced Jiu-Jitsu as it provided a lot of assistance overcoming enemy attacks on the battlefield. 

Jiu-Jitsu has been subjected to numerous changes throughout the past. Because of that, you will no longer be able to see the original, true form behind it. 

For example, during the Edo Period (1603–1867) Jujutsu was practiced and performed while wearing everyday street attire, which at the time was a kimono or hakama.

However, the traditional values associated with the samurai art are still retained. 

While Japanese JuJutsu (original pronunciation) is focused more on form and “KATA,” where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses heavily on free sparring known as Randori (乱取り).

Along with that, Jiu-Jitsu became one of the most diverse forms of martial arts, due to a large number of highly effective techniques being added over the years. 

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the third offspring of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. It became extremely popular along with Judo. As of now, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most prominent forms of grappling arts that you can find. You can even consider it as the base of MMA. On that note, you can even call Japanese Jiu-Jitsu as the foundation of MMA as well. 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has greatly evolved over time. There are some major differences between Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For example, Judo is all about sweeps and throws. Where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on the specialization of ground combat. It is developed around a system of dominating, pinning positions. 

The primary objective of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to finish or beat the opponent via a joint-lock or a choke. This can be traced all the way back to the original form of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu.

Understanding the differences that exist between Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Now that you have a clear understanding about what Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are, let’s explore the differences that can be found between them.

As mentioned earlier, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a sports oriented form of the martial art. However, you can find the unique, traditional artistic form in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. In other words, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is ideal for anyone who is interested in learning this classical form of martial arts for self-defense purposes. 

On the other hand, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is focused more on ground fighting, tactical techniques, along with gaining  complete control over your opponent, regardless of his or her size. Hence, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is recommended for people of all sizes, weights and ages. In learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu you  will be able to receive a great advantage over much larger opponents than yourself, if that is the case. This will provide you with more stability and confidence in any situation. 

Communication and training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not as formal when compared to Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. When it comes to self-defense, it is the best option available in our opinion because it offers more freedom with evolved, practical techniques. You can follow the techniques of this form of martial art and dominate your opponent. That freedom makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu a skill that anyone can learn and should. 

Due to the mass explosion in competition tournaments and rule sets that continuously keep growing, indeed the techniques in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have expanded, as well.

Any person who is interested in learning the history of Jiu-Jitsu should pay extra attention towards Japanese Jiu-Jitsu; to understand the history and all other unique aspects associated with this discipline. 

The next step would be to upgrade, if you will, to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu as it’s the most effective self-defense martial arts when you are engaged in real world situations. Keep these differences in mind and determine what form of Jiu-Jitsu you are going to learn and practice.  

Learning Jiu Jitsu is not only fun and effective, but provides each student or practitioner with increased self-confidence and a growing ability to handle adversity or even disarm your opponent if necessary. 

If you’d like to learn Brazilian and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu come to any of our Los Angeles locations and get instruction from our world-class trainers at California Mixed Martial Arts.

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