While both these terms refer to the same martial art, there are a few differences between Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Let’s take a closer look at the subtle nuances of both these fighting styles. With so many mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters from all over the world making their mark in this competitive field every day, it is only natural for people to be confused when it comes to understanding the various disciplines and techniques that are used in training and matches. This article aims to break down the differences between Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, as well as explain some things about each style that you might not have known yet.
What is Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu, also known as Gracie Jiu Jitsu, is a martial art that is said to have originated in India and traveled to China where it was modified by monks who had to defend themselves against bandits. From China, the art was brought to Japan, where it became popular under the name jujutsu. Soon after, it reached Brazil and was modified yet again to fit the needs of the Brazilian people.
Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art that focuses on takedowns, ground fighting, and submissions. It is best known for its use of the gi, a uniform primarily made of cotton that fighters wear when competing. The gi is used in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Japanese Jiu Jitsu, but not in the way that it is used in Judo.
When the art reached Brazil, the people there added their twist to it. They used techniques that were suitable for the hot, humid weather in the area. They also made use of techniques that were effective against larger opponents, as most of the indigenous people in the area were small.
The most notable change was in the uniforms. Instead of the lightweight gi that is worn in Judo and Japanese Jiu Jitsu, the gi in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became much heavier, made out of a thicker material that could stand up to the climate there.
What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
As mentioned above, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a grappling art that was born out of the Japanese art of Jiu Jitsu. The sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu became popular in the early 20th century, and it has since grown to be one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the world. As with all Jiu Jitsu styles, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu focuses on takedowns, ground fighting, and submissions. However, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has earned a reputation for being exceptionally effective even against much larger opponents. This reputation is due to the focus on technique and skill over brute strength that is central to this particular style of Jiu Jitsu.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is also known for its emphasis on controlling the other fighter’s body by isolating the limbs and joints. This emphasis on controlling the body makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu particularly effective for self-defense, as it can be applied against a much larger opponent without relying on strength. All in all, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a very technical style of Jiu Jitsu that focuses on skill and precision over strength.
The Differences Between Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The main difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Japanese Jiu Jitsu is in the uniforms. While Japanese Jiu Jitsu uses lightweight uniforms, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu uses much heavier uniforms. The other difference between the two is that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu places more emphasis on submissions.
Some other differences include the fact that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu places more emphasis on leg locks than other kinds of Jiu Jitsu. In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, leg locks are a common way of ending a fight. The rules of the sport do not allow a large range of neck cranks and other types of joint locks that are permitted in other types of Jiu Jitsu. As a result, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fighters tend to be more focused on leg locks than other types of fighters.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu also has a reputation for being more suitable for smaller people, like women and people of shorter stature, while other types of Jiu Jitsu are better suited to larger people.
Which is better: Jiu Jitsu or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Both Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Japanese Jiu Jitsu are excellent martial arts. However, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a reputation for being more suitable for smaller people, due to the emphasis on technique over strength and the use of leg locks as a standard way of winning matches. On the other hand, Japanese Jiu Jitsu is a very aggressive martial art that is used in many competitions. Both arts are excellent for self-defense, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is particularly effective in a self-defense scenario against a larger opponent.
Conclusion
Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are both grappling martial arts that originated in the East and have been modified over the years to be more suitable for Western fighting styles. The biggest difference between the two is in the uniforms, with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu wearing much heavier uniforms to deal with the hot weather in its native country. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu also places more emphasis on leg locks than other types of Jiu Jitsu, while Japanese Jiu Jitsu is a more aggressive style of fighting that is used in many competitions. Both are excellent for self-defense, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is particularly effective against a larger opponent.
