When you hear Brazilian jiu jitsu, you may confuse it with the traditional Japanese one but that’s not the case. Knowing the difference is far more important for you if you’re looking to get Brazilian jiu jitsu classes in Hutto because you don’t want to get onto the mat thinking you’ll be learning samurai-style combat – its different.
Though BJJ is a lot cooler for those wanting to learn defense and moderate combat techniques, its not as combat-oriented as Japanese jiu jitsu. Read on to know the differences.
7 Ways Traditional Jujitsu & Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Are Different
We’ll be comparing both types of jiu jitsu from their origin to all the way to their modern-day uses. So let’s get started:
1. Origins and History
Japanese Jujutsu: Born on the Battlefield
Japanese Jujutsu’s roots stretch back centuries in Japan. Samurai warriors honed these techniques for life-or-death combat.
They needed a versatile fighting style for chaotic battlefields. Jujutsu blended strikes, throws, and joint locks.
It allowed warriors to subdue foes in close combat. Jujutsu became their go-to system when weapons failed.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: A Gracie Family Innovation
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s story begins much later. In the early 1900s, Mitsuyo Maeda brought judo to Brazil. The Gracies, particularly Helio, adapted these techniques.
They tinkered, tested, and transformed the art. Their focus shifted to ground fighting, which proved effective against larger foes.
| Japanese Jujutsu | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Developed over centuries in Japan | Created in early 20th century Brazil |
| Multiple schools and styles | Unified system with variations |
| Battlefield origins | Sports and self-defense focus |
2. Focus
Japanese Jujutsu: A Comprehensive Approach
Japanese Jujutsu casts a wide net. It’s a jack-of-all-trades martial art. Practitioners learn to strike, throw, and grapple.
The goal is to create well-rounded fighters. They should be prepared for any situation. This broad focus reflects Jujutsu’s battlefield origins.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Ground Fighting Specialists
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu narrows its gaze. It’s laser-focused on ground fighting.
Students spend most of their time on the mat, learning to control opponents from various positions.
Submissions are the name of the game. Chokes and joint locks end fights decisively.
- Japanese Jujutsu techniques:
- Strikes (atemi-waza)
- Throws (nage-waza)
- Joint locks (kansetsu-waza)
- Chokes (shime-waza)
- Weapon techniques (in some styles)
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques:
- Positional control
- Sweeps and reversals
- Submissions (chokes, joint locks)
- Guard variations
- Takedowns (less emphasized)
3. Training Goals
Japanese Jujutsu: Practical Self-Defense
Japanese Jujutsu preps students for real-world danger. Classes often simulate street attacks. Students learn to defend against punches, grabs, and weapons.
Quick, efficient techniques are prioritized. The goal? Neutralize threats and escape safely.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Sport and Competition
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a sporting slant. Many practitioners compete in tournaments. They hone their skills through intense sparring sessions.
Points are awarded for dominant positions. Submissions end matches instantly. This competitive focus shapes training methods.
That’s not to say BJJ lacks self-defense applications. Its ground-fighting expertise proves invaluable in self-defense many situations.
However, sports rules influence technique selection and strategy. Japanese Jujutsu maintains a broader self-defense toolkit.
| Japanese Jujutsu Training | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training |
| Emphasis on quick, efficient techniques | Focus on control and position before submission |
| Standing techniques heavily practiced | Majority of time spent on groundwork |
| Scenario-based drills common | Live sparring (rolling) is a core component |
Both arts offer unique benefits to practitioners. Japanese Jujutsu provides a well-rounded self-defense system.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu excels in one-on-one grappling scenarios. Many martial artists find value in cross-training between the two styles.
4. Techniques
Japanese Jujutsu: Strike & Self Defense
Japanese Jujutsu incorporates a broader range of techniques.
One studies joint locks, throws, and striking methods like punches and kicks, allowing greater versatility in self-defense.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: On-Ground Fighting
Brazilian jiu-jitsu concentrates more on ground fighting skills. It emphasizes chokes, armlocks, and Leglocks to submit an opponent.
Practitioners spend much time learning to maneuver from inferior positions into dominant ones.
| Japanese Jujutsu | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu |
| Diverse techniques | Specialized grappling |
| Strikes, throws, joint locks | Chokes, joint locks, positions |
5. Training Methodology
Japanese Jujutsu: Kata Movement
Traditional jujutsu training focused on choreographed movement patterns called “kata.”
Students would learn techniques gradually by repeating forms with a partner. This helped to instill proper positioning and balance.
A typical class might involve repeated kata refinement, emphasizing precision and form. This method instills discipline and respect for tradition.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Randori Movement
Brazilian jiu-jitsu places more importance on “randori,” or live sparring.
From their first class, students roll against resisting opponents to test what they learn.
This simulates a real struggle and quickly exposes weaknesses in one’s game.
- Japanese Jujutsu training highlights:
- Kata practice
- Formal technique drilling
- Emphasis on traditional forms
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training highlights:
- Frequent live sparring
- Pressure testing techniques
- Adaptive problem-solving
6. Cultural Elements
Japanese Jujutsu: Culture & Tradition are Prioritized
Japanese martial arts traditions, like bowing to one’s instructor, are still respected in Jujutsu.
Rituals and ceremonies give the art deep roots in Japanese culture, and ceremonial practices, like belt-tying rituals, permeate the experience.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Functionality over Tradition
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is taught in a less rigid, straightforward manner. Training has more of an informal, competitive atmosphere. Students focus on functionality over tradition.
You might see students and instructors chatting casually before class. Many gyms incorporate modern training tools, like video analysis or fitness apps. This blend of old and new reflects BJJ’s innovative spirit and global appeal.
| Japanese Jujutsu Culture | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Culture |
| Formal etiquette | Relaxed atmosphere |
| Traditional ceremonies | Modern training tools |
7. Popularity
Japanese Jujutsu: Limited Mainstream Exposure
Sadly, Jujutsu is not as widely practiced as it once was in feudal Japan. While still cherished for its cultural significance, it does not attract the large student numbers of Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Some dedicated dojos persevere to teach the venerable techniques of this martial art for self-protection.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Global Phenomenon
In stark contrast to traditional Jujutsu, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has captured worldwide popularity. It sees vast participation from both recreational practitioners and high-level competitors.
Much of this success stems from the UFC’s rise, which showcases BJJ’s dominance on the ground. Gyms continue opening globally to meet the growing interest in their submissions and grappling method.
- Factors contributing to Japanese Jujutsu’s niche status:
- Limited mainstream exposure
- Focus on traditional values over sport
- A smaller number of certified instructors
- Reasons for BJJ’s widespread popularity:
- Proven effectiveness in MMA competitions
- Accessibility for beginners
- Strong online community and resources
The popularity gap stems from various factors. BJJ’s success in televised MMA events has significantly boosted its profile. Social media has amplified this effect, with viral videos showcasing BJJ techniques. Jujutsu, maintaining its traditional outlook, hasn’t pursued such visibility.
Cross-Training Benefits: Should You Practice Both Traditional Jiu Jitsu and BJJ?
There are many benefits for martial artists who cross-train in multiple martial arts or styles. This is especially true for those who practice both traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
- You gain exposure to a wider variety of techniques. Traditional jiu-jitsu techniques like joint locks and certain throws may provide options that are not covered as deeply in BJJ. On the other hand, BJJ focuses more on specific submissions from different positions.
- It improves your well-roundedness and problem-solving abilities. Exposure to different methodologies helps you think on your feet and find unique solutions when rolling or competing.
- You pick up new details and perspectives that can enhance your main art. For example, cross-training can help a BJJ practitioner perfect their stand-up game, or a traditional jiu-jitsu player sharpen their groundwork.
How to structure cross-training effectively
To reap the most benefits, focus your cross-training within reason so it supplements but does not detract from your main art. Here are some tips:
- Train your main art 3-4 times a week, leaving 1-2 days for cross-training.
- In cross-training sessions, focus on TECHNIQUE only and avoid FREE ROLLING, which could lead to bad habits clashing.
- Communicate closely with your instructors in both arts to maximize carry-over and prevent issues.
Sample Cross-Training Plan
| Day | Session Details |
| Monday | 2-hour BJJ technique session focusing on new guarded passing techniques, incorporating movement drills and positional sparring to help assimilate the techniques. A high-level black belt instructor leads the session to ensure techniques are learned optimally. |
| Tuesday | This is a 1.5-hour traditional jiu-jitsu technique session at a local martial arts school. The class is split into 30 minutes of conditioning and warmup, 30 minutes of learning proper stances and movements, 30 minutes focusing on intermediate throwing techniques like seoi nage, and the final 30 minutes practicing new joint lock defenses against resisting opponents. |
| Thursday | 2-hour evening BJJ session focusing on back attacking and submissions from various back mount positions. Live rolling is incorporated at the end to apply concepts against resistant training partners in a controlled setting. |
| Friday | 2-hour BJJ session focused on sparring drills and positional rolling to 6 points with various training partners. The instructor provides feedback on technique, strategy, and strength/weakness identification between matches. |
This sample plan structures cross-training to provide variation while prioritizing BJJ’s primary art. Sessions focus deeply on techniques to avoid bad positional habits, including application drills and rolling for conceptual learning. Communication with instructors is maintained to synchronize learning between the arts.
Choosing the Right Martial Art for Your Goals:
- Sports Competition – BJJ has become the premier grappling sport, focusing on submissions from various positions. Tournament experience lets you test skills. However, traditional Jiu-Jitsu competitions incorporate more self-defense realities, such as starting from standing.
- Self-defense – On the street, attacks often start standing, so traditional Jiu-Jitsu’s balance of takedowns throws, and groundwork will serve you better. BJJ’s emphasis on groundwork doesn’t fully translate. Traditional training also strengthens your awareness and ability to avoid confrontations by emphasizing philosophy and diffusing tension.
- Cardiovascular training – BJJ’s continuous, full-body grappling matches maximize heart-pumping intensity. Sparring works your cardiovascular endurance as you force opportunities and defend in rolling. However, traditional Jiu-Jitsu offers exercise through varied techniques that engage your muscles differently to provide a well-rounded workout.
- Strength and flexibility – While BJJ builds core strength through low-body wrestling, traditional Jiu-Jitsu cultivates a balanced physique through techniques like upper-body throws that challenge you to lift or joint locks that enhance mobility. Both styles condition your body, but traditional training stresses functional strength for real-life scenarios.
- Martial arts experience – Japanese martial philosophy and teachings are at the heart of traditional Jiu-Jitsu. It’s the original art, so studying it connects you more fully to the roots and cultural significance within East Asian fighting systems. BJJ focuses more on the context of modern competition than traditional martial nuances.
- Family training – Although BJJ neutralizes size through groundwork, traditional Jiu-Jitsu’s inclusion of self-defense scenarios and throws/takedowns from standing may provide women and children with more applicable skills depending on lifestyle and risk factors. Overall, depth of training is crucial.
Pragma Offers Goal-Focused Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes in Hutto
The best part about taking Pragma’s top-rated Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes in Hutto is the goal-focused approach and the ability to adjust the training intensity based on age.
Whether you’re enrolling your toddlers or you’re an adult looking to learn some BJJ moves for yourself, we’ve got a spot for you. We also offer tailored classes for elders to keep their body fit and healthy.
So whether you want to compete, learn BJJ for self-improvement, or defend yourself, we’ve got the training you need tailored to your goals.