BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) and Jiu Jitsu are both forms of martial arts that originated in Japan, but there are some differences between the two.
- Origin: Jiu-Jitsu is a Japanese term that refers to the traditional style of Japanese martial art, which is characterized by the use of joint locks, throws, strikes, and weapons. BJJ is a modern, sport-focused adaptation of traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu that was developed in Brazil in the early 20th century.
- Focus: While traditional Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes the use of strikes, weapons and standing techniques, BJJ focuses primarily on ground fighting and grappling techniques, particularly on the submission holds. BJJ is considered to be more of a sport than a self-defense art.
- Training style: Jiu-Jitsu classes may include a mix of sparring, kata (pre-arranged forms), and training with weapons, while BJJ classes typically focus on drilling and sparring. BJJ sparring known as rolling, it is a more cooperative than most martial arts, where both parties work together to improve their skills.
- Gi and no-gi: The traditional Jiu-Jitsu gi, worn with a white belt, is mandatory in all competitions and training, BJJ has different rules, where the gi is worn in some situations and no-gi in others.
In summary, while BJJ and traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu share some similarities, they have distinct differences in terms of their origins, focus, and training methods. BJJ is a sport-focused, ground-based grappling art, while traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is a more holistic martial art that encompasses a wider range of techniques and strategies.