Jiu-Jitsu/Brazalian Jiu-Jitsu?

I was wondering what are the differences between Jiu-Jitsu and Brazalian Jiu-Jitsu? Also what are the advantages and disadvantages in training in these martial arts?

Answers:

1Confused yet?

The simple answer is that traditional Jiu jitsu is primarily a stand up art. The focus is on manipulating your opponents joints as well as their balance.

Brazilian Jiu jitsu, on-the-other-hand, focuses primarily on ground fighting. Someone trained in BJJ will look to take down his opponent and defeat them on the ground. Like Jujitsu, the manipulation of joints is a major focus.

As for the name, there is some speculation mixed in with the history. The basic story goes that in early 1900's (somewhere around 1910) judoka Mitsuyo Maeda went to Brazil to assist in a project to locate a Japanese settlement there. He was assisted by Gastão Gracie. In return for his help he taught his son Carlos Gracie, who in turn taught it to his brothers.

Vale Tudo, or no-holds-barred, fighting was popular in Brazil and the moves were adapted and modified to fit these competitions over the years. While the base art was Judo, it is believed that Maeda called it Jiu Jitsu becasue either because he incorporated moves from traditional Jiu Jitsu that were considered "dirty" in judo, or because the philosophy of Judo didn't not approve of full contact fighting for competition. Either way, there is no doubt that the root of BJJ is Judo, not traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu.

Judo, Jiu Jitsu, and BJJ can all be fulfilling and effective arts. Regardless what people from one art or another might say, they are all effective in self defense. If you are considering trying one of these arts, I would recommend sitting in on a class of each and seeing which appeals to you.

One last thing. I would agree with a great deal of what Judoka said above, but I must disagree that BJJ is a simpler, watered down version of Judo. While it is a descendant of judo and is based upon its principles, it developed into a completely different art with its own moves and philosophy. The fact is, as a general rule, it takes longer and is more difficult to get a Black Belt in BJJ than in Judo today.

Okay, I have rambled on more than enough, but I hope I helped to clear up the differences just a bit.

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