Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu vs. Japanese Jiu-Jitsu - What's the Difference?

Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to stay fit, be disciplined, and to learn self-defence.

But did you know that there is more than one iteration of Jiu-Jitsu? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu may seem the same upon first glance, however, you will find that there are quite a few differences between the two.

An overview of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that favours ground-based self-defence, with a focus on submission and grappling techniques. These techniques are used to get your opponent to the ground and force them into submission using chokeholds and joint locks. The main goal of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was to create an effective self-defence structure for those who are smaller or weaker, to use against a bigger, stronger opponent and win.

What is Japanese Jiu-Jitsu?

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, also referred to as JJJ, is a classical martial art that originated from ancient Samurai battle techniques. Using traditional combat styles and fighting skills, Japanese Jiu-Jitsu techniques include striking, stand-up primarily, but also ground-based grappling, and self-defence. Always trying to adapt to the strength and size of their opponent, JJJ takes these factors and uses them against their adversary.

With JJJ’s roots going back more than 2000 years, the knowledge of who invented the martial art style was lost. The Japanese military then took on the form, modernising it so soldiers could fight in wars even when they lost their weapons.

What are the main differences between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu?

The main differences between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu are not as major as you would think, as BJJ developed from JJJ’s origins. However, here are the key differences:

Uniform and belt system: The uniform is one of the differences between BJJ vs JJJ. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu wears a garment called a traditional Gi but JJJ wears a kimono. They also both use belt colours to show rank, however, their belt colours are not the same and mean different stages of training.

The training methodology: The two Jiu-Jitsu training styles are quite different. BJJ involves drills and sparring sessions to practise and implement techniques. Competitions are also a big focus of training. JJJ however, trains slowly. Mastering one technique at a time and competitions are not deemed as that important and aren’t usually part of the training. 

Fighting styles & techniques 

BJJ vs JJJ when it comes to fighting styles and techniques are similar, in the way that they both emphasise using their opponent’s strength against them.  The difference is in their approach.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses leverage against their opponent and is always taking them down to the ground to submit. Inflicting pain upon their opponent and holding them in place for longer than JJJ.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is focused more on staying standing, using grappling, striking and joint locks. The goal to defeat their opponent without causing permanent damage.

Rules

The rules when it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu vs. Japanese Jiu-Jitsu are distinctly different. Although both competitions are typically won with submissions and not knockouts as we might see in another fighting style such as boxing. In both Jiu-Jitsu styles, the main goal is to get your opponent into a position they cannot escape and have to tap out in a signal of surrender.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu you are also awarded points for the following moves:

• Back control – 4 points
• Takedowns – 2 points
• Sweeps – 2 points
• Mount – 4 points
• Knee-on-belly position – 2 points
• Guard pass – 3 points 

Note Japanese Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t have the same competitive structure as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and so wins aren’t ranked on a point structure. Only an opponent’s submission determines a victory.

Grading system

The belt system is the way of grading a practitioner’s level of technique in Jiu-Jitsu. The change of the colour of their belt signifies a step up in their skillset. When it comes to the difference between BJJ vs JJJ in belts their colour rankings are very different.

BJJ Belts are ranked in the following order:

1. White
2. Blue
3. Purple
4. Brown
5. Black
6. Red and black belt
7. Red and white belt
8. Red belt

JJJ Belts start with the white belt like BJJ but that is the only similarity. Their belt order goes as follows:

1. White
2. Yellow
3. Orange
4. Green
5. Blue
6. Purple
7. Brown
8. Black

To be awarded a new belt is based on multiple factors. Your technique, time spent in the craft and skill level when sparring are taken into account. Based upon the discretion of the instructor students can move to another belt. In some cases, when both student and instructor feel that the student could progress, they are made to do an assessment, demonstrating their ability to perform the different techniques required.

Which is better - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Japanese Jiu-Jitsu?

No one jiu-jitsu style can be deemed better than another. It is all subjective when it comes to these martial arts practices, and it is probably best to try both out to determine which you prefer.

Get the best training with UMF Academy

UMF Academy is the premier provider of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes in Townsville and North Queensland. Offering programs for both children and adults, UMF takes the sport seriously. Teaching BJJ, not just as a method of physical fitness but also a discipline, a way to change your life.

Whilst many martial arts schools preach the values, at UMF we practise them, incorporating the industry's #1 Character Development System. With this first-class learning system and structure in place, we hold our students accountable, instilling the importance of responsibility into the young, and reminding the old.

If you want to learn key values, get fit, and have some serious fun, come on down to UMF Academy and see if we could be right for you.