Japanese vs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Japanese Jiu Jitsu is a complete Samurai system of striking, throws, locks, ground fighting and weapons. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a modern system built from it that specialises in ground fighting and live sparring. Because we teach both, we can give you a straight answer on how they differ.

Where they come from

Jiu jitsu is a Japanese word for an art that began in Japan, developed by the Samurai and passed from teacher to student over hundreds of years. Many people are surprised by how many later systems draw on it. BJJ developed in Brazil from what Japanese teachers took there, and it became famous through the UFC.

Standing vs the ground

Japanese Jiu Jitsu is mostly practised standing, with ground fighting as one part of the system. On the ground it also makes good use of kicks, strikes and pressure points, which BJJ rules don't allow. BJJ goes much deeper into ground positions and spends far more time rolling against a fully resisting partner.

Striking and locks

In Japanese Jiu Jitsu you'd rarely apply a lock by itself. A strike first makes a person easier to control, and lowers the chance of them reaching for a weapon while your hands are busy. BJJ takes striking out and builds its locks and chokes from dominant positions, which is a big part of why it can be trained at full intensity.

Weapons and knives

Weapons are a core part of Japanese Jiu Jitsu, including staff, sword, rope and knife defence. BJJ is an unarmed system, so it doesn't usually train these.

Jiu jitsu, ju jitsu, jujitsu or jujutsu?

These are all different English spellings of the same Japanese word. Jujutsu is usually linked with old-style training from Japan, and it's one of the ways the Japanese was first written in English. Ju jitsu is used by both Japanese and Brazilian practitioners, and jiu jitsu is more common among BJJ students. JJJ is simply shorthand for Japanese Jiu Jitsu, to tell it apart from BJJ. Whichever spelling you searched for, you're in the right place.

Which should you choose?

• Self defence first? For a complete self defence system, including multiple attackers and knives, I recommend starting with Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
• Love grappling or want to compete? Start with BJJ.
• Interested in Samurai history and weapons? That's Japanese Jiu Jitsu.
• Want both? Then train in both. Multiple memberships are available.

What matters most is that the art makes sense to you, the timetable works, the instructors teach in a way that helps you learn, and you feel safe with your training partners. A trial is the best way to find out.

Common questions

What is the main difference between Japanese and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Japanese Jiu Jitsu is a broad system that includes striking, throws, locks, ground fighting and weapons. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialises in ground fighting, with regular live sparring.

Which is better for self defence?

We recommend Japanese Jiu Jitsu as your primary art for self defence, because it covers striking, multiple attackers and weapons. BJJ gives you excellent ground skills, and many people happily train in both.

Can I train in both?

Yes, you can. They're separate programmes at the same dojo, and multiple memberships are available.

Is jiu jitsu the same as jujitsu or jujutsu?

Yes, they're different English spellings of the same Japanese word. Jujutsu is usually linked with old-style Japanese training, and jiu jitsu is more common among BJJ students.