Did you visit the jiu-jitsu training center in your neighborhood? And now you are wondering, Is Japanese jiu jitsu effective? Or you should go for Brazilian jiu-jitsu? All of your doubts will certainly get clear by the end of this insightful article. We will be comparing some kinds of jiu-jitsu and then explaining how jiu-jitsu is effective for self-defense.
Japanese Jiu Jitsu:
Japanese jiu-jitsu, also known as JJJ or Jujutsu, is a combat martial art with less to no weapon usage. This technique is definitely great for counter-attacking with defensive and offensive moves. A person can also use various JJJ techniques to kill or submissive an armed or weaponless attacker.
Japanese Jiu jitsu art is developed by blending Sumo and various other Japanese martial arts. Besides, the evolution of this art started after the 17th century due to imposed strict laws by some other expert martial arts experts.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu:
The short version of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is BJJ. Ground fighting and locking system is an essential part of BJJ. Undoubtedly, this defense system allows a defender to take all the control over another person. Also, the joint locks and chokehold techniques don’t let the attacker do any more harm to you.
In 1920, Brazilian brothers developed the Brazilian jiu jitsu self-defense technique which was based on the concept of doing maximum damage by blunt techniques no matter how stronger and more professional the opponent is. Rolling or Sparring is a fundamental part of BJJ training.
Japanese vs BJJ:
In this section, you’ll get to know the basic similarities and differences between Japanese and Brazilian ju jutsu martial arts. Let’s get into it.
Rules:
Talking about the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are two most common ones. One is grappling and the other one is ground fighting. Grappling is clasping the opponent strongly on the ground while making sure to cause maximum damage. On the other hand, ground fighting is a hand-to-hand technique in which both opponents should be at a short range of distance. Also, there are scoring involved during the ground fighting. Following are the rules of techniques for a scoring point in the match.
- 2 points for Takedowns
- 2 points for Knee-on-belly position
- 3 points for Guard Press
- 4 points for Mount
- 4 points for Back Control
While throwing and joint manipulation are the two main focuses of Japanese Jiu Jitsu. Like the Brazilian arts, Japanese jiu-jitsu also has ground fighting and takedown techniques to take complete control over the opponent. In addition to that, the Brazilian jiu-jitsu fight follows strikes, then grabbing and takedown to end the fight.
Belt System:
Both Ju jutsu techniques have different belt and progression systems. Let’s have a look at both of them.
The list of belt systems in BJJ is here.
- White
- Blue
- Purple
- Brown
- Black
- Black and red belt
- Red and White belt
- Red belt
How can someone earn these belts? It depends on some factors like skill or technique, time, sparring level, and knowledge.
The belt system of JJJ is completely different from the BJJ belting system. Have a look:
- Red
- White
- Yellow
- Orange
- Green
- Blue
- Purple
- Brown
- Black.
Most BJJ schools start with a white belt instead of a red one. But you can find a few schools offering red belts at the start before jumping into the white belt.
Uniform:
Have you heard of jiu-jitsu Gis? This is the common uniform in both kinds of martial arts techniques. Besides that, the weight of the uniform might be different in both jiu-jitsu arts. Another difference we found is certainly the use of protective gear during a fight.
In Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, fighters tend to use a mouth guard during intensive sparring. While Japanese Jiu-Jitsu fighters use groin guards against heavy strikes.
Techniques:
Let’s discuss similar techniques of both kinds of martial arts. Here is the list of those moves:
- Armlock
- Leg lock
- Pins
- Joint Manipulation
- Chokeholds
Furthermore, you don’t have to be bulkier and stronger to learn both martial arts. Indeed, all you need is skill and agility to defend yourself and excel in all techniques.
Which One is Better? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Vs Japanese Jiu Jitsu:
Both techniques have a set of similarities and differences but here we are going to discuss which one is better when it comes to self-defense and street fighting.
Is Japanese Jiu Jitsu Effective?
Coming to our main question, talk about how effective JJJ is for self-defense. The simple answer is Yes. All the offensive and defensive techniques of Japanese Jiu jitsu make it easy to learn and brutal as well.
All of the moves of JJJ are suitable for real-life situations. You can definitely defend yourself and cause harm to another person by using a few but effective Japanese MMA techniques.
But, however, you need to consider some of the weaknesses of this martial art. You won’t become an expert on sparring by learning Japanese jiu-jitsu. Besides, you won’t get enough opportunities as there will be fewer to no competitions regarding JJJ.
You might feel like you’re in the wrong class if you’re anticipating some good competitions. Nevertheless, you still can certainly smash your attacker by taking him down with Japanese jiu jitsu.
Is Japanese jiu jitsu effective? Yes! It’s effective for self-defense and street fighting.
Should I Go for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
If this question comes to your mind then we have got your back. If you are a person who loves competitions and opportunities, go for BJJ. Additionally, the practitioner will get to learn high-level training as well as great workout sessions. Unlike Japanese MMA, BJJ offers high-level sparring in advanced-level training.
We can’t ignore the fact that BJJ is not the best for self-defense purposes. Why? There will be no striking techniques that exist in BJJ which makes it less effective as a defensive technique. Brazilian jiu jitsu is all about ground techniques, not suitable for street fighting.
We hope this article has cleared all of your speculations and doubts regarding both self-defense techniques. Now you can surely decide whether you are looking for opportunities or just self-defense skills.
