Jiu Jitsu Vs Aikido – Which One To Choose?

The two famous grappling martial arts, Jiu Jitsu and Aikido, have a widespread following. Although there exist similarities between the two forms, there are a number of additional factors and fundamental differences to consider when deciding between Jiu Jitsu vs Aikido-which one to choose?

If you are also looking for the same confusion, stop switching between the tabs as we have come up with all the answers and points that will help you decide which one is a better option to choose.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into the details of the two!

What is Jiu Jitsu?

Jiu jitsu, also known as the “Way of Flexibility”, initially originated in feudal Japan. It is a form of soft martial art as

• Jiu means soft and subtle 
• Jitsu means techniques

It uses the principles of leverage and angles to attack the opponent, regardless of the size. Moreover, t is categorized as the oldest martial arts, first heard in the year 1532. The two known forms of Jiu jitsu are:

• Japanese Jiu Jitsu 
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu 

What is Aikido- A Brief Introduction!

Developed in the 1930s by Morihei Ueshiba, Japanese Aikido is also a form of soft martial art. It focuses more on defense and creating peace in this world. Aikido is also known as the “Way of Harmony” in which a strong relation and concordance come into existence between the mind, soul, and body.

Jiu Jitsu vs Aikido- Which one to choose?

Now that you are well acquainted with the basics of both forms of martial arts, let’s put some light on the similarities and differences between the two. It helps us determine the better one to eye on.

Similarities between Jiu jitsu and Aikido

When discussing the similarities between Jiu jitsu and Aikido fight, there isn’t much to consider except a few foundational ones. These similarities are:

• Both are a form of grappling martial arts
• Both Aikido and ju jitsu throws are similar 
• The prime use of both forms is self-defense
• The two forms of martial art share a common philosophy of developing peace and treating every individual equally.

And that concludes the similarities!

Jiu jitsu vs Aikido- The differences to consider!

In the following section, the nuanced differences between jiu jitsu and Aikido that we have discussed in detail are:

• Training style and techniques
• Ranking system 
• Rules set
• Utilization of weapons 
• Uniform
• Competition

Jiu jitsu vs Aikido – The training style and techniques

The first and foremost difference that must gain our attention when comparing the two types is none other than training and the techniques used in them.

1: Training Style

• In martial arts like judo, Aikido, the training is more or less related to mimicking real-life situations. They practice the predetermined forms of fight and strategy instead of opting for freestyle. Moreover, the training is always between two partners, and you can not hurt the opponent at all. The basic pattern is self-defense using aikido moves such as throws and pins. 
• On the other hand, the practitioners of jiu jitsu practice and learn in teams. Moreover, they can practice in freestyle whatever they learn. Jiu jitsu moves are concerned with getting the partner(opponent) to the ground to compensate for the size. It involves movements like chokeholds. Moreover, when the opponent is on the ground, the grappling techniques learned can offset the physical strength. And this turns jiu jitsu into a combat sport.

 2: Techniques

• Some of the famous techniques and throws practiced in Aikido are blocking techniques, counter aikido moves, dislocation techniques, striking techniques, and grappling ones. However, the most common jiu jitsu throws are joint manipulation, choking, nerve point manipulation, and strangulation. 

Jiu Jitsu vs Aikido- The ranking system

The ranking system of the two forms is totally different:

• In Jiu jitsu, there is a five-belt ranking system, just like in any other martial art. The five ranks are:
  • White belt
  • Blue belt
  • Purple belt
  • Brown belt
  • Black belt

Additionally, one red and two coral belts are present, but they are not added to the ranking system.

•  In Aikido, there are only two belts in ranking system:
  • White belt
  • Black belt

However, in the black belt, there are different Dans or stages, and the 7th dan is the highest one to achieve. In white belts, we use the term ”KYU” for levels or stages.

Jiu Jitsu vs Aikido – Difference in terms of Rulesets

Although the basic rules are the same in both the categories, the following are the rules in which they differ:

• In jiu jitsu, the game is more about survival and obtaining marks or scores based on maintaining a dominant position. You have to outsource your opponent. While in Aikido fights, they are scored on the basis of how they take their opponent to the ground without hurting them and how far they take them.
• Sparring is allowed in Jiu jitsu, but in Aikido, there exists no such concept.
• You can’t grab the opponent’s Gi in Aikido, but in Jiu Jitsu, you can openly grab the Gi during a fight or attack.

Jiu jitsu vs Aikido – Weapon Utilisation

The two forms of martial arts also differ in terms of the types of weapons allowed and their usage. 

• In Aikido, you use only three types of weapons:

1. Short staff
2. Sword
3. Knife

The motto behind Aikido is more of disarming the opponent using various techniques and firearms.

• In jiu Jitsu, we use weapons like glaive, spear, quarterstaff, and sword. These can be used to steal the opponent’s sword and execute several parries.

Jiu jitsu vs Aikido – Uniform

Although uniform doesn’t have much concern in deciding which to choose, let’s have a general overview of it:

• The uniform of Aikido is more traditional, including hakama, the traditional trousers. 
• The uniform of Jiu jitsu is termed as Kimono.
• Both Aikido and Jiu jitsu wear Gi. But jiu jitsu also includes the no-Gi variant.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs Aikido – The Competition Differences

When it comes to comparing Aikido vs. BJJ in terms of competition differences, it makes it quite clear which one should be your first choice. In Brazilian jiu jitsu or even simple Japanese Jiu Jitsu, there are proper competitions and tournaments held which you can win by outscoring your opponent or by submission. 

However, in Aikido, there is no concept of competitions and marks, as it is a true self-defense martial art only.

The strategy difference between Jiu jitsu and Aikido

The two soft martial arts differ in terms of strategy such that in Aikido, the training teaches you to attack and defend yourself in specific situations. The entire training is pre-planned. You prepare and fight with only A B C plans, and after plan C, you have no idea what to do.

However, in Jiu jitsu, you are only trained in the techniques, and then you can make your attacking style by using a mishmash of all the jiu jitsu throws.

Jiu jitsu vs Aikido – Effective in MMA

While Aikido is not used actively in MMA, and most of the successful tricks of Aikido are not allowed in MMA, Jiu jitsu is actively used in MMA fighting. The techniques of jiu jitsu, like groundwork, grappling, and rear necked chokes, are very commonly used in MMA.

Jiu jitsu vs Aikido – Which one is better Martial Arts?

The answer to this query is solely based on your choice. If you want to get training in only self-defense and relatively easier training, you can opt for Aikido.

But when it comes to statistics and real fight situations,  Aikido can’t cross Jiu Jitsu in any terms.

Benefits of Jiu Jitsu

Jiu jitsu positively affects humans’ health, both mentally and physically. Here are a few benefits of practicing Jiu Jitsu:

• A good body workout

It is a good body workout that involves the engagement of entire body muscles. The moves of jiu jitsu involve your whole body movement.

• Stress Relief

The moves of jiu jitsu result in a decrease of stress level by releasing endorphins. These endorphins help to balance our mood and make us happy and satisfied.

• Self-defense

It helps you master how to defend yourself from a group of attackers in different situations.

• Problem-solving skills

Jiu Jitsu increases its practitioners’ mental strength and problem-solving power. That is why we called Jiu the chess of the human mind too.

Conclusion – One Last Thought

There is no second thought that all types of martial arts are effective in different ways. Let it be jiu jitsu, karate, Muay Thai, or Aikido- each one is better in its way.

But when it comes to comparing Jiu Jitsu vs. Aikido- which one to choose, the answer always remains jiu jitsu due to its more practical applications and approach.

Now that you are aware of both soft forms of martial art, what are you waiting for? Find a training center near your home, and get trained in one!

Now that you are aware of both soft forms of martial art, what are you waiting for? Find a training center near your home, and get trained in one!