Are you looking to learn some soft forms of martial arts like Jiu Jitsu, Hapkido, or Aikido? But are you stuck in choosing, and want to know Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido, which one is better and more effective?
There is no second thought that each martial arts type has its own ins and outs that make them ideal in different situations. The same goes for Jiu Jitsu and Hapkido too.
So, today we are all lined up to discuss the primary differences between Jiu Jitsu and Hapkido and decide which one is better to learn.
Now, without delaying further, let’s break into the details of hapkido vs Jiu Jitsu- which one to choose!
Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido- A Detailed Comparison!
Both Jiu Jitsu and Hapkido are famous and known forms of Martial Arts. So, here comes a detailed comparison of the similarities and differences between the two that will help you decide which martial arts is better for you.
Similarities between Jiu Jitsu and Hapkido
When considering the similarities between Jiu Jitsu and Hapkido, you will realize that both are soft forms of martial arts; both don’t allow you to use your energy against the opponent. Moreover, some of the basic Hapkido moves are very similar to those of jiu jitsu.
And with this, the similarities section concludes.
Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido- The Major Differences to Consider
Now that you are up with the few properties and similarities that these two forms of Martial Arts share, let’s shed light on your topic of concern, “The difference” between the two. So, here are the factors in terms of which these two Martial arts are totally different from each other.

Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido- The Origin
The first thing in which Jiu Jitsu and Hapkido differ is the origin.
Hapkido is a soft Koren hand-to-hand style martial art. It is somehow similar to Aikido but is much more complex and technical.
In contrast, Jiu Jitsu is of two forms: Japanese and Brazilian. First used by Samurai warriors on the battlefield, Japanese Jiu Jitsu has its roots in Japan. So, it’s a form of soft Japanese martial arts. Similarly, the other form, BJJ, has its origin in Brazil.
Related: Want to know what is better between Combat Hapkido Vs Krav Maga then click here
Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido- The Difference in Philosophy
The philosophy of Hapkido is based on the use of mind, spirit, and internal energy to make yourself a human of character. It focuses on the use of internal energy to increase the health and efficiency of throws and strikes.
In Hapkido, apart from physical strength, you also learn how to integrate mental, and spiritual values.
In comparison to it, in Jiu Jitsu, the principles given by Grand Masters Helio Gracie and Carlos are followed, which belief that let it be jujitsu moves, or any other field of life, patience, efficiency, and control of our internal energy and force is vital to success. So, in Jiu Jitsu, the philosophy is to control your power and instead use your opponents against yourself.
Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido- The Primary Throws
Hapkido throws are pretty different from those of jiu jitsu.
In Ju jutsu throws, you aim at restricting the opponent’s flow. So, it focuses on chokes and locks mainly.
However, the hapkido techniques and throws are very round and are used to unbalance the opponent.
Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido- The Moves
Next comes the basic moves of the two forms. So, in Jiu Jitsu, you have two different fighting styles to opt for, either the ground method or the training method.
- The ground method focuses on striking, throws, and takedowns.
- In the training method, the focus is on the correct submission of all the techniques and throws by sparring and live drilling.
The moves or positions used in Jiu Jitsu are sided control, knee on belly position, guards, locks, and full mounts.
When it comes to basic Hapkido techniques and moves, all those moves which are helpful in self-defense are practiced. For example, you learn joint throws, striking, different kicks, and most importantly use of pressure points. The most distinguishing feature of Hapkido training is that you learn how to use different pressure points during a fight.
But, in Hapkido, sparring and live drilling isn’t practiced, which is its biggest pitfall. Instead, they learn Kara, which is not that effective.
Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido- Which One is more Effective?
Now that you have learned the basic differences and moves, you can also decide which one is more practical and rational to learn.
Obviously, Jiu Jitsu. This is because it provides more strikes, throws, and movements as compared to the hapkido ground techniques, which are more focused on wrist locks only.
In Hapkido, a strong emphasis of all the moves is wrist lock. For proper submission of wrist locks, you need to have ample time to take control of the opponent’s body and entire arm. But in real-life situations, you never have much free time. It’s always a do-or-die situation.
In Jiu Jitsu, you focus on all the other throws, too, along with wrist lock, making Jiu Jitsu a thousand times better option.
Hapkido vs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
When comparing specifically hapkido and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, the differences are:
- BJJ doesn’t include striking, while Hapkido does
- Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is more of a combat sport, while Hapkido is a traditional martial arts form
- BJJ focuses on sparring, while Hapkido focuses on Kara.
Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido- Which one is more Effective in MMA?
When considering the effectiveness of the two in MMA, Hapkido MMA effectiveness is second to zero. The reason is that in Hapkido, the two focus points are:
- Wrist locks
- Bending fingers
In MMA, bending fingers is banned, and wrist lock is physically tricky and time-consuming.
In contrast to it, in BJJ or Jiu Jitsu, you use ground techniques, one of the three key components in MMA fighting. So, it is far more effective in MMA than Hapkido.
Conclusion- The Final Verdict!
All and all, claiming Jiu Jitsu to be the definite winner against Hapkido won’t be wrong. The strikes, moves, and philosophy of Jiu Jitsu are far more focused, effective, and even battle-tested.
And with this, the discussion on “Jiu Jitsu vs Hapkido ” reaches its end. Now it’s up to you whether you want to learn a light martial arts like Hapkido or a more complicated form like Jiu Jitsu.
Chris Bent
Chris Bent is a professional MMA Trainer who has expertise in both Martial Arts and Karate and he loves to teach Men, Women and Kids.