Picking self-defense training for yourself? But finding it hard to choose between judo or jiu jitsu for self defense? A Lot of you must know the basic difference between these two pieces of training but there are a lot of amateurs and learners who need to know how these training are similar or different. No worries further. You will have all the information you need by the end of this article. Let’s get into it.
What is Judo?
Ju jutsu is the parent technique of judo. Jigoro Kano was an ardent and devoted practitioner of the jujutsu martial arts. In the 1800s, when jujutsu started gaining popularity, he started evolving different techniques of art. He then came up with his version of martial arts, called Kano’s Ju Jutsu. After that, he started calling it Judo.
That’s how judo martial art originated. The basic principle of judo art is “Maximum Efficiency and Minimum Effort“. But what does it mean? It means that you’ll use the opponent’s energy against him without using your effort. The Judo technique will allow you to pin your attacker and knock him out.
Mitsuyo Maeda, Kano’s most qualified student, had the responsibility to spread the judo self-defense art to the world. Because of his struggles, the Olympics introduced Judo art to the world in 1964.
What is Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-jitsu is one of the ancient Japanese self-defense techniques which was developed to take full control over an opponent. Firstly, it was used during fights against an armed person. Then it became a whole new version of martial arts.
The evolved jiu-jitsu is quite different from what it was before. The martial art itself focuses on manipulation techniques, not on extreme force.
Additionally, grappling is one of the most used techniques in jiu-jitsu. For that, you have to close with your opponent to apply grappling techniques.
Difference Between Judo and Jiu Jitsu:
As we mentioned earlier, both self-defense arts are related to each other. So it’s obvious that both martial arts must have a set of differences and similarities. Let’s have a look at them.
Rules:
Judo and jiu jitsu have different sets of rules and restrictions. In Brazilian jiu-jitsu you have to win the game by taking control over the opponent by force. However, the scoring system also exists in BJJ. You’ll get different numbers of points by performing different techniques.
For example, you’ll get two points for a takedown while a full mount will get you four points. Additionally, the match starts with both combatants standing in front of each other on the mat. After a takedown, the fight transferred to the ground.
What about judo rules? You’ll get one point by attacking at the back of the opponent. This score is called “An Ippon”. Lock manipulation or strangulation also led you to gain one An Ippon. You have to pin your opponent down for at least 20 seconds to get one point.
There’s another condition. If your opponent didn’t get any An Ippon in the whole match but you did for once only, you will be the winner of the match. There’s another common rule in judo schools, that’s “Waza-Ari“. This rule will allow you to get half a point. If both fighters didn’t get even one “An Ippon”, the one fighter with maximum numbers of Waza-Ari will declare as a winner of the game.
Uniform:
If you’re an amateur or untrained, you might not notice any difference in uniforms of both martial training. Judo and BJJ don’t have many different uniforms.
Judo uniform called Judogi, with loose and longer arms. This will not give you many chances to escape from an attacker’s lock or manipulation.
Whereas, the BJJ uniform has slimmer and narrow fitted sleeves which are considered great for escaping and not letting the opponent get a firmer grip.
Techniques:
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs Judo is quite different when it comes to techniques and strategy. Brazilian jiu-jitsu is all about ground techniques where you get to learn joint locks, using force to submissive your opponent, and pins. But BJJ didn’t neglect the standing techniques as well because your attacker will be standing in front of you during the real-life fight.
Talking about judo, there will be a lot of sparring sessions and practice. You’ll get to learn how to throw perfect and solid throws while having a strong grip on the opponent. Kids’ judo techniques also include standing and ground techniques as well.
Are Judo and Jiu Jitsu the same?
Well, we have mentioned in previous sections that both martial arts are quite similar in many aspects. Judo and jiu jitsu share the same origin that’s why a lot of techniques and foundations are similar. But let’s not ignore the fact that both arts do have some obvious differences as well. So both techniques are not the same.
That’s it for differences but what about our focus question? Judo or jiu-jitsu for self-defense? The next section will have the answer to this question.
Judo or Jiu Jitsu for Self Defense-Which one is better?
This question is valid if you’re about to get training on one of them. But the answer is not that simple.
Most judo instructors believe that BJJ is not for self defense goals as it involves a lot of ground strategies. Ground techniques are not suitable for street fighting and conflicts. While most martial arts experts believe that BJJ has more updated and advanced techniques for self defense purposes.
Nevertheless, it certainly depends on your choice and preferences. Judo and jiu jitsu, both are great for body fitness and building confidence. You can certainly learn some unbeatable techniques and move.
If you’re someone who’s just starting the basics of self-defense, judo will be great for you. On the other hand, if you’re interested in getting advanced moves, go for Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
So to answer the main question, how is judo or jiu jitsu for self defense? The answer is yes. You can consider learning any of the above-explained martial arts for self-defense.
Can I Learn Judo and BJJ at the Same Time?
Both Judo and jiu jitsu have the same lineage and share similar ideologies. This means that you can learn them simultaneously. You can apply techniques of both martial arts when you fight with someone. This will make you dominant in front of your opponent.
To learn both pieces of training, you have to be dedicated and spend a lot of time in the training center to be an expert on both.
Judo is Better Than BJJ: Is that so?
Favoring one certain self-defense art will be an injustice to another one. Judo vs bjj, both have so much to offer for self defense. Both combatants’ arts offer unique sets of techniques and benefits. At the same time, both self-defense arts do have some weak points as well.
Which One is Harder to Learn? Judo vs BJJ?
Undoubtedly both arts are difficult to learn and take years to practice and earn a black belt to be an expert. You have to practice as much as you can to excel in each technique and strategy. But Brazilian jiu-jitsu takes 10 years to be an expert while judo training needs 6 years of constant practice. Also, some BJJ skills are hard to learn for a person with no fighting background. So we can say BJJ is quite hard to learn.
Conclusion:
Before going to select a martial art, you have to be sure about your goals and choices. Now that you have an idea about judo and jiu jitsu, the main differences, and similarities. Additionally, you have got the answer to the question Judo or jiu jitsu for self defense-which one’s better? Just go and search for the most suitable martial arts for you and start your self-defense journey.
