Is there such a thing as BJJ vs Judo? I have heard the question asked in dojos and over the net. Many ask, “What is the difference between the two arts?” I argue that we are asking the wrong question. I believe instead of looking for their differences, we need to start identifying their likenesses. After all, would BJJ exist without Judo? I will attempt to answer this question as honest as I can, realizing there are some that disagree.
Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) share a common lineage through the Gracie family. Jigoro Kano, a Japanese martial artist, founded Judo in the late 19th century. He aimed to create a comprehensive system of physical education and self-defense based on traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu techniques. Judo emphasizes throws, pins, joint locks while minimizing strikes and groundwork, focusing on using an opponent's energy and balance against them. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu places a greater emphasis on ground fighting, submissions, positional control, weight distribution, angular momentum, and a hierarchy of position while on the ground. It was developed with the idea of allowing a smaller, weaker individual to defend themselves against a larger opponent using leverage and technique.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emerged in the early 20th century as a Japanese judoka named Mitsuyo Maeda traveled the world as part of a cultural exchange, showcasing Judo's effectiveness in various countries, including Brazil. In Brazil, Maeda befriended the Gracie family and taught Judo to Carlos Gracie. Carlos and his brothers adapted Judo techniques to create their own system of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie family continued to refine and develop BJJ, and they gained prominence through challenge matches and competitions, demonstrating the effectiveness of their art. Over time, BJJ spread globally and became a significant component of mixed martial arts (MMA).
While Judo and BJJ have distinct focuses and techniques, they both share a common heritage and have had a significant impact on martial arts worldwide. As a judoka, someone who practices judo, I see so many similarities in both of the arts like breaking the balance of our opponents to compromise their posture at the right time to execute a technique efficiently. In all my practicing on the mat in BJJ and Judo, my teachers emphasize one main theme: Efficiency!
In Judo, the concept of "yawara" is often associated with the principle of maximum efficiency with minimal effort, which is a fundamental concept in the art. This is what bridges the gap between Judo and BJJ, uniting them. One implies the other. Yawara embodies the idea of gentle or adaptable techniques. I believe this to be at the very core foundation of both arts as we know them. It emphasizes using minimal force to control or subdue an opponent.
"I didn't invent jiu-jitsu, but I modified it and adapted it for the weaker person" Helio Gracie
In my humble opinion, the more we realize how concepts bring martial arts together complimenting one another instead of separating them the more similarities we will see on the mats that make our practice better. The more BJJ adds to my Judo, the more my Judo will add to my BJJ. Thanks for reading. If you like this kind of content, subscribe to site and follow me on Facebook.
Job 31:6 Let me be weighed in an even balance, That God may know mine integrity.
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