Jiu Jitsu is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide and is one of the most popular martial arts. Originating in Japan, Buddhist monks invented it to assist Japanese Samurai in defending themselves if they were attacked when walking. The Samurai were heavily adorned with gear; thus, they were limited to using chokes, joint locks, and throws over other forms of fighting.
Over time it continued to evolve, and by the 1800s, it had changed into many different variations. Things that remained consistent included strikes, grappling, and hand-in-hand combat.
Judo and The Gracie family
Sometime in the 1880s, a talented practitioner of Jiu Jitsu named Jigoro Kano developed his own form or “ryu” which was focused on resisting skilled opponents. Later, this style evolved into what is known today as Judo.
Years later, a student of Kano’s named Mitsuo Maeda left Japan and moved to Brazil. Helping him get settled was another immigrant turned politician, George Gracie. Grateful for his help, Maeda offered to teach Gracie’s family the art of Jiu-Jitsu. The oldest, Carlos, learned first and excelled at this new martial art form. Carlos then taught his brothers, including Helio, who later became a teacher by watching his brothers as they practiced.
Gracie jiu-jitsu vs. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The term Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu usually confuses people. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a form of Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu, but they have some notable differences. Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is focused on defending against a bigger opponent. On the other hand, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses the same practices but is used in the sporting world. Here are the key differences between the two:
Purpose
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is taught for defense purposes, while Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about learning techniques for grappling with opponents in the sporting field. Additionally, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu also teaches students about living healthy lives, including teaching them to abstain from alcohol and drug use.
Intended opponents
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu focuses on imparting skills to tackle stronger and larger opponents in readiness for any altercation in the street. On the other hand, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu impacts students with skills to grapple with students with the same skill set and, most often, the same size.
Techniques and Limitations
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu follows three rules; energy efficiency, natural movements, and application in everyday situations. On the other hand, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is strenuous and tends to lock out individuals in a certain age group or size.
While some skills in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may be aesthetically appealing, they may not be applicable in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Simply put, techniques in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu are part of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, but some techniques used in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu cannot apply to Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
Training Style
Gracie Jiu-Jitsu teaches students to defend themselves in a controlled classroom environment instead of in the streets. In most cases, the students practice with other students in a higher class and practice to win.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu involves following rules and regulations in a classroom as you would when grappling with opponents. Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu helps students understand what’s and what’s not allowed.
Modern Day Jiu Jitsu
Children, adults, women, and men alike can enjoy it nowadays thanks hugely to the evolution of techniques and the emergence of other forms of the sport. Some people grapple with understanding the differences between Jiu Jitsu, boxing, and taekwondo. The significant distinguishing difference is that boxing and taekwondo involve upper body movements, while all forms of Jiu-Jitsu involve wrestling while on the ground.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is arguably the most common form of Jiu Jitsu.
Is Jiu-Jitsu Effective?
Yes. More and more people are enrolling in Jiu-Jitsu classes nationally partly because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournaments are increasing. There has also been an increase in the number of kids enrolling for kids Jiu Jitsu.
While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was only taught and practiced in the country of origin, it’s arguably the most practiced form of Jiu-Jitsu.
Learn Jiu-Jitsu today
Jiu-Jitsu, in whatever form, is an enjoyable sport. Visit us today to begin your Jiu-Jitsu classes!
