Even in your weakest moments, you will always want to come out as one of the strongest. It is often about the ability to defend yourself. Did you know that only 5% of adults have defensive skills? But you cannot afford to miss being part of this group. In this article, “judo vs bjj”, we go over what’s the difference and how these martial arts are so effective to defend yourself in any situation.
It would be best to have a reliable skill whenever there is a need to protect yourself.
And, you have various options at your disposal. Maybe such will be the time to identify a sport that can also help in improving your self-defense skills. Perhaps, considering martial arts could come in handy. Should you go for Judo training? Or would BJJ work better? The truth is that you will always be torn between these two sports, and you’re not alone.
Judo and BJJ have become not only a favorite but also reliable choice among many people. In this light, it would be valuable to understand their basics. This way, you can make informed decisions over time.
What is the judo style?
Judo, which is both a martial art and combat sport, originated in Japan in the 19th century. Interestingly, Judo is a term that implies gentleness. Currently, it exists in five different forms. You could consider traditional Kodokan Judo, Kosen Judo, Russian Sambo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Modern Olympic sport Judo. However, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has since become independent.
It comes with a competitive element where you will need to throw your opponent down, immobilize, or subdue them. You could defeat your opponent using a grappling maneuver, joint-locking their elbow, or using a choke.
This sport utilizes both thrusts and strikes by all limbs. Weapons’ defenses will also be part of this art. However, this will only be allowed in pre-arranged forms and not in competitive matches.
While at it, it would be ideal to stress how valuable defense is in this sport. Judo tends to rely on an adversary’s force or strengths to subdue them. Usually, the objective of this art is to overwhelm an opponent at all times.
What is BJJ?
BJJ is the short form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a self-defense system, martial art, and combat sport that sprung from Kodokan Judo. It first came into existence in the 20th century. Carlos Gracie played an integral role in accentuating its independence and even improving various skills.
BJJ seeks to impart confidence in smaller people that they can successfully defend themselves against stronger as well as bigger attackers. The essence is being able to make the most of leverage and the right techniques.
Usually, this art puts more emphasis on putting an opponent on the ground. This way, you will gain superior positioning and consequently apply multiple chokes, holds, joint manipulations, and locks.
Whereas this method does not have strikes in itself, you will need to account for them during self-defense. Usually, BJJ focuses on positions and techniques that would intentionally counter the effects of any strikes. With this method, you will be sure of improving both your mental and physical health.
Similarities Between BJJ and Judo
You can hardly ignore the fact that BJJ came from Judo. In this regard, you will be sure of extensive similarities in different aspects of the two forms of martial art. And, well, some of the top similarities include the following.
- These two combat sports make the most out of three conventional techniques. Often, you will find that they all rely on grappling, submissions, as well as throws or sweeps. While at it, you will witness that they will also try to utilize choking and joint locking methods.
- They are all products of traditional Jiu-Jitsu.
- Usually, they will all use tough material in the uniforms they put on.
Differences between Judo and BJJ
As mentioned earlier, there is a rich history that connects Judo to BJJ. You can hardly overlook the rich similarities that they share. But despite this, you will be sure of some of the most outstanding distinctions between the two. They will always include the following.
- There is an enormous difference in the set of rules applicable to each art. With Judo, the concentration is on how one can trip as well as throw their opponent down when standing. On the other hand, BJJ focuses on what happens when fighting on the ground.
- You will also witness that there is a difference in the uniforms they put on. While they might look almost similar at a glance, you will hardly ignore how they are worlds apart once you get close. They both have a sturdy fabric that improves gripping. However, a judogi is much longer and looser than a BJJ gi. Further, the judogi is usually pure white or blue, while BJJ gi tends to embrace many flashier colors too.
- There is also a strategic difference between these two. While Judo focuses on the throwing aspect, BJJ tends to prioritize ground techniques. As such, you will witness that as Judo ends on the ground, BJJ starts on it.
Related post: Top 3 Most Effective Jiu Jitsu Takedowns
Is there a superior method?
Effectively, these two martial arts are both thriving. They come in handy in providing relevant self-defense skills to embrace at all times. However, most people tend to lean towards Judo.
In most cases, people will appreciate the rugged, aggressive, and explosive nature of Judo. With this nature, one is likely to gain suitable skills much better, and even be better than a BJJ expert.
Besides, Judo tends to come with a more solid structure. This way, you will be sure of the expected results right from the onset.
However, if you are looking forward to a more straightforward program to learn, BJJ will be suitable for you. It is not only easier to master but is also likely to take a shorter time. And did you know that BJJ is a lifestyle sport while Judo is not?
We all appreciate how both BJJ and Judo come in handy in improving our self-defense skills as well as confidence before assailants. However, it could be relatively hard to choose which of the two would be best for you. In the long run, it all goes down to personal preferences and goals.
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