Jiu-Jitsu and Judo. At first glance, these two martial arts might seem pretty similar. Both focus on grappling, both have roots in Japan, and both are respected in the world of combat sports. But if you take a closer look, you’ll find that Jiu-Jitsu and Judo have some pretty unique qualities that set them apart. Whether you’re interested in picking one to learn or just curious about what makes each one special, this guide breaks down the essentials in simple terms.

Origins of Jiu-Jitsu and Judo

To start with, let’s dive into where these martial arts come from. Judo and Jiu-Jitsu share a common origin in Japan, but they evolved differently over time. Jiu-Jitsu, which translates to “gentle art,” is one of the oldest forms of Japanese martial arts, dating back to the Samurai. It was developed as a way to defend oneself without weapons or to use an opponent’s force against them. Samurai warriors relied on Jiu-Jitsu techniques if they were unarmed, using throws, joint locks, and chokeholds to overpower their enemies.

In the late 19th century, a martial artist named Jigoro Kano took traditional Jiu-Jitsu techniques and created something new—Judo. Kano wanted to build a safer, more disciplined way to practice martial arts, so he developed Judo, focusing on throws and takedowns. His goal was to create an art that could be practiced safely and would foster both physical and mental growth. In 1964, Judo became an official Olympic sport, marking a significant milestone for martial arts worldwide. Since then, Judo has been a staple of the Olympics, drawing attention to its disciplined training style and exciting competitive matches. The International Judo Federation (IJF) oversees the sport globally, ensuring consistent standards and organizing international competitions.

While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) has rapidly grown in popularity and recognition, it hasn’t yet been accepted as an Olympic sport. However, there is hope in the BJJ community that it could one day join the ranks, thanks to its dedicated followers and unique grappling style. Currently, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) promotes and governs the sport, organizing competitions worldwide and setting standards for practitioners.

‍

For a deeper dive into the roots and unique traditions of Jiu-Jitsu, check out our page on the culture and history of BJJ.

Basic principles and techniques

In terms of technique, the major difference in Jiu-Jitsu vs Judo is how they approach grappling and what they prioritize in combat.

Judo is all about the throws. The goal in Judo is to use leverage, timing, and body positioning to throw an opponent onto their back. A successful throw, or “ippon,” can end a Judo match immediately. Judokas (Judo practitioners) use a wide range of throwing techniques, from hip throws like “O Goshi” to leg sweeps like “De Ashi Harai.” The sport also includes a set of pins and holds, but the focus remains on achieving that perfect throw.

On the other hand, Jiu-Jitsu focuses heavily on what happens once the fight goes to the ground. While Judo emphasizes takedowns and throws, Jiu-Jitsu dives deep into ground control and submissions. In Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll find techniques like arm bars, chokes, and leg locks, aimed at either forcing the opponent to “tap out” (submit) or controlling their movements. You can explore a wide variety of moves that are effective across both arts in our Technique library, where we cover essential skills for Jiu-Jitsu.

The role of ground game in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo

The ground game is really where Jiu-Jitsu and Judo differ the most. In Judo, once a throw or takedown has been achieved, there’s a limited amount of time to attempt a pin, submission, or transition to a better position before the referee will stand the fighters up. This means that, while Judo does include ground fighting (called “ne-waza”), it isn’t as extensive or intricate as what’s found in Jiu-Jitsu.

In Jiu-Jitsu, though, the ground is where all the action happens. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners often spend entire matches on the mat, working for positional control and submissions. This focus on the ground game makes Jiu-Jitsu especially useful in situations where a fight might continue after the takedown. The “guard,” a position where a Jiu-Jitsu player uses their legs to control an opponent from the bottom, is unique to Jiu-Jitsu and has become an essential part of its practice.

Which one is more effective for self-defense?

Self-defense is a big reason why people look into martial arts, so it’s natural to wonder if Jiu-Jitsu or Judo is better suited for it. The answer largely depends on the situation.

Judo’s emphasis on throwing techniques makes it great for a quick resolution in a self-defense scenario. A powerful throw can disable an opponent and allow you to escape, which is often all you’d need in a real-world confrontation. The training in balance, leverage, and quick takedowns also helps Judo practitioners stay calm and efficient in close-quarters situations.

Jiu-Jitsu, especially Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shines in situations where the fight might end up on the ground. Since real-life scuffles often involve grappling or going to the ground, Jiu-Jitsu’s control and submission techniques can be a big advantage. Knowing how to pin, choke, or apply a joint lock can give someone a sense of control and confidence if they’re in a vulnerable position. This is one reason why Jiu-Jitsu is often taught as part of self-defense courses for both men and women.

In short, Judo offers tools for avoiding or ending a fight quickly, while Jiu-Jitsu provides strategies for maintaining control if the fight continues on the ground.

Training and sparring in Judo vs Jiu-Jitsu

Training styles and sparring are other areas where Judo and Jiu-Jitsu differ.

Judo is typically practiced with a strong emphasis on throws. Training often involves a partner-based approach where Judokas practice their throws and falls to understand how the movements work. Judo matches, known as “randori,” are full-speed and can be intense, as each player tries to execute throws and pins. Sparring in Judo focuses on getting your opponent off balance to achieve the perfect throw.

In Jiu-Jitsu, sparring is known as “rolling.” Rolling sessions are generally slower-paced than Judo randori, allowing practitioners to work through positions and submissions carefully. As you progress in Jiu-Jitsu, you’ll also move through different stages of learning, marked by the BJJ belt system, which recognizes skill development and dedication.

Judo training, with its emphasis on explosive throws, can be harder on the body, especially on the joints. Jiu-Jitsu, though it has its own risks, tends to be a bit gentler, especially at the beginner level.

Competitions and rules

If you’ve ever watched a Judo match, you’ve probably noticed that it’s all about landing that perfect throw. In Judo, scoring revolves around executing a clean throw, pin, or submission. A clean, forceful throw that lands an opponent on their back results in an instant win, known as “ippon.” There are also half-point scores called “waza-ari” for less perfect throws or pins that last for 10-20 seconds. While there are submissions in Judo, they play a secondary role to throws and pins, and the time allowed to work on submissions is usually brief.

In Jiu-Jitsu competitions, the scoring system is much broader. Points are awarded for achieving dominant positions like mount, side control, and back control. Submissions can win a match instantly, similar to Judo’s “ippon” with throws, but points also allow a Jiu-Jitsu player to win by positional control. Since Jiu-Jitsu competitions don’t have time limits on how long you can stay on the ground, athletes spend much of the match working through positions and looking for submissions. The variety of techniques allowed in Jiu-Jitsu competitions, including joint locks and chokes, gives it a more flexible rule set than Judo.

Physical and mental benefits

Both Jiu-Jitsu and Judo offer a ton of physical and mental benefits, but each style has its unique way of challenging practitioners.

Judo is physically intense. It requires a lot of core strength, explosive power, and balance. The constant practice of throws builds great physical conditioning, making Judokas strong and resilient. On the mental side, Judo’s approach to throwing can teach confidence, focus, and patience. The need to stay calm under pressure, especially when aiming for a clean throw, is mentally challenging and rewarding.

Jiu-Jitsu, while also physically demanding, offers benefits that lean more toward technique and strategy. Flexibility, endurance, and body awareness are big advantages for Jiu-Jitsu practitioners. Mentally, Jiu-Jitsu teaches practitioners problem-solving and adaptability. Since it’s often compared to “human chess,” Jiu-Jitsu requires quick thinking and patience, as well as a willingness to learn from every roll.

Popularity around the world

Both Judo and Jiu-Jitsu have spread far beyond Japan and have loyal followers worldwide.

Judo is actually an Olympic sport, which has helped its popularity grow globally. As an Olympic event, Judo enjoys a lot of recognition and is practiced in many countries at the professional level. It’s also often taught in schools and institutions for its physical fitness benefits.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), on the other hand, has grown massively since the 1990s, thanks in part to its role in mixed martial arts (MMA). The rise of MMA and events like the UFC have put BJJ in the spotlight as a powerful grappling art. Today, BJJ academies can be found worldwide, and many people see Jiu-Jitsu as not just a martial art but also a lifestyle.

Which is right for you?

Choosing between Jiu-Jitsu and Judo comes down to personal preference. If you’re someone who likes explosive, high-energy movement and the idea of throwing opponents, Judo might be the better fit. Judo training is physically intense, and the thrill of landing a perfect throw can be exhilarating.

If you’re more interested in the strategic side of grappling, especially controlling and submitting opponents on the ground, Jiu-Jitsu could be a great match. Jiu-Jitsu’s focus on technique over brute strength makes it accessible to people of all sizes and builds.

Whether you choose Judo or Jiu-Jitsu, both offer a path to building discipline, fitness, and confidence. They are both rewarding in their own ways and offer a unique perspective on martial arts and self-defense.

Final thoughts

The debate of “Jiu-Jitsu vs Judo” doesn’t have a definitive answer. Both martial arts bring something valuable to the table and have helped countless people achieve better fitness, mental resilience, and self-discipline. While they share similarities, their differences are what make each one exciting and unique. If possible, trying out both can give you a firsthand experience of what makes each one special. In the end, it’s about finding what resonates with you and fits your goals, whether that’s self-defense, competition, or simply a love for martial arts.