Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (JJJ) share a historical connection but evolved into distinct styles with unique principles and techniques. Understanding where these martial arts intersect and where they diverge equips you with a more grounded perspective on both disciplines.

While they originate from similar traditions, each system has developed its own focus: BJJ leans towards grappling and ground fighting, while JJJ emphasizes self-defense and joint locks. 

What is BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a fighting style that has evolved with hundreds of techniques, focusing on the principles of grappling and ground fighting. 

What is JJJ?

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is a traditional martial art centered on using leverage to throw an opponent, regardless of size or strength. Originating from samurai practices and weaponized combat, it evolved into a self-defense style for unarmed, on-foot confrontations. It emphasizes joint locks, throws, and strikes, true to its name, Jiu-Jitsu, meaning “gentle art.”

The Connection of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to JJJ

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’s roots are strongly connected to Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, which has adopted traditional Samurai techniques into a more fluid and strategic style. BJJ took the original principles of JJJ into a modern martial art focus on efficient and anticipatory movements.

Historical Background of JJJ

The Japanese developed the art of Jiu-Jitsu, a combat style developed by Samurai for self-defense in close quarters. It aims to equip soldiers with effective hand-to-hand combat skills for situations when they are unarmed and on foot. One of the earliest schools, or “Ryu,” was founded by Hisamori Tenenuchi in 1532, and soon, the term Jujustu became widespread in the 17th century, when grappling techniques were evolving.

A classic JJJ uses locks and deadly chokes amplified with control techniques, giving them a tactical advantage to confront opponents in close distances. 

Over time, Jujutsu has adapted to address the realities of warfare.

Japanese Influence and How BJJ Started 

Jiu-Jitsu translates to “the art of softness,” and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu techniques and concepts are anchored in this tradition. Mitsuyo Maeda, a master of Judo and Jujutsu, migrated to Brazil and passed on these knowledge to Carlos Gracie. 

Under Meada’s mentorship, Carlos and his brother Helio adapted the traditional techniques into a ground-focused martial art that would later become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Carlos and Helio further refined these concepts, which led to the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. 

Key Similarities of BJJ and JJJ

Since BJJ and JJJ share deep connections, it’s helpful to explore the key concepts where they overlap and where they diverge. Understanding these similarities and differences is essential, especially for grapplers competing in BJJ tournaments.

Where they Overlap

BJJ is essentially derived from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, so it naturally shares significant overlaps in techniques and principles. The techniques and purpose of both styles align closely with the core principles of Jiu-Jitsu.

• Techniques: Both art practice grappling, emphasizing submission holds, joint locks, and throws. BJJ also adopted GI techniques, which capitalize on grips and controls.
• Purpose: Both systems teach self-defense. The main principles revolve around properly understanding and using leverage as well as control to neutralize an opponent’s attack and counter defenses.
  

Where they Diverge

Even though Jiu-Jitsu is of Japanese Origin, BJJ pioneers were able to evolve the traditions and develop other body mechanics that clearly defined and separated BJJ techniques from JJJ.

• Techniques: BJJ focuses more on ground fighting and control, while JJJ includes a broader mix of stand-up grappling and throws. No-gi BJJ is also more prominent, while the no-gi aspects of JJJ are rarely discussed.
• Applications and Purpose: BJJ is widely used in sports and self-defense contexts, whereas JJJ remains rooted in traditional self-defense and military applications. Most JJJ techniques are also deemed dangerous and not for sports. That is why most MMA sports activities and grappling competitions will only allow BJJ styles and strikes.
  

Martial Arts Philosophies

A more accurate way to distinguish BJJ from JJJ is through the martial arts philosophies embraced and reflected in their practice. 

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Martial Art Philosophies

The philosophy of BJJ strongly emphasizes adaptability and practical application. It aligns more with modern fighting principles than the traditional approach of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu.

• Adaptability and Innovation: This refers to the concept of yielding to an opponent’s direction and adapting its movement.
• Efficiency of Techniques: It uses leverage to direct the opponent’s energy to use more control that promotes efficiency over brute force.
• Continuous Improvement: This philosophy is embodied by Roger Gracie’s quote, “Don’t practice until you get it right; practice until you can’t get it wrong.” Staying engaged on the mat and avoiding fixation on specific techniques fosters ongoing improvement.
  

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu Martial Arts Philosophies.

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu’s fighting philosophy is anchored on honoring the Samurai values and ethical responsibility in combat.

• Discipline and Tradition: JJJ highlights discipline and self-control rooted in Samurai tradition with techniques designed for self-defense and battlefield survival. 
• Holistic Self Defense: Mutual benefit and the principle of “Ju No Ri” (gentleness) are important JJJ teachings. They promote effective combat that doesn’t rely solely on strength or aggression. Safety is prioritized, ensuring all students benefit from learning JJJ in a secure environment.
  

Comparison of Fighting Styles: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Vs. JJJ

The key difference between Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (JJJ) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) lies in the application and core focus when training. Both focus on grappling rather than striking and employ chokes, locks, and submission holds. However, BJJ is adapted for modern combat sports, while JJJ retains traditional techniques, often designed for self-defense with chokes and submissions that are more lethal.

Fighting Style of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Core Principles & Focus: Efficiency has become a key focus in BJJ’s development, emphasizing core concepts like positioning and angles. Its principles foster adaptability and continuous evolution, with one of BJJ’s main goals being to innovate and find techniques suited to individual body types and varied fight scenarios.

Main Techniques: The main techniques focus heavily on real-world applicability, making it popular in self-defense and competitive sports like MMA. The common basic techniques often practiced are:

• Submissions: Armbars, chokes (e.g., rear naked choke, guillotine), and leg locks are prominent.
• Positional Control: Guard, mount, side control, and back control.
• Transitions and Sweeps: Sweeps and guard passes
  

Main Structure and Frameworks

• Live Sparring (Rolling): Sparring is a fundamental in BJJ training ans it aims to develop timing, adaptability, and resilience under real resistance.
• Setting Up Proper Position Before Submission: BJJ teaches that establishing a solid position is crucial before submitting an opponent.
• Gi and No-Gi Training: BJJ includes training with the Gi (traditional martial arts uniform) and No-Gi (without the uniform), with each style providing unique grips, techniques, and challenges.
  

 

Fighting Style of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (JJJ)

Core Principles & Focus: Japanese Jiu-Jitsu (JJJ) is deeply rooted in combat principles, traditionally taught as a complete self-defense system blending strikes, joint locks, and throws for real combat situations. JJJ training instills discipline, patience, and values like honor and respect, reflecting traditional martial virtues.

Main Techniques: JJJ maintains a deep respect for its historical roots. Its main techniques provide a well-rounded arsenal of kicks, punches, and strikes that were often not allowed in BJJ. The common core techniques for JJJ practitioners are:

• Joint Locks and Throws: wrist locks, shoulder locks, and hip throws
• Strikes: punches, kicks, and knee strikes,
• Counter-Techniques and Control:  using an opponent’s strength against them through deflection and redirection.
  

Main Structure and Frameworks

• Kata (Forms): JJJ practitioners are taught the mechanics of various techniques in a structured manner, also known as Kata.
• Defensive and Counterattacking: JJJ strongly emphasizes defense and counterattacking movements, aiming to control and subdue fighters rather than prolonged grappling.
• Traditional Uniform (Gi): JJJ training is typically done in a Gi, which symbolizes respect for martial traditions and offers grips similar to those used in BJJ.
  

 

How the Degrees are Assigned and Achieved

In both BJJ and JJJ, students’ progress is marked by belt ranks, but there are slight differences in the ranking systems and the belt orders associated with them.

Order of BJJ Belt Colors

The belt colors are not universal, and variations exist depending on the school or organization offering the training. Some BJJ belt colors would have a stored version between each major rank, which would be another great topic of its own.

The common order of belt colors would be:

• White – Beginner
• Blue – Self-defense basics/Intermediate
• Purple – Self-defense basics/Intermediate 
• Brown – Advanced 
• Black – Advanced
  

The kids belt have a different variations too, and the black belts will have their own balck belt system.

Ranking & Degrees: There is no specific age, but the progress you made in BJJ is according to the time spent in training and technical and practical skills. After achieving a black belt, practitioners earn degrees (denoted by stripes on the belt) based on time and contributions to the art. Each degree typically takes several years to earn.

Order of JJJ Belt Colors

Depending on the school, JJJ uses various colors of the “obi” or belt, with white being the only one unersally representing beginners.

The common order for JJJ belts would be:

• White  – Beginner
• Yellow – first three months
• Green – six months
• Purple – One year
• Brown – Two to three years of serious training
• Black – Thorough knowledge of history and tradition, mastery of technique
  

Ranking  Degrees Progression: In JJJ, belt progression combines technical skill, kata mastery, and time spent in training. Dan’s rankings with black belt degrees reflect mastery over time, contribution to the school, and dedication to the art’s traditions.

Conclusion

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu each have unique strengths and areas of focus, shaped by their history, purpose, and the communities that embrace them. BJJ offers unparalleled insights for those seeking a deep understanding of leverage and ground control, while JJJ’s traditional, well-rounded techniques provide timeless value for a broader foundation in self-defense.

Joining a community of experts and participating in tournaments can deepen one’s understanding of martial arts and combat sports.