Judo and Jiu Jitsu are two of the most popular martial arts practiced in the world today.
So which one is right for you? we look at the ultimate showdown: Judo vs Jiu Jitsu!
Both styles have their own unique techniques and philosophies, but both share a common goal: to defeat an opponent using either striking or grappling.
Judo is very much focused on throws and takedowns, whilst Jiu Jitsu is more focused on grappling and ground fighting.
If you’re more interested in ground fighting and submissions, then Jiu Jitsu may be a better option.
One thing is for sure, though: both are effective in a fight, but which is more effective?
Table of Contents
History of Judo
Judo was created in 1882 by Kano Jigoro Shihan and was a modified form of Ju Jutsu which dated back nearly 700 years
The main aim of Jiu Jutsu was to injure your opponent, usually with a weapon that was used by samurai warriors in feudal Japan.
Kano Jigoro Shihan wanted to create a way to train for combat without having to injure an opponent.
And so Judo was born, incorporating the best techniques from Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts he had studied.
New principles were developed, such as the concept of mutual benefit, which emphasizes the importance of working together for the common good.
Today, Judo is an Olympic sport, practiced by millions around the world and widely recognized as one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense and competition.
It is a dynamic and exciting sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.
History of Jiu Jitsu
Also with its origin in Japan Jiu Jitsu came later and was developed in the early 20th century by Grandmaster Maeda Mitsuyo.
Maeda Mitsuyo was a devoted student of Judo founder Kano Jigoro Shihan who went to Brazil and Brazillian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) was developed.
In recent years there has been an explosion in popularity for Jiu Jitsu, mainly due to the increasing popularity of MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)
Competitions such as UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) which has become mainstream, regularly compete with boxing in pulling in the crowds (and money).
Judo vs Jiu Jitsu: Brief overview of the two fighting styles
It’s often difficult to compare Judo vs Jiu Jitsu as both have very similar grappling styles but there are differences.
With its emphasis on grappling and ground fighting, Jiu Jitsu is effective for taking down an opponent and submitting them.
It’s focused on using different techniques to get your opponent on the ground and submit them.
Judo, on the other hand, was created on the principle of ‘Maximum Efficiency, Minimum Effort’
It utilizes more subtle, fluid movement that is focused on evasion and manipulation.
It focuses more on standing and throwing techniques.
Jiu Jitsu: focus on ground fighting, submission holds
Jiu Jitsu allows for more striking and grappling on the ground.
This makes it a very effective form of self-defense and is considered one of the most effective fighting styles in the world.
Practitioners of Jiu Jitsu can utilize a variety of techniques to take their opponents to the ground and submit them.
These include throws, takedowns, sweeps, and chokes. Jiu Jitsu also emphasizes the use of strikes and submission holds from various positions on the ground.
The effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu has been proven time and time again in mixed martial arts competitions.
Many of the world’s top MMA fighters have backgrounds in Jiu Jitsu, including UFC champions Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva.
If you are looking for an effective way to defend yourself, and also get in shape and stay fit at the same time then taking up Jiu Jitsu could be perfect.
Judo: focus on throwing opponents, less focus on ground fighting
Judo is known for its focus on throwing opponents to the ground.
However, in recent years, there has been a shift away from this ground fighting focus, and instead toward throws and takedowns.
This change has been led by Jiu Jitsu practitioners, who have found success in Judo competitions by using their knowledge of grappling and submissions.
The new focus on throws and takedowns has led to a resurgence in the popularity of Judo, as it is now seen as a more well-rounded martial art.
Like Jiu Jitsu, Judo has been gaining popularity in recent years as a way to train for MMA and other combat sports.
With the focus on throwing opponents to the ground, rather than fighting on the ground. This makes it an ideal martial art for those who want to stay standing and avoid being taken down.
Jiu Jitsu, on the other hand, emphasizes ground fighting and submission holds.
Judo vs Jui Jitsu: Which is more effective? depends on the situation and opponent
When looking at Judo vs Jiu Jitsu it’s worth remembering that both are the two of the most popular martial arts in the world.
So which one is more effective and which style is right for you?
If you want to focus on throws and takedowns, then Judo is a great choice.
If you’re more interested in ground fighting and submissions, then Jiu Jitsu may be a better option.
There are a few other factors to consider when answering this question. For instance, your age and how physically fit you are could mean you are more suited to one than the other.
Judo training is predominantly spent on the feet, learning takedowns, there is still ground training, but not as much.
Jiu Jitsu is the opposite, you will still spend some time on your feet learning how to take your opponent down, but the majority will be spent on the ground learning to both attack and defend yourself.
Conclusion: both styles have their advantages
So, which one is more effective? It really depends on your own situation and what you want to achieve.
If it’s purely to learn self-defense and be able to defend yourself in a street fight whilst also getting yourself physically fit then Judo would be your best bet.
If, however, you’re interested in competition and enjoy grappling and submission then Jiu Jitsu would be the ideal choice.
In the end, it really comes down to personal preference and what your goals are.
Both Jiu Jitsu and Judo are great martial arts to learn for self-defense and it is something we would recommend everyone do.
They both have their own unique benefits that make them stand out from other martial arts.
