Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, BJJ Vs Judo | Expert Review

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) vs Judo is one of the most heated rivalry in the world of martial arts. Many Judo aficionados believe BJJ is simply a developed and enhanced version of the other. Let’s look at some key aspects and information to help you understand the distinctions between BJJ and Judo.

The most obvious distinction between BJJ and Judo is that the former is a more advanced fighting style that emphasises ground techniques, whereas the latter emphasises standing techniques. Even though this is a simple comparison, it is the root of all other disparities.

Inductive or Deductive?

The principles of each sport that make them either deductive or inductive may perhaps create the most valuable difference between BJJ vs Judo. For one, Judo is a more deductive fighting style as BJJ is a more inductive martial art. This means Judo begins with a number of principles and then deduces these techniques and methods through “randori”, which is a Japanese term for freestyle practice.

BJJ, on the other hand, teaches many methods and techniques, generally one for each plausible situation or circumstance, and then leaves it all up to the student or fighter to induce these through practice and experience. In the end, the same basic principles apply to work for both BJJ vs Judo, although the approach of the development within the fighter or student comes from such opposite directions.

Competitions and Rule Sets

During official games or matches, BJJ players are bound to nothing more than a fun set of rules that seem more practical than binding. Since the beginning of the sport to this day, few, if any modifications of the rules for BJJ competitions have occurred. This has caused an increase in the popularity and hype of BJJ in recent years.

On the other hand, Judo matches are more technical and strict with the regulations. This is a modern theme, however, and in the early years of the art, the “rules” were quite liquid. Over time, constant modification of rule sets has led to the game rules as they are known today. Some argue that these modifications may have caused a negative impact that lost a significant degree of interest from the audiences and fighters alike.

Throws and Takedowns

Another notable difference is the use of throws as opposed to takedowns. Judo fighters will more likely exhibit a move called “ippon” (the perfect throw) than BJJ players would, mainly because Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu allows its fighters a bigger variety of moves and steps in their groundwork. Neither of these necessitates that one is better than the other – it only really clarifies the difference between BJJ vs Judo.

In conclusion, fighters who want to perform high-impact, bigger, and technically perfect throws will appreciate the art of Judo. For those who prefer easier – but more functional – low-impact techniques to the ground, BJJ is the way to go.

Which is the Better Martial Art?

Even with all these differences, it’s still impossible to make a clear choice between BJJ vs Judo. Each martial art has its own strengths and weaknesses, and each can appeal to one audience and at the same time seem unappealing to another. At the end of the day, it all comes down to the set of principles, guiding philosophies, and rules that create the division between BJJ vs Judo. The preferences and personal ideologies of each individual fighter will decide which form they choose.