Understanding the Differences Between Jiu Jitsu and Other Martial Arts

If you’ve ever wondered about the distinctions between Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts, you’re not alone. It’s a question I get asked frequently, and today, I’m excited to address the physical fighting and self-defense aspects of these martial arts to shed some light on their unique characteristics.  You can read my summary below or watch the video for a more detailed explanation.

The Umbrella Concept

To begin, let’s use an analogy to help us understand the relationship between Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts. Imagine Jiu Jitsu as an umbrella covering all aspects of a fighting or self-defense situation, and all the other martial arts as specializations covering only one or two aspects under this umbrella. The different aspects of a fighting or self-defense scenario can be categorized into four broad areas:

1. Surprise Attack Self Defense

This category covers scenarios where you’re taken by surprise, such as walking to your car in a parking lot, and someone jumps you without warning. It could involve a weapon or not, but it’s not an active fight; it’s a surprise attack.

2. Striking and Clinching

Here, we move into an active fight where both participants are in fighting stances, looking to exchange strikes and clinching techniques using various parts of their bodies as striking instruments.

3. Takedowns

Takedowns involve the skill of taking your opponent off their feet, bringing them to the ground, and gaining better control.

4. Ground Grappling

Once the fight is on the ground, this category deals with the skills and techniques required to establish dominance and potentially finish the fight.

Jiu Jitsu encompasses all of these aspects, while many other martial arts specialize in one or two of them.

Specializations in Other Martial Arts

Now, let’s delve into some examples of martial arts that specialize in particular aspects:

Martial Arts Specializing in Standing Surprise Attack Self Defense

1. Aikido
2. Krav Maga

Martial Arts Specializing in Standing Striking and Clinching Techniques

1. Taekwondo
2. Karate
3. Hapkido
4. Kung Fu
5. Boxing
6. Kickboxing
7. Muay Thai

Martial Arts Focused on Takedowns and Grappling

1. Judo
2. Wrestling
3. Sambo (Russian martial art)
4. Sport Jiu Jitsu: An offshoot of Jiu Jitsu that emphasizes takedowns and grappling for sport tournaments.

The Doctor Analogy

Think of martial arts as doctors: Jiu Jitsu is like a general practitioner, trained to handle a wide range of issues, while other martial arts are specialists, like cardiologists or anesthesiologists, honing their skills in one specific aspect of combat.

Why Choose Jiu Jitsu for Self Defense?

Now, the critical question arises: why should someone choose Jiu Jitsu over other martial arts for self-defense? The answer depends on your priorities.

If self-defense is a top priority, consider that being a generalist often provides an advantage in real-world scenarios. Specializing in one aspect of combat can leave you vulnerable in other areas. Jiu Jitsu’s comprehensive approach prepares you for a broader range of potential outcomes in a fight, making it a robust choice for self-defense enthusiasts.

In Conclusion, Respect All Martial Arts

It’s essential to remember that every martial art has its value and unique attributes. When choosing a martial art, consider your priorities, and weigh the specific strengths and focuses of each discipline.

For more guidance on selecting the right martial arts school for you, check out our video on the “Six Things to Consider When Choosing a Martial Arts School.”

Thank you for watching or reading, and I hope this article has helped clarify the distinctions between Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts!

Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu, LLC was founded in 2007 by Bruce Belfield, a 5^th Degree Black Belt and Chief Master Instructor.  Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu offers classes for pre-school children ages 4-6 and elementary age kids 7 and up designed to develop the critical skills children need – specialized for their age group – for success in school and in life as well as keeping them safe and free from being the target of bullies.

Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu’s Adult Jiu-Jitsu System is a complete adult fitness and self-defense program for adults who want to get (and stay) in shape while developing confidence, discipline, and focus through learning the most effective self-defense system on the planet.

Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 954-802-9831.  You can also visit our website at www.ftljj.com.

About Bruce Belfield.  Bruce Belfield is a 5^th Degree Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu and Judo and Chief Master Instructor.  He also holds a 2^nd Degree Black Belt in Karate.  He holds a bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering from West Virginia University and has been training martial arts since the age of 7.

Prior to creating Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu, Bruce Belfield served as a Police Detective and SWAT Team Instructor in the Fort Lauderdale Police Department.  Certified as a Police Defensive Tactics Instructor, Firearms Instructor, Chemical Weapons Instructor, and Field Training Officer, Bruce Belfield has taught numerous Police Officers, SWAT Personnel, Federal Law Enforcement, and Military Special Forces Personnel throughout the country. 

Chief Master Belfield teaches seminars in school safety and bullying, martial arts training, police defensive tactics, and business around the country. 

Fort Lauderdale Jiu-Jitsu is located at 701 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304.  You can contact us there at 954-802-9831.  We serve the communities of Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Lauderdale By The Sea, Dania, Plantation, Davie, and Lauderhill Florida.