Student question: Jiu-jitsu vs Judo

The Gracie Barra Method includes some standup takedown training as a part of every class. Some basic Judo takedowns are taught, especially those takedowns which are applicable to self defense situations. An important part of the Gracie Barra Fundamentals curriculum is the self defense aspect of jiu-jitsu and several of the classic judo takedowns are central to standup self defense situations.

Not only useful for self defense, Judo takedowns can be the decisive factor in competition. In the most recent IBJJF World Championships, several matches were decided by – you guessed it – 2 points for the takedown.

Prof. Carlos Liberi uses a judo takedown (Kata Eri Seoi Nage) in Self Defense situation

A GB student asked “I heard that Judo and Jiu-jitsu are related. What is the difference between Judo and Jiu-jitsu?”

Yes, Judo and Jiu-jitsu are both branches on the same tree sharing a common.origin and many common techniques.

The main.differences between the arts come from the different rules of each respective sport expression of the arts. One way to simply describe the difference is that Judo is 90% standing and 10% in the ground (called Newaza) while Jiu-jitsu is the opposite with 90% ground technique and 10% standing.

The rules of any combat sport dictate the best strategies to achieve victory. Judo prizes the perfect throw putting the opponent flat on their back for the match ending score of Ippon. Yes, there is ground work in judo, but compared to IBJJF rules, the Judo competitor is allowed a short amount of time to work their ground techniques before the referee restarts the match standing. It is possible to win on the ground in Judo by submission or “Osaekomi” where one pins the opponent on their back for 20 seconds. There are of course some excellent submission specialists in high level Judo with outstanding chokes and straight arm locks.

Since the most expedient way to win under the Judo rules is by big throw, judoka spend the majority of their training time on standup takedown techniques.

In Jiu-jitsu, a perfect throw does not end the match as it does in Judo and while 2 points are awarded, the match continues in the ground. Unlike Judo, the match is not restarted on the feet if there is not immediate progress in attack, so the fight can remain on the ground for the entire duration of the match. More importantly, the points system in IBJJF of improving position is the main way of winning a Jiu-jitsu match. This means the Jiu-jitsu fighter has far more time and latitude in working their ground game as a means of victory. This is why Jiu-jitsu schools place such a high emphasis on the ground fighting.

A notable difference also is that a very common strategy in Jiu-jitsu is to pull guard in order to get the fight to the ground as quickly as possible. This is against the rules in Judo. If an opponent can nullify the other’s takedown game by simply pulling guard, then the effectiveness of takedowns as a means to win in Jiu-jitsu is reduced.

So now you might ask the question “Is it necessary for a Jiu-jitsu student to also learn Judo?”

Yes. Having takedown skills is super important to the ground specialist as they first must get the fight to the ground before being able to work their submissions. Pulling guard is not always a wise strategy – especially in.a self defense situation. Being a complete Jiu-jitsu fighter includes proficiency in standup grappling as well.

The Gracie Barra recognizes the importance of Judo’s Jiu-jitsu and includes some takedowns in every class.


See also on Gracie Barra : Applying Principles To Your Jiu-jitsu

Applying Principles To Your Jiu-jitsu

Credits: Mark Mullen 

Gracie Barra Black belt based in Asia