Jiu Jitsu

Jiu Jitsu
What’s the difference between ninjitsu, jiu-jitsu, and specifically brazilian jiu-jitsu?

I’d like to learn ninjitsu but can’t find anywhere to learn it. I heard ninjitsu is very similar to jiu-jitsu. I chiefly find jiu-jitsu studios, most of which are brazilian. So what’s differentiates them all from the other?

Please don’t listen to the guy above. Ninjutsu is a martial art that combines much of traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu with training in weapons that were culturally significant to the historical “ninjas” that you hear about. I don’t claim to be an expert in it, but you can look it up here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ninjutsu

As for traditional Jiu Jitsu, it is a martial art that emphasizes throws, joint locks, and transitions from standup fighting to ground fighting. However, it is a non-sport art and therefore there is no true sparring in class. The moves are practiced against willing opponents, and focus is on economy and efficiency of movement. There may be some striking or weapons training, but the main focus is grabbing somebody and using different throws to make your opponent flip to the ground.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, like Judo, is a sport-focused derivation of traditional jiu jitsu. BJJ however is much more progressive, and it evolves even to this day. In BJJ, live sparring dominates the class. Ground grappling is the emphasis, and many times, sparring partners start “rolling” from their knees to eliminate the dangers of throws and takedowns. Though classes do teach some of the takedowns found in traditional jiu jitsu (some schools more than others) it also incorporates much of western-style wrestling for the stand-up game(single/double leg takedowns etc). Competitive BJJ matches end when an opponent “submits” to a choke or joint lock, or after time runs out, where points determine the winner (points are awarded for achieving takedowns or certain positions/escapes).

Summary: if you want to learn a practical self-defense art, learn BJJ. Ninjutsu and traditional jiu jitsu are cool for tradition, but although they’ll teach you very effective moves, the lack of live sparring makes it hard to be confident in the moves if you had to use it in real life.