It is well known that martial arts and fighting has been prevalent in Japan for many, many years. In fact, some of the earliest records that Japan has, such as the Record of Ancient Matters (also known as the Kojiki) and the Chronicles of Japan (known as the Nihon Shoki), give details about early styles of martial arts and combat. Stories have been told of Jiu Jitsu’s origins, however, the most famous story includes two warriors who fought in front of Emperor Sunin – Tajima no Kehaya was defeated and killed by the warrior Nomi no Sekuni of Izumo.

Japanese Jujitsu which is also known as Traditional Jujitsu is accepted as the mother of many of the modern arts of the 20th century. Karate, Judo, Aikido and Brazilian Jujitsu are just a few of the arts that have spawned from this ancient martial art. During the feudal period of Japan, an art was needed for warfare. A definitive date for the origins of this martial art is impossible to locate but it is universally agreed upon that Jujitsu is purely a Japanese martial art. Known as the art of the Samurai, Jujitsu was highly feared and respected by other territories due to its vast skill set.

Part 1

The Beginning
"Where did it all begin?"

Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil

Japanese and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

"What is the difference between Japanese (classical) Jiu-Jitsu (jujutsu) and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?"

Brief History:

Jujitsu is a 2500 year old unarmed combat discipline that has its roots in ancient Japan. The exact date on the creation of this martial art form is hard to trace but techniques resembling that of Jujitsu had already been incorporated into the training methods of the Samurai, from the 8th to the 6th centuries. Earliest Japanese historical records such as the Kojiki (Record of Ancient Matters) and the Nihon Shoki (Chronicles of Japan) also have passages related to unarmed combat systems.

Learning martial arts have manifold advantages. Not only do these martial arts help in defending ourselves from attackers, but also they are known to improve health, physical fitness and concentration of mind. Training and practicing martial arts will help in reducing body weight and keep various diseases like heart disease, diabetes under control. They also improve self-confidence and one's strength of character. As learning martial arts has many advantages, everyone is advised to learn martial arts. Learning martial arts can be both easy and tough.

This is one of the hottest topics up for debate in the martial arts community and quite frankly I don't think either side understands the other's point of view. The bulk of the issue stems from the many misconceptions of the two respective arts but more so the lack of understanding of Judo. It is funny that most people understand that BJJ was created when a Judoka taught a Brazilian the martial art of Judo but both sides fail to agree on how similar these martial arts are.

Have you ever been in a situation that required you to act against an attacker? Have you ever thought that learning martial arts is the need of the hour? If these questions hold good for you, then learning Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is the answer!