Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?? Jiu-Jitsu (Ne-Waza) ??

Different schools and styles of Ju-Jitsu have been developed and preserved over the centuries in Japan as martial art.
In the beginning of the 19th century the spread around the globe became significant which lead to more divers styles and to the development of the sportive aspect. While one specialization became the well known Sport of Judo, which is focusing on the throws and take downs. Another remarkable development happened in the same time in Brazil. Considering that in the most cases a fight is not ended with just taking an opponent to the ground, the focus went on the submission.

Control - Domination - Submission

This is the general strategy used in Jiu-Jitsu, as controlling an opponent is standing position is very difficult, often impossible. Knowing how to fight on the ground gives the ability to control even stronger attackers / opponents. Consequently Jiu-Jitsu focuses on the transition from standing to ground and ground fighting.

Designation: The associated JJIF competition discipline is called Jiu-Jitsu!

If there is need to distinguish more precise, “Ne-Waza” is added in brackets which is the Japanese term for Ground techniques.Due to the history, often the term “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” is used, which was actually never used in Brazil. And today this is a global sport and martial art so JJIF is not using this name.
[more about names and designation]

JJIF included the discipline Jiu-Jitsu in 2010, and established already in the World Games 2013 in two initial categories (men -85kg and women -70kg).

Training and competitions can take place in a Gi or without a Gi in sports pants and shirt (No-Gi). The fight starts with two athletes standing. Punches and kicks are not allowed. After starting the fight, the referee only interrupts during critical moments. Normally, the main part of the fight takes place on the ground. The goal is to win by submission with a lock on the joints or strangulation, or by points. During the time of six minutes, it is possible to gain points for throws, take downs, controlling positions and certain actions that give an advantage in the progression of the fight.

“Fun Fact”: Different than in other combat sports it is not automatically considered a disadvantage to fight to be on the back with an opponent above yourself. Around the so called “guard position” Jiu-Jitsu practitioners build a whole system of methods to control and submit an opponent from underneath.

Today it is fought in 14 weight categories:
Male: -56kg, -62 kg, -69kg, -77kg, -85kg, -94kg, +94kg
Female: -45kg; -48kg; -52kg; -57kg; -63kg; -70kg; +70kg