Jiu-Jitsu

Different schools and styles of Ju-Jitsu have been developed and preserved over the centuries in Japan as a martial art.

At the beginning of the 19th century, the spread of Ju-Jitsu around the globe became significant, leading to more diverse styles and to the development of the sporting aspect. While one specialization became the well-known sport of Judo, focusing on throws and take downs, another remarkable development happened at the same time in Brazil. Considering that, in most cases, a fight is not ended by merely taking an opponent to the ground, the focus shifted to ground fighting, including the submission techniques.

Why On the Ground ?

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

Ne-Waza VS Brazilian Jiu Jitsu ?

Ne-Waza is the Japanese term for ground techniques. Due to its history, the discipline is also commonly referred to as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). Interestingly, this designation was never actually used in Brazil itself.

Today, this discipline is a global sport and martial art. Therefore, the JJIF uses the name Jiu-Jitsu as the official designation. However, member federations may also use the term Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) where it is better understood or provides greater clarity.

JJIF included the discipline Jiu-Jitsu in 2010, and already established it 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 five minutes, it is possible to score points for throws, take downs, passing guards, 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 be on one’s back with an opponent above you during the bout. Around the so called “guard position” Jiu-Jitsu practitioners build a whole system of methods to sweep (overturn), 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