Japanese Jiu Jitsu vs. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: What’s the Difference?

Short answer: Japanese Jiu Jitsu is a traditional system with strikes, throws, joint locks, and some groundwork. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu specialises in live, partner-based grappling, positional control, and submissions. For most beginners in Calgary, BJJ offers the best mix of fitness, confidence, and practical self-defence.

If you have been researching martial arts in Calgary, you will see both Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). They share roots, but modern practice and benefits differ. At Straight Blast Gym Calgary we teach Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; below is how it compares to the traditional Japanese style.

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What is Japanese Jiu Jitsu?

Japanese Jiu Jitsu is a centuries-old martial art developed by the samurai. It was designed for combat, often in situations where weapons were involved. Students learn a wide range of techniques, including:

• Joint locks and throws
• Strikes and blocks
• Weapons defences
• Some groundwork

Training is often done in kata, or pre-arranged forms, with less emphasis on live sparring. Japanese Jiu Jitsu is still taught today, usually as a traditional martial art focusing on self-defence, discipline, and history.

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What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

In the early 1900s, a Japanese Jiu Jitsu and Judo master named Mitsuyo Maeda introduced the art to Brazil. The Gracie family and others took those techniques and adapted them, creating what we now know as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Unlike the broader Japanese style, BJJ specializes in:

• Ground fighting and submissions
• Positional control (mount, guard, back control)
• Live sparring (rolling) as a core part of training
• Using leverage and technique so smaller people can defeat larger opponents

One of the biggest differences in how Brazilian Jiu Jitsu developed was the way the Gracie family tested it against other martial arts systems. In the early days, they issued open challenges — boxing, karate, wrestling, judo, or any other style — to prove what worked and refine what didn’t. These “Gracie Challenges,” along with countless hours of sparring in the gym, helped shape BJJ into one of the most effective self-defence systems in the world.

Today, that same testing process continues every time students train against resisting partners. This commitment to aliveness and real-world application is what makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu unique, practical, and constantly evolving.

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Which one should I choose in Calgary?

Short answer: If you want modern, live training with strong fitness carryover, start with BJJ.

• Japanese Jiu Jitsu is great if you’re looking for a traditional martial art with strikes, throws, and weapon defences.
• Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is ideal if you want a practical, modern martial art that focuses on grappling, fitness, and real-world self-defence.

At SBG Calgary, we teach BJJ because it offers the best mix of fitness, confidence, and practical skills for kids and adults. Our students train live in every class, which means the skills they develop work against resisting partners — building real ability and real confidence.

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For Parents in Calgary

Many parents ask us which style is better for their kids. The answer depends on what you want your child to gain. With BJJ, children not only learn self-defence, but also build discipline, focus, and resilience that carry into school and life. And since the training is live, kids see their own progress every week which is a huge confidence boost.

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Try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Calgary

If you’re curious about martial arts, we invite you to try a free introductory lesson at Straight Blast Gym Calgary. See firsthand how BJJ can help you or your child grow stronger, more confident, and more focused — both on and off the mats.

📍 Located in the Calgary Central Sportsplex
📅 View our class timetable for kids, teens, and adults
📞 Book your free intro class today!

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FAQ: Japanese Jiu Jitsu vs Brazilian Jiu Jitsu