BJJ vs Other Martial Arts: Which is Right for You?

As someone who holds black belts in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo, I’m often asked about the differences between BJJ and other martial arts. Each discipline has its strengths, and the “best” one depends on your goals. Let me break down how BJJ compares to other popular martial arts to help you make an informed decision.

BJJ vs Judo

Similarities

Both BJJ and Judo are grappling arts that:

• Focus on throwing and ground fighting
• Use gi (uniform) training
• Emphasize technique over strength
• Have belt ranking systems
• Originate from Japanese martial arts traditions

Key Differences

Judo focuses more on:

• Standing throws (tachi-waza)
• Olympic sport competition format
• Ippon (instant win) scoring system
• Less emphasis on ground submissions

BJJ emphasizes:

• Ground fighting (newaza)
• Submissions and positional control
• No-gi options (training without the gi)
• Self-defense applications

Which to Choose?

• Choose Judo if you want explosive throws and Olympic-style competition
• Choose BJJ if you prefer ground fighting and submission grappling
• Best option: Train both! They complement each other perfectly (as I’ve experienced)

BJJ vs MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)

Understanding the Relationship

BJJ is actually a component of MMA, not a competitor. Most successful MMA fighters train BJJ as part of their overall skill set.

BJJ Focus

• Ground fighting specialization
• Submission grappling
• Self-defense applications
• Sport competition (BJJ tournaments)

MMA Focus

• Multiple disciplines: Striking, wrestling, BJJ, and more
• Cage fighting competition
• Full-contact combat sport
• Broader skill set required

Which to Choose?

• Choose BJJ if you want to specialize in ground fighting and submissions
• Choose MMA if you want to learn striking, wrestling, and BJJ together
• Many people: Start with BJJ to build a foundation, then add striking later

BJJ vs Karate

Karate Focus

• Striking techniques (punches, kicks)
• Forms (kata) practice
• Traditional martial art structure
• Point-based competition (often)

BJJ Focus

• Grappling and ground fighting
• Live sparring (rolling) emphasis
• Submission-based competition
• Practical self-defense applications

Which to Choose?

• Choose Karate if you prefer striking and traditional forms
• Choose BJJ if you want ground fighting and live resistance training
• Many practitioners: Train both for a complete martial arts education

BJJ vs Taekwondo

Taekwondo Focus

• Kicking techniques (high, spinning kicks)
• Olympic sport format
• Point scoring system
• Standing techniques primarily

BJJ Focus

• Ground fighting and submissions
• Close-range combat
• Control and submission rather than points
• Practical self-defense

Which to Choose?

• Choose Taekwondo if you want dynamic kicking and Olympic competition
• Choose BJJ if you prefer ground fighting and submission grappling
• Different ranges: They complement each other well

BJJ vs Boxing

Boxing Focus

• Punching techniques only
• Standing combat
• Cardiovascular fitness
• Hand-eye coordination

BJJ Focus

• Grappling and submissions
• Ground fighting
• Full-body workout
• Problem-solving under pressure

Which to Choose?

• Choose Boxing if you want to focus on striking and hand techniques
• Choose BJJ if you prefer grappling and ground control
• Many fighters: Train both for complete combat skills

BJJ vs Wrestling

Similarities

Both BJJ and Wrestling are:

• Grappling arts
• No striking involved
• Physically demanding
• Emphasize control and positioning

Key Differences

Wrestling focuses on:

• Pinning the opponent
• Takedowns and control
• No submissions (in most styles)
• Olympic sport format

BJJ emphasizes:

• Submissions and joint locks
• Ground fighting specialization
• Self-defense applications
• Sport and self-defense formats

Which to Choose?

• Choose Wrestling if you want takedowns and pinning techniques
• Choose BJJ if you prefer submissions and ground control
• Great combination: Wrestling takedowns + BJJ ground game = very effective

BJJ vs Muay Thai

Muay Thai Focus

• Striking with fists, elbows, knees, and shins
• Standing combat
• Clinch work (standing grappling)
• Full-contact striking

BJJ Focus

• Ground fighting and submissions
• No striking in pure BJJ
• Control and submission techniques
• Self-defense and sport applications

Which to Choose?

• Choose Muay Thai if you want comprehensive striking skills
• Choose BJJ if you prefer ground fighting and submissions
• Popular combination: Many train both for complete stand-up and ground skills

Why BJJ Stands Out

Practical Self-Defense

BJJ was developed specifically for smaller individuals to defend against larger attackers. This makes it highly practical for real-world self-defense situations.

Live Resistance Training

Unlike many martial arts that practice forms or non-contact techniques, BJJ emphasizes live sparring (rolling) from day one. You know your techniques work because you’ve tested them against resisting opponents.

Technique Over Strength

BJJ proves that proper technique can overcome size and strength differences. This makes it accessible and effective for people of all body types.

Mental Challenge

BJJ is often called “human chess” because it requires strategic thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. It’s as much a mental challenge as a physical one.

Longevity

Many BJJ practitioners train well into their later years. The art is adaptable to different fitness levels and can be practiced safely throughout life.

Can You Train Multiple Arts?

Absolutely! Many martial artists train multiple disciplines:

• BJJ + Judo: Excellent combination (as I practice)
• BJJ + Striking: Complete stand-up and ground game
• BJJ + Wrestling: Dominant takedowns and ground control
• BJJ + MMA: Well-rounded combat skills

Training multiple arts makes you a more complete martial artist and helps you understand how different techniques work together.

Making Your Choice

Consider your goals:

• Self-defense: BJJ excels at ground fighting and submissions
• Fitness: BJJ provides full-body conditioning
• Competition: Choose based on the competition format you prefer
• Fun and community: Try different arts to see what resonates

My Recommendation

As someone who has trained multiple martial arts, I believe BJJ offers unique benefits:

1. Practical effectiveness: Proven in real-world and competition settings
2. Accessibility: Works for all body types and fitness levels
3. Mental development: Challenges you intellectually
4. Community: Strong, supportive training environments
5. Longevity: Can be practiced throughout your life

However, the best martial art is the one you’ll actually practice consistently. Try a few different arts, see what you enjoy, and commit to regular training.

Conclusion

Each martial art has its strengths. BJJ excels at ground fighting, submissions, and practical self-defense. Other arts like Judo, Boxing, or Muay Thai have their own advantages.

The key is finding what aligns with your goals, interests, and lifestyle. Many people find that BJJ offers a unique combination of physical challenge, mental stimulation, and practical application that keeps them coming back to the mats.

Interested in trying BJJ? Contact Costello BJJ in Exeter to schedule your first class. We’re located at 4 Cofton Road, Marsh Barton, Exeter EX2 8QW.