What is jiu-jitsu: origin, rules and how a match works
A beginner's guide to the martial art that grew out of Japanese judo, took shape in Brazil and is now practiced around the world.
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art and a grappling combat sport. Instead of punches and kicks, practitioners use grips, leverage and control positions to dominate the opponent, almost always on the ground. A match can end on points or by submission, when one fighter applies a joint lock or a choke and the other gives up by tapping.
The central idea is simple: with good technique, a smaller person can defend themselves and control someone heavier. That is why jiu-jitsu attracts so many people who have never fought before.
Where jiu-jitsu came from
The Brazilian story of jiu-jitsu begins with Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese expert trained in judo at the Kodokan school. He arrived in Brazil in 1914 and went on to live in Belém, in the state of Pará, where he gave demonstrations starting in 1915.
In 1917, the young Carlos Gracie watched one of those demonstrations and began training with Maeda, alongside other students such as Luiz França. The Gracie family later moved to Rio de Janeiro. Carlos taught his brothers, among them Hélio Gracie, and the Gracies developed their own style, focused on the ground and on the use of leverage.
How the world discovered Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Jiu-jitsu gained international fame on November 12, 1993, at the first UFC, in Denver, in the United States. It was an eight-man tournament with no weight classes. Royce Gracie won the tournament and submitted Gerard Gordeau in the final with a rear naked choke.
Today the sport's main body is the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF), founded in 2002 by Carlos Gracie Jr. and based in Rio de Janeiro. In Brazil, its sister organization is the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Confederation (CBJJ).
How a match works
In sport competition, both athletes start standing and try to take the fight to the ground. From there, each dominant position scores points: takedown, sweep, guard pass, mount and back control. The IBJJF scoring guide explains how much each one is worth.
If nobody gets a submission, the athlete with more points wins. In case of a tie, advantages and penalties count.
Gi or no-gi
Traditional jiu-jitsu is practiced in a gi, which allows grips on the collar and sleeves. The version without the gi, called no-gi, uses tight clothing and has a faster pace. To understand the differences, see the Gi or no-gi guide.
Jiu-jitsu belts
For adults, the belt order set by the IBJJF is white, blue, purple, brown and black. The minimum age for the black belt is 19, and each belt has a minimum time requirement. The From white to black guide shows the timelines.
Frequently asked questions
Is jiu-jitsu Brazilian?
Its base came from Japan, with the judo taught by Mitsuyo Maeda. The style the world calls Brazilian jiu-jitsu was developed in Brazil by the Gracie family and their students, which is why it carries the country's name.
What is the difference between jiu-jitsu and judo?
Both share the same origin but followed different paths. Judo puts more weight on takedowns and throws, with the fight standing up. Jiu-jitsu focuses on ground fighting, with positional control and submissions.
Do I need to be in shape to start?
No. Conditioning comes with training. The most important thing is to find an academy with a qualified instructor and start at your own pace.