Here are 5 things that differentiate jiu-jitsu from wrestling:

The one commonality is the terminology, but the differences are not to be underestimated. We’ve put together this list of 5 things that differentiates jiu-jitsu from wrestling so you can better inform yourself before choosing which martial art to start with.

JIu-jitsu is fundamentally different from wrestling:

Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a ground game, with most techniques involving grappling on the mat with your opponent forcing them into submission via joint locks, chokeholds, and other means. Wrestling is primarily an aerial game where you learn how to use your body weight to topple or pin an opponent who is standing up.

Judo is for weight classes, while wrestling is for championships:

Jiu-jitsu fighters fight in weight classes ranging from featherweight (up to 130 lbs. in women’s divisions) to super-heavyweight (up to 200lbs. in men’s divisions). If a wrestler is fighting in the 130 lbs. division, they are competing against other wrestlers weighing up to 150 lbs.

Submission vs Pin Count:

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rules, the main goal is to submit your opponent (or make them tap out or give up before it becomes absolutely necessary). In most other styles of wrestling, one of the most important objectives is to pin your opponent for a “count.”

Takedown/Tap-out:

Until recently, many jiu-jitsu fighters would never have seen a takedown if they lived near an open mat competition because those contests were unheard of in their area. Traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques are taught with the idea that you can fight on the ground. But you are allowed to defend yourself without taking a submission or “tap out” when pinned and not under a time limit. There is also no referee standing between you and your opponent to call you out of bounds should the need ever arise.

Wrestling coaches teach their students how to take down opponents with their back to the mat, on their belly, or even on all fours if necessary. Jiu-jitsu students learn how to avoid being taken down and if taken, how to fight from the bottom position.

How Jiu-jitsu can benefit the average person:

Health. You will be healthier by practicing BJJ because you’ll be more flexible, stronger, longer, and burn more calories than you would by going to a traditional gym. Builds Confidence. Whenever you step on the mat, you are going to face a mental, physical, and social challenge. In this way, BJJ helps you gain self-confidence, focus, and discipline. 

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Jiu-Jitsu a technique of self-defense: 

As self-defense, jiu-jitsu is the most effective martial art for those who want to learn how to use their body weight as a weapon, and use their own body as a shield. Jiu-Jitsu is great for women, who generally have less muscle mass than men. It also teaches techniques that deal specifically with some of the most common street attacks. And also to deal with combative situations encountered by ordinary citizens (especially women).

It is recommended that you get at least 6 months of basic jiu-jitsu lessons before participating in “freestyle” sparring. (i.e. at an open mat competition).

Jiu-jitsu is perfect for physical fitness:

Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent form of physical training for those wishing to stay active in their later years. Moreover, Jiu-Jitsu training provides resistance, balance, and coordination that are usable to maintain flexibility and mobility. It is also a great way to lose weight and get in shape.

The average age of a jiu-jitsu instructor is 32 years old. Most Jiu-Jitsu instructors are knowledgeable and have tons of experience in fighting on the street as well as in the ring. But they are not professional fighters like many martial arts instructors who advertise themselves as such but rarely have a competitive background or any formal instruction.

Is wrestling a martial arts?

It’s been ages that I am listening to one specific question and that is “Is wrestling a martial arts?” And the answer to that question is NO! Wrestling is sports!!!!

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art, not a sport. In the dictionary, “Martial Arts” means “skill in war”, while “sport” means “a contest of physical prowess”.

Olympic wrestling is a sport.

Jiu-jitsu is not professional wrestling. Wrestling has rules and tournaments. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does not have any rules for actual competition. There are no referees to call fouls, as in other martial arts when one person makes contact with an unintended opponent such as touching an opponent’s clothing or hair, thus triggering the start of a match or tournament. You can compete with your own body weight as often as you like without an official match.

Wrestling is also exclusively for men, whereas Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is open to both men and women.

Jiu-Jitsu is not a grappling sport like judo or wrestling. But it’s not really that different from these two other arts of combat: Why do people call it “unarmed fighting”?

This term has a very specific meaning in Judo (which was birthed from the Japanese martial art of Jujutsu) and the Korean martial art called Tang Soo Do.

What it boils down to:

Jiu-Jitsu is the application of a large number of principles and techniques derived from Jujutsu. Along with the adaptation to ground-fighting instead of striking. It is a systemization of existing Jujutsu techniques.And its goal is to be effective in self-defense, applying leverage and taking advantage of openings.

Tang Soo Do (Korean: Chang-Soo Do) means “the way of the soft hand”. In Judo, Tang Soo Do means leg techniques but in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu it means joint manipulation techniques for the body.