“Jujitsu and Judo in the United States”
-Participating in the Jujitsu Class of Carlson Gracie Jr.-
What do you imagine when you hear the wor “Jujitsu?” Martial Arts? K1?
That would only be its “appearance” In reality, it is a sport with a lot of spices which is different than Judo. This article talks about the difference between Judo and Jujitsu which is popular in Japan.
First of all, Judo originates from authentic Jujitsu (a martial art used by samurai’s using nothing but their body) but eliminated striking techniques and included social education. However, the popular Brazilian Jujitsu was educated to the Gracie family by Mr. Mitsuyo Maeda (one of the members selected by Mr. Jigoro Kano to promote Kodokan Judo around the world) who acquired both Judo and Jujitsu
The biggest difference is in Judo it is a combination of standing and ground techniques where Jujitsu is mainly ground. In Judo there is WAZA ARI, IPPON, SHIDO which is given by the referees, but in Jujitsu, like in wrestling, points are awarded. (Personally, I believe this is easier to understand and fair)
However, the biggest difference is the population of athletes. Judo population in the United States is said to be around 20,000 as opposed to Jujitsu of 3 million!!! As far as Dojo counts, there are 300 for Judo whereas for Jujitsu it’s 3,000!! 150x in population, 10x in number of Dojos – In the United States, Jujitsu dominates over Judo.
Carlos Gracie Jr, the grandson of Carlos Gracie – the founder of Brazilian Jujitsu, has a Dojo which is actually in the West Side of Downtown Chicago. I had the opportunity to visit and participate in the practice on November 15th. The Dojo is in a basement of a building where they share this place with Muai Thai Boxing. Total student count is 2~300 and way larger than my partner Tohkoh Judo Academy which is the largest Judo Dojo in the Midwest.
In practice, about 20 adjusts joined for a 2 hour session. The curriculum is similar to Judo. First running and then ground techniques. Once the body is warmed up, then technical coaching and then sparring. What I honestly felt after the practice was…
(1) It’s simply FUN!!
In the technical coaching, there were a lot of findings. “If you turn your feet in this direction, the end results is…” very simple things, but new findings for me. Me with my career mainly in ground techniques felt this way so it should be correct.
(2) Easy to start
As I wrote above, there’s a lot of adult beginners. After my experience, I did understand why. It’s easier to start than Judo!! I am not saying that Jujitsu is foregoing on basics, but it gives joy to beginners of acquiring WAZAs.
I learned that this ease of acquaintance is contributing to the popularity of Jujitsu.
Technique Coaching by Carlson Gracie Jr.
(3) Objective is to Achieve Personal Realization
Instead of winning in a match, everyone as a straight mind of “This is how I want to be…” I myself felt the same way – rather than sparring with others, I was happier when I was able to acquire a WAZA. For me this martial art that can be a tool for Self Realization gave me a new “fresh” feeling.
With Carlson Gracie Jr.
If I write this much, it kind of reads like “Jujitsu is better than Judo” but please do not misunderstand. I love JUDO.
Compared to Jujitsu, Judo has the word “DO” which means a path or a road in Japanese where there is a strong understanding that “This is how it should be” which included my belief as well, where this “old school” mind could have hindered the global popularity of Judo.
United States being a country of Multi Ethnics, once it becomes popular here, it’s a lot easier to gain popularity around the world. Brazilian Jujitsu is a good example and I had a good experience this day.
Conclusion, Judo and Jujitsu is the same where if you become able to do things that you couldn’t, it brings you joy. This joy is more important than winning in a match.
I want to have kids feel the same way in Judo. The possibilities are infinite
Smiles after a great workout is the same in Jujitsu and Judo
余談：Neto, the son of Carlson Gracie Jr. is also learning Judo and is one of my students. Carlson’s wife is Japanese !!
Neto, is he going to be a Jujituka or Judoka?
