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Comparing Jiu Jitsu to Aikido in Westchester

Jiu Jitsu vs.
Aikido

Jiu Jitsu can take the form of a traditional martial art without competition. It was transformed into judo, aikido, and the sport of BJJ respectively.

Jiu Jitsu
Japanese & Brazilian

Similar to kung fu, the traditional martial art of ancient Japanese jiu jitsu fragmented over the many centuries into a vast array of schools. A recent addition as a sport, Brazilian jiu jitsu, focuses ground fighting against one unarmed attacker.

1,000 Year Old Daito Ryu Aiki-Ju-Jitsu

daito ryu aiki-jujitsu
Ancient Art: Daito Ryu Aiki-jujitsu

Many forms of Japanese jiu jitsu offer a complete system of self-defense, including defense against armed and/or multiple attackers. Daito Ryu is such an example. Some offer competition as a training method.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

helio gracie
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Founder: Helio Gracie

Brazilian jiu jitsu was derived from judo and only trains against a single, unarmed attacker. Focus of training is competition.

Evolution of Jiu Jitsu

Jiu jitsu originated in the early Samurai period in Japan for warriors to protect themselves when unarmed. Over 1,000+ years of existence, many styles and splinter groups of jiu jitsu formed. In the 20th century jiu jitsu was modernized into judo and aikido. In Westchester, tremendous variety exists among the styles, from Brazilian jiu jitsu (MMA fame) emphasizing groundwork to Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu more closely resembling aikido. Jiu jitsu tends to focus on destructive technique first, minimal use of katas, and sometimes uses competition. Weapons practice may or may not be involved and exercise tends to be aerobic.

Today, due to the prevalence of MMA and its ties to Brazilian jiu jitsu, a distinction has formed between Japanese and Brazilian forms of jiu jitsu. In Brazil, jiu jitsu was formed both from the ancient Japanese jiu jitsu and judo as well. But many different styles and splinter groups exist within Japanese jiu jitsu, as the tradition is quite ancient.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs. Aikido

Still Mind Aikido — Brazilian Jiu Jitsu vs. Aikido
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Similarities and Differences

Reality Check for BJJ

Due to the sharing the name jiu jitsu, people can begin Brazilian jiu jitsu believing that it is a traditional martial art offering the full range of lifestyle benefits from building character to improving health. However, BJJ is a combat sport that does not possess those pathways directly. When selecting a BJJ dojo for adults, it is wise to consider the injury rate. For children one should consider the benefits compared to traditional martial arts. MMA vs. Traditional Martial Arts

Jiu Jitsu Classes in Westchester, NY: Availability

In Westchester County, jiu jitsu may be available in the major cities of White Plains, New Rochelle, and Yonkers. The Japanese jiu jitsu is less widely available in Westchester NY.

Iwama
Aikido

Aikido Throw

aikido-seniors
Aikido FOunder: Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido's Origins

The founder of Aikido was good friends with the founder of judo, Jigoro Kano. In fact, Kano Sensei helped Ueshiba Sensei become established in mainland Japan. The shared a similar ideology on the purpose of training.

Unlike Brazilian jiu jitsu, which focuses mainly on grappling on the ground, aikido is primarily standing. Aikido classes tend to be less "up close and personal" in its contact. Defense is against grabs, chokes, and strikes rather than grappling. The training in aikido is closer to that of Japanese jiu jitsu, excepting emphasis on weapons in aikido as well as teaching to minimize harm to an attacker from the beginning of training. The focus is on defense against multiple attacks rather than only one attacker as well as armed attackers. Extensive weapons training is also part of the curriculum. Competition is not used, but traditional training with technique practiced at gradually higher and differing types of resistance. Aikido came largely from a fusion of the ancient Daito Ryu Aiki-jiujitsu with Yagyu Shinkage Iaido sword training, thus the emphasis on multiple attacks and weapons.

FAQ

How is Aikido different from Jiu Jitsu?

BJJ, or Brazilian jiu jitsu, is known as a sport with one on one competition and a restrictive rule set. There is no training in multiple attacks or defense against weapons. Most training is on the ground. Aikido is more traditional without the sport aspect, but with a focus on multiple attacks and defense against weapons. There is no rule set, so resistance training is gradual to avoid injury. The full article explores these differences in greater depth.

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