AskIt Logo
  • New to BJJ?Starter Guide
  • The RulesDos & Don’ts
  • White Belt Problems
  • Starting BJJ
  • Learning BJJ Faster
  • BJJ for Self Defense
  • BJJ Belts & Promotion
  • BJJ vs Other Martial Arts
Home » BJJ History » What does jiu-jitsu mean?
1

What does jiu-jitsu mean?

- John Q. Whitebelt

Posted by John Q. Whitebelt in BJJ History | 1 comment

Community Answers

  1. This solution has been deemed correct by the post author

    76
    7-23-13
    Aesopian says:

    Jiu-Jitsu is usually translated from Japanese as “gentle art.”

    “Jiu” can mean “gentle, soft, supple, flexible, pliable, or yielding.”

    “Jitsu” can mean “art,” “technique” or even “practical art.”

    Jiu-Jitsu can be spelled several different ways as explained here: Is it spelled jiu-jitsu or jujutsu?

    The reason for the name is that jiu-jitsu arts primarily use grappling techniques to redirect the attacker’s aggression and strength, rather than directly opposing it. Jiu-jitsu is characterized by its use of off-balancing, throws, sweeps, transitions, positions, and submissions, rather than strikes, punches and kicks. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in particular is known for its focus on ground fighting. You can learn why here: Why does BJJ focus so much on grappling and ground fighting?

    The difference between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and other jujitsu arts are explained here:

    • What’s the difference between Japanese jujutsu and BJJ?
    • What’s the difference between judo and BJJ?

    You can read comparisons between BJJ and many other martial arts here: BJJ vs Other Martial Arts

    Log in to Reply
    +148

    Was this answer helpful?

    LikeDislike

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

IMPORTANT NOTE: By submitting an answer, you give permission for it to be published in future editions of the White Belt Problems book.

Ask a BJJ Question

Buy the Book on Amazon

Categories

  • BJJ Belts & Promotion
  • BJJ Books & DVDs
  • BJJ Competition
  • BJJ Etiquette
  • BJJ Fitness & Diet
  • BJJ for Fitness
  • BJJ for Kids
  • BJJ for Self Defense
  • BJJ Gis & Gear
  • BJJ History
  • BJJ Injuries
  • BJJ Lifestyle & Culture
  • BJJ Techniques
  • BJJ vs Other Martial Arts
  • Finding a BJJ School
  • Health & Hygiene
  • Learning BJJ Faster
  • Starting BJJ
  • White Belt Problems

Recent Questions

  • Youth to adult transition
  • private lessons when your a newbie worth it or not?
  • Is it good practice for a beginner to be at open mats?
  • Is it ok to wear shirts and gear of other people/academies that im a fan of?
  • Is an open level gym bad?

Recent Answers

  • dogs_bolx on Is it good practice for a beginner to be at open mats?
  • LittleAussieGrappler on Does Gi color matter?
  • LittleAussieGrappler on What makes a martial art effective?
  • LittleAussieGrappler on private lessons when your a newbie worth it or not?
  • LittleAussieGrappler on Does BJJ prepare you for self defense?

Categories

  • BJJ Belts & Promotion
  • BJJ Books & DVDs
  • BJJ Competition
  • BJJ Etiquette
  • BJJ Fitness & Diet
  • BJJ for Fitness
  • BJJ for Kids
  • BJJ for Self Defense
  • BJJ Gis & Gear
  • BJJ History
  • BJJ Injuries
  • BJJ Lifestyle & Culture
  • BJJ Techniques
  • BJJ vs Other Martial Arts
  • Finding a BJJ School
  • Health & Hygiene
  • Learning BJJ Faster
  • Starting BJJ
  • White Belt Problems
  • Home
  • About
  • Ask a Question
  • Beginner’s Guide to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
  • Contact
  • Dashboard
  • Edit Post
  • Rules
  • Sitemap
  • Your Profile
  • BJJ Belts & Promotion
  • BJJ Books & DVDs
  • BJJ Competition
  • BJJ Etiquette
  • BJJ Fitness & Diet
  • BJJ for Fitness
  • BJJ for Kids
  • BJJ for Self Defense
  • BJJ Gis & Gear
  • BJJ History
  • BJJ Injuries
  • BJJ Lifestyle & Culture
  • BJJ Techniques
  • BJJ vs Other Martial Arts
  • Finding a BJJ School
  • Health & Hygiene
  • Learning BJJ Faster
  • Starting BJJ
  • White Belt Problems