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Japanese jujutsu (JJJ) or traditional jujitsu (TJJ) are broad names for many martial arts styles that share a common history.
Most forms of JJJ/TJJ focus on throws and stand-up grappling, pain-compliance submission holds like wristlocks and standing armlocks and chokes, with a minor emphasis on close-quarters strikes. Ground fighting techniques may be taught, though not to the same degree as in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
A few rares styles of JJJ/TJJ instead focus on kicking and punching instead of grappling. Some even teach the use of traditional Japanese weapons like short blades and swords.
JJJ/TJJ dojos primarily focus on self-defense training rather than any sport applications (such as grappling tournaments or MMA). This often includes defenses against attacks with knives, clubs, and guns.
As is the case with many so-called traditional martial arts, JJJ/TJJ schools tend to neglect live sparring in favor of katas (basically memorized patterns) and simulations where the student defends as a compliant partner does a predetermined attack. Better JJJ/TJJ schools break this trend and do more free sparring, often influenced by the rising popularity of MMA and BJJ. To understand the importance of sparring, read What makes a martial art effective?
Many sub-styles of JJJ/TJJ exist, with names like Small Circle Jujitsu, Combat Jujitsu, American ju-jitsu, Canadian Jiu-Jitsu, Hontai Yoshin-ryu, Takenouchi-ryu, Saigo-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, Tenjin Shinyo-ryu, Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu, Sosuishitsu-ryu, Miyama-ryu Jujutsu, Danzan-ryu Jujitsu, Senshin-ryu Goshin-jutsu, Budoshin Jujitsu, Ketsugo-ryu Jujitsu, and many more. These different branches may trace their lineage back to centuries old Japanese roots or more recent Western origins.
As you’ve likely noticed, even the word jujutsu has many different spellings. These are explained here: Is it spelled jiu-jitsu or jujutsu?
While Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu carries the jiu-jitsu name, looking to its history it may be more accurately described as a form of judo. The terms judo and jiu-jitsu were used interchangeably around the turn of the century when the art was brought to Brazil. At the time, judo was still associated with the jujutsu arts from which it developed. The relationship between BJJ and judo is explained here: What’s the difference between judo and BJJ?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a much larger emphasis on live sparring and ground fighting than most JJJ/TJJ schools. This focus is explained here: Why does BJJ focus so much on grappling and ground fighting?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has a history of no-rules challenge matches and no-holds-barred competitions, which lead to the creation of the UFC and modern MMA. Modern BJJ is also practiced as a sport with grappling tournaments. To learn more about the sporting aspects of BJJ, read Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu a sport or a martial art?
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