Aikido and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are two of the most popular martial arts globally, both of which originated in japan but developed in different ways.
Aikido and jiu-jitsu are both grappling-based martial art forms. They both emphasize the importance of being able to hit and throw the ball effectively. So, Aikido vs. Jiu-Jitsu: which one is better for you?
Aikido is not a very effective martial art compared to Jiu-Jitsu because it requires, in most cases, a compliant partner. On the other hand, Jiu-Jitsu works against non-compliant, proficient attackers with ill intent. Also, Jiu-Jitsu works well as a defensive art against real aggressors and works better in daily situations.
This article examines each martial art’s history, philosophy, and differences to assist you in selecting which one to pursue.
See also: Karate And Aikido: Which One Is Better For You?
What Is Aikido?
Aikido, the most practiced martial art globally, was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, commonly known as “o sensei.”
Aikido is a non-violent martial art and includes techniques for striking, locking joints, pinning, and throwing. Traditional Japanese weapons like the sword, staff, and knife are also demonstrated.
Aikido has to do with how you stand, how you move, how you balance, how you evade, and how you get away. Anger management is also addressed.
Aikido isn’t considered a sport because it’s a martial art. When it comes to this martial art, it’s about self-improvement, not competition. Aikido can be practiced by people of all ages and genders because it doesn’t matter whether you win or lose.
How Does Aikido Originate?
Aikido is a martial art that mixes philosophical concepts with combat techniques. In addition, Aikido focuses more on conflict resolution and conflict avoidance than it does on self-defense.
That’s why it’s possible to use an opponent’s attack against them in a counterproductive way. In aikido, training and philosophy are more important than the ability to kill someone.
What Is The Philosophy Of Aikido?
The philosophy of aikido is that it has the potential to bring about enlightenment. Its purpose is to improve the world, even if it means sacrificing one’s own well-being. This is a world-peace-promoting perspective. Fighting skills aren’t everything, despite common opinion.
This perspective is far out of the ordinary for the regular person. Aikido teaches and expects its practitioners to attempt to get along with everyone, including their adversaries. Avoid and deflect your opponent’s strikes so that neither you nor your adversary is wounded in the process of avoiding and deflecting their attacks.
What Is Jiu-Jitsu?
In jiu-jitsu, grappling and ground fighting is a big part of the sport. It aids in the management of your opponent and the eventual surrender.
Generally, people perceive BJJ as a benign art form that may be used by a small, vulnerable person to defend themselves. Forcing an opponent to submit in jiu-jitsu requires pressure, leverage, angles, human analysis, and timing. For this reason, jiu-jitsu is commonly known as “human chess” among those who practice it.
Practicing jiu-jitsu has numerous health benefits. It moves in a way that is both dynamic and explosive. Muscle tone, weight loss, and balance are all benefits of judo because you are constantly reacting to your opponent’s actions.
As a brain workout, jiu-jitsu is excellent for your mental health. A new activity is demonstrated using numerous steps. Your reasoning abilities improve because you’re constantly considering your next move.
How Did Jiu-Jitsu Originate?
The origins of jiu-jitsu are debated among martial arts historians. According to our knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu, The Gracie Family began training in the early 1900s.
A talented street fighter named Mitsuo Maeda brought jiu-jitsu to brazil after successfully defending himself with it. After Carlos learned from Maeda, Gracie’s family worked together to improve JJ’s skills.
What Is The Philosophy Of Jiu-Jitsu?
Jiu-philosophy Jitsu instructs a warrior on how to think in order to win a fight. It advises you to surrender to your opponent’s force rather than attempting to counter it with your own.
Instead of throwing things and locking joints, jiu-jitsu also focuses on choking, immobilizing the opponent’s limbs, and striking them.
Once you genuinely understand and respect the concept of jiu-jitsu, BJJ will help you in every aspect of your life. Using your mental, physical, and spiritual strength in the greatest possible way is what this book teaches you.
Aikido Vs. Jiu-Jitsu: Which One Is Better?
Both aikido and jiu-jitsu are excellent forms of self-defense to pick up. For self-defense purposes, BJJ’s techniques are more effective than aikido’s. However, the most suitable martial art for you will rely on your fighting style and your perception of your own skills.
Aikido is a highly effective self-defense martial technique. It teaches people how to defend themselves against various threats and improves their mental and physical well-being. With aikido, your spirit, well-being, awareness, and compassion are all enhanced.
However, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a unique grappling martial art that emphasizes different concepts and principles. It may aid you in defeating larger and more challenging opponents.
Training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu can improve your athleticism, teach you how to protect yourself, and help you lose weight, to name a few benefits.
Differences Between Aikido And Jiu-Jitsu
The key difference between Jiu-jitsu and Aikido is the styles and techniques they both use. Jiu-jitsu is considered more dangerous, whereas Aikido is a preventive martial art form focusing on self-defense. They both include basic attacking movements, grabbing, and striking techniques.
The table below summarizes the differences between Aikido and Jiu-Jitsu.
| Features | Aikido | Jiu-Jitsu |
| Foundation | Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the 1920s (MIT Aikido Club) | The first Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) School was launched in 1925 (Gracie Barra) |
| Competition | Aikido is a self-defense martial art; It doesn’t focus on competitions. | In Jiu-Jitsu, there are many different tournaments where things happen. Where participants win by submitting or getting points. |
| Philosophy | Aikido uses endurance, balance, flexibility, and directed relaxation. | Jujitsu uses the concept of momentum based on the enemy’s force, balance, and leverage |
| Focus | Aikido focuses less on strength training, classifying it as a “soft” martial art. | BJJ is also considered a “soft” martial arts because it focuses less on strength training. Instead, BJJ students use their opponents to take them down. |
| Color Ranking | – White is the primary color in Aikido, followed by Yellow, Orange, Blue, Brown, and Black. | The colors in Jiu-jitsu (BJJ) rank from white, blue, purple, brown, and black. |
| Attack Response | – An opponent’s charge is usually the trigger for Aikido. – Aikido has nothing to do if the opponent’s attacks in multiple ways. | On the other side, Jiu-Jitsu teaches you to deal with unpredictable attacks and charges, making it more difficult. |
| Ranks | Aikidos Students acquire six ranks | Jiu-Jitsu students acquire five ranks. |
| Uniform | Aikido’s traditional uniform generally includes a pair of Japanese pants | Jiu-jitsu’s uniforms are called kimono (Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Gi) |
Reasons Why Aikido Is The Best Martial Art
Aikido is a highly effective self-defense martial technique. Practicing self-defense not only improves our physical and emotional well-being but also prepares us to deal with a wide range of potential threats.
In addition, having a positive outlook on life has a direct impact on how we interact with the environment and how others see us. Maintaining your body and mind in check may help you handle challenging situations and resolve disagreements no matter where you are. This is true whether you are in the dojo, on the street, at school, or at a business meeting.
Aikido Is The Best Martial Art Because:
- An aikido practice cultivates a strong feeling of self-awareness as well as a deep sense of empathy for others.
- Aikido training helps us become stronger and more complete individuals. As a result, we are more equipped to deal with difficult situations.
To Sum It Up:
You’ve probably already figured out what’s going to happen here… Only you can make the final decision. Even though both Aikido and Jiu-Jitsu are grappling with martial arts, Aikido focuses on self-defense. In contrast, Jiu-Jitsu has various styles. Aikido is known for its ability to open attacks, while Judo is noted to be more flexible. In the end, BJJ is most likely responsible for bringing the raid to a close. Until now, we have uncovered the following:
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu is more effective when practiced prone than when performed stoutly.
- Learning both might be beneficial for self-defense purposes, given their differences.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu differs from Aikido in many ways, and this article will explain why. After that, it should be very evident what has to be done.