According to many practitioners, Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and Judo are two of the most enjoyable combat sport to train. Both disciplines instill in their practitioners a high level of combat proficiency. So, BJJ vs Judo, Which is better?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo are excellent grappling martial arts that offer their practitioners several advantages, including increased physical fitness, improved self-defense abilities, and other benefits.
Continue reading to learn more about Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu differences to decide which is best for you. We’ll examine their adaptability to self-defense, technique efficacy, MMA presence, and other fantastic things. Keep an eye out!
Are Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the Same?

Judo and BJJ are two different sorts of grappling martial arts practiced worldwide.
Judo emphasizes standing combat via the use of a variety of throws. On the other hand, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu places a greater emphasis on ground combat and submission grappling.
Judo was established in 1882 by Kano Jigoro and was officially recognized as an Olympic sport in 1964. However, BJJ was initially developed in 1920 by the Gracie family using traditional Kodokan Judo and Japanese jujutsu under the guidance of Mitsuyo Maeda.
Otherwise, the rules of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and judo competitions are so distinct. For example, a Judoka may win a fight with an Ippon (throws an opponent on the back and controls him for 20 seconds) or with two Waza-ari (partial Ippon).
On the other hand, a BJJ competitor can win a fight by scoring more points at the end of the match or by a submission that ends the game immediately.
Judo or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Which One Is Better for MMA?

According to analysts, Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu can become the new basis for mixed martial arts (MMA). On the other hand, many good MMA fighters are well-versed in Judo and BJJ.
Judo practitioners acquire ferocious physical qualities (explosive power, great cardio, etc.) and balancing control. Apart from that, Judo throws are very successful in outclassing any opponent, even heavier ones.
Indeed, Judokas are well-versed in the art of fighting management. Unfortunately, they emphasize submissions less than other martial artists and lack special skills.
Aside from that, BJJ helps its practitioners construct brutal physical qualities such as explosive strength, great cardio, etc. Apart from that, BJJ chokes and joint lock submissions successfully outclass any competitor, even savage opponents.
Undoubtedly, BJJ fighters know how to control the battle, whether from a standing or a ground position. Consequently, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is advantageous in mixed martial arts (MMA).
Finally, Brazilian jiu-jitsu and Judo have a considerable role in mixed martial arts despite not teaching striking techniques. Yet, BJJ is a more practical choice for MMA than Judo, even though numerous Judokas have succeeded in MMA, notably Ronda Rousey.
Judo Vs BJJ Which One Is Better for Self-Defense?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo are two excellent grappling disciplines. Furthermore, they teach some fantastic fighting skills that may be used to protect oneself in self-defense scenarios.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu practitioners learn chokeholds, takedowns, distance management, and other vital concepts for self-defense. Indeed, they know how to handle a battle from the ground, but they lack experience in striking techniques.
Similarly, Judo practitioners learn takedowns, balance control, distance management, conflict management, and other essential ideas for self-defense. They focus more on developing a savage standing game but don’t emphasize submission techniques. Otherwise, they lack ground fighting or striking tactics.
Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are advantageous in one-on-one combat against more prominent and heavier opponents. However, Jiu-jitsu martial art is better than Judo when protecting yourself in self-defense or street fighting situations.
N.B.: The best way to protect yourself in a street fight is to avoid fighting and look for other ways to fix the issue.
Judo Vs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Which One Is Better for Takedowns?

Judo teaches its practitioners various excellent throws to drive someone to the ground, including O-Soto-Gari, Harai Goshi, Drop Seoi Nage, Uchi Mata, and others.
However, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has incredible grappling takedowns derived mainly from wrestling and Judo, with minor adaptations to fit the BJJ game.
Nonetheless, BJJ takedowns are superior when protecting oneself from chokes or other attacks while doing them. On the other hand, Judo offers a wide range of ferocious, quick, and effective throws, but they may expose your back to attacks.
Judo Vs BJJ Which Is Better for Law Enforcement?
Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have shown to be quite effective in law enforcement situations. Both police officers and military members have said that the two martial arts have aided them in their duties.
However, jiu-jitsu has become more useful for law enforcement. Therefore, numerous BJJ legends, including Rener Gracie, have begun to teach police officers the art of jiu-jitsu.
Final Thoughts
Judo and jiu-jitsu are two different forms of martial arts that help their practitioners achieve remarkable physical and combat abilities.
We analyzed the efficacy of jiu-jitsu and Judo in this post and which is better for your needs; here is a summary:
- Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a more practical option for MMA than Judo, even though several Judokas have achieved great success in MMA, most notably Ronda Rousey.
- Judo and Brazilian jiu-jitsu are more effective in one-on-one fighting against more prominent and heavier opponents. However, when it comes to self-defense or street combat, Jiu-jitsu martial arts outperforms Judo.
- Judo provides a variety of more vicious, rapid, and efficient throws than jiu-jitsu.
- Judo martial art emphasizes standing fighting, while jiu-jitsu prioritizes ground fighting and submissions.
- Jiu-Jitsu and Judo help their practitioners achieve self-confidence and a great problem-solving mindset.
Your opinion matter: Which is better, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Judo? and why?
Related: Unleash Your Inner Warrior and Defend Yourself Against Multiple Attackers Using the Best Martial Arts Techniques; Click here to learn more!