jiujitsu

Jiujitsu is a martial art and combat sport comprising a family of disciplines rooted in the Japanese martial art jujutsu. The term, spelled jiujitsu, jiu-jitsu, or jujutsu, generally refers to methods that emphasize grappling, positional control, and often submissions rather than strikes. In modern usage, the phrase often denotes Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), a form focused on ground fighting and submission grappling.

Jujutsu emerged in feudal Japan and diversified into many schools. In the early 20th century, Mitsuyo Maeda brought jujutsu to Brazil, where the Gracie family adapted it to emphasize leverage and ground techniques. Carlos Gracie and later siblings developed Brazilian jiu-jitsu, focusing on submissions, guard work, and positional control. BJJ spread worldwide in the late 20th century through academies and mixed-martial-arts competitions.

Core techniques include joint locks (such as armbars and kimuras), chokes, pins, and escapes, applied from positions such as mount, back control, side control, and the guard. Training commonly uses a gi (traditional uniform) with grips, or no-gi, which relies on athletic wear or shorts. The art emphasizes safety, with tapping used to signal submission and prevent injury.

Competitive jiujitsu is governed by bodies such as the IBJJF and ADCC for no-gi grappling. Rules reward points for control and submissions; belts mark skill levels (white, blue, purple, brown, black). BJJ’s emphasis on ground fighting has influenced modern mixed martial arts, contributing to its global popularity.

Notable figures include the Gracie family, especially Helio and Rickson Gracie, along with contemporary competitors and instructors who have helped popularize gi and no-gi formats worldwide.