What is the difference between Judo and jiu-jitsu?
Technically, Judo is a form of traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu. Jigoro Kano used the ancient art as the foundation of Judo. Many ineffective or impractical skills were removed from the traditional art and some techniques were added. A form of Judo, called kosen Judo (which focused mainly on ground grappling), was taught in Brazil. This style developed independently of Judo for several decades and the now famous Gracie family brought their form of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) to the United Stated and popularized it. Practically, Judo and BJJ are very similar. The large majority of throwing, ground grappling, and submission skills are identical. The difference often lies in the focus of the arts- with many Judo clubs teaching more standing throwing techniques and many BJJ clubs teaching more ground grappling techniques. However, some clubs like Aztec Judo focus equally on standing and ground techniques.
