Aikido and Jiu-jitsu are popular forms of martial arts that originated in Japan. People often get confused between both these terms since they have similar movements and philosophies, but they are different.
However, they have similarities as well. Jiu-jitsu and Aikido both are grappling martial arts. Both of them focus on the striking and throwing techniques.
They were evolved for self-defense against an attacker. They are known as soft martial arts since they do not give too much importance to training and strength.
Going by philosophy, it can be said that both aim at living a peaceful life, treating everybody equally, and having respect for each one. The best part about both these martial arts is that they teach a person self-defense, which is the most important and required skill in today’s cruel world.
Jiu-jitsu vs Aikido
The difference between Jiu-jitsu and Aikido is its style and technique. Jiu-jitsu has proven to be more dangerous than Aikido and was used for fighting many years ago. On the other hand, Aikido mainly focuses on self-defense. It has basic moves for attacking and it includes both grabbing and striking techniques.
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Comparison Table
| Parameter of Comparison | Jiu-jitsu | Aikido |
|---|---|---|
| Origination | The term Jiu-jitsu was first heard in 1532. | Aikido originated in the 1920s. |
| Ranking system | 5 ranks are present in Jiu-jitsu. | 6 ranks are present in Aikido |
| Color ranking | The colors in Jiu-jitsu rank from white, blue, then purple, followed by brown and black. | The colors in Aikido go from white, yellow, then orange and blue, followed by brown and then black. |
| Techniques | Jiu-jitsu focuses on ground fighting techniques and bringing the opponent to the ground. | In Aikido, instead of freestyle training, two people practice pre-agreed forms. |
| Uniform | The uniform in Jiu-jitsu is kimono or a Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Gi. | A traditional uniform is used in Aikido, mainly a pair of Japanese trousers. |
What is Jiu-jitsu?
Jiu-jitsu is a martial art that includes ground fighting and grappling techniques. It helps to control the opponent and forces him to submit. It is often known as a soft and gentle art that permits a weak and small person to defend himself.
Jiu-jitsu uses the principle of pressure, leverage, angles, knowledge of human analysis, and timing that helps to accomplish the submission of the opponent.
Jiu-jitsu is not a mere workout, but often known as a ‘human chess’ that exercises the mind along with the body.
Jiu-jitsu has several physical benefits. It is an amalgamation of explosive and dynamic movements.
Because a person continuously responds to the opponent’s movements, it helps to enhance muscle tone, to reduce weight, and improves balance.
Speaking about the mental benefits, Jiu-jitsu is a good mental workout. It teaches one a new activity that has uncountable movements.
Since one is constantly planning his next movement, it helps to expand the reasoning skills in a person. It helps one to develop the ability to think quickly and responding immediately. It also teaches one to be in a calm and controlled position when he is defending himself.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is the most practiced martial art in the world that was founded by Morihei Ueshiba, also known as O Sensei. Aikido is a non-aggressive that includes striking, joint locking, pinning, and throwing techniques.
It also trains one to use the traditional weapons of Japan, such as knife, staff, and sword. It is a skill of posture, redirection, balance, avoidance, and distancing. It also focuses on the evolution of physical and also internal unity. It also teaches one to dominate aggressiveness.
Aikido is not a part of sports. There is no competition in this martial art and it focuses on the personal development of a person.
It aims at teaching a personal self-defense. Winning or losing does not hold any importance here and so men, women, and children of all ages can practice Aikido together.
In real-life situations, Aikido is applicable and very effective. If a person has conquered the skill of Aikido, he need not unite it with other tactics or techniques so as to make Aikido successful.
He need not even go for any ground fighting, kicking, or striking techniques.
Main Differences Between Jiu-jitsu and Aikido
- Jiu-jitsu was mainly used for fights and combats several years ago. On the other hand, Aikido focuses on self-defense.
- Both Jiu-jitsu and Aikido use colors for ranking. In Jiu-jitsu, colors go from white, then blue, purple, followed by brown and then black. However, in Aikido, colors go from white, then yellow, orange, and blue, followed by brown and black.
- When talking about competitions, Aikido does not have any role, since it is a self-defense martial art. In Jiu-jitsu, there are competitions that are divided into several tournaments. One can win here by submissions or points.
- Aikido is mainly a response to the charge by an opponent, and so if the opponent attacks one in different ways, Aikido shall not have any answer. On the other hand, Jiu-jitsu prepares one for unpredictable charges and attacks and hence is more complicated.
- The number of ranks in Jiu-jitsu is five, whereas in Aikido it is six.
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
