Aikido and Jiu-jitsu are popular forms of martial arts that originated in Japan. People often get confused between these terms since they have similar movements and philosophies but are different.
However, they have similarities as well. Jiu-jitsu and Aikido are both grappling martial arts. Both of them focus on 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 to live a peaceful life, treat everybody equally, and respect each one. The best part about these martial arts is that they teach a person self-defense, which is the most important and required skill in todayโs cruel world.
Key Takeaways
- Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting, using joint locks and chokeholds to subdue opponents.
- Aikido is a martial art that emphasizes fluid, circular movements to redirect and use an attackerโs energy against them.
- Both martial arts prioritize self-defense and leverage over brute force but differ in techniques, philosophies, and origins.
Jiu-jitsu vs. Aikido
Jiu-jitsu is a type of martial art. There are five ranks in jiu-jitsu. The order of colors is white, blue, purple, brown and black. In jiu-jitsu, the goal is to bring the rival to the ground. Aikido is another type of martial art. There are six ranks in aikido. The order of colors is white, yellow, orange, blue, brown and black.ย
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, purple, brown, and black. | The colors in Aikido go from white, yellow, orange, and blue, followed by brown and 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 opponentโs submission.
Jiu-jitsu is not a mere workout but is often known as a โhuman chessโ that exercises the mind and the body.
Jiu-jitsu has several physical benefits. It is an amalgamation of explosive and dynamic movements.
Because a person continuously responds to the opponentโs movements, it helps to enhance muscle tone, to reduce weight, and improve 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 a personโs reasoning skills. It helps one to develop the ability to think quickly and respond 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 non-aggressive, including striking, joint locking, pinning, and throwing techniques.
It also trains one to use the traditional weapons of Japan, such as knives, staffs, and swords. It is a posture, redirection, balance, avoidance, and distancing skill. 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 a personโs personal development.
It aims at teaching personal self-defense. Winning or losing does not hold any importance here, 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 to make Aikido successful.
He need not even go for ground fighting, kicking, or striking techniques.
Main Differences Between Jiu-jitsu and Aikido
- Jiu-jitsu was mainly used for fights and was combated several years ago. On the other hand, Aikido focuses on self-defense.
- ย Both Jiu-jitsu and Aikido use colors for ranking. In Jiu-jitsu, colors go from white to blue and purple, followed by brown and black. However, in Aikido, colors go from white, then yellow, orange, and blue, followed by brown and black.
- Aikido has no role when discussing competitions since it is a self-defense martial art. In Jiu-jitsu, some competitions are divided into several tournaments. One can win here by submissions or points.ย
- Aikido is mainly a response to an opponentโs charge, so if the opponent attacks one differently, 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.
