Guide to the Different Grappling Martial Arts

There is a wide range of martial arts that fall under the term “grappling”, all of which share deep and primal origins in the natural human propensity for hand-to-hand combat. Heck, you could even argue that it goes even deeper than that. Watch any animal in play or competition over mates and you’ll see some variation of grappling.

However, the various grappling arts as we know them – as modern humans practice them – encompass a diverse range of disciplines that focus on controlling one’s opponent. While they share many common characterizes, there are still differences that set them apart from each other. Each grappling art has their own unique set of principles, training methodologies, and applications.

In this blog, we give you a “cheat sheet” of some of the more well-known ones:

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

First up, is one that if you’re reading this you’re probably very well acquainted with.

• Origin and Philosophy: Originating from traditional Japanese Jujutsu and Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu puts heavy emphasis on ground fighting and submissions involving chokes and joint manipulations. It was developed in Brazil in the mid-1900s, largely due to the efforts of the Gracie family, and gained global recognition through its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions.
• Techniques: BJJ focuses extensively on ground control, positional dominance, and submissions. The goal in both self-defense and sport jiu-jitsu is to neutralize your opponent using leverage and an understanding of bodily mechanics (for example, what joints do and don’t do), with a strong emphasis on technique over brute strength.
• Training: Most BJJ training involves drilling techniques from various positions and sparring (colloquially called “rolling”). Belts signify progression, from white to blue, then purple, brown and black (as well as red and black, then red, after many decades).

Judo

• Origin and Philosophy: Developed in Japan, Judo focuses on throwing opponents to the ground and gaining control through pins, and even some submissions. It emphasizes using an opponent's force and momentum against them.
• Techniques: Throws (nage-waza), joint locks (kansetsu-waza), and pins (osaekomi-waza) are central to Judo. It also includes groundwork (ne-waza) but with far less emphasis compared to BJJ. A great Judo practitioner knows how to marry timing, agility, balance and explosive power.
• Training: Judo training involves rigorous practice of throws, breakfalls, as well as submission techniques. Competitive Judo includes both standing and ground techniques, with matches won by scoring throws or achieving dominant positions.

Wrestling

• Origin and Philosophy: Wrestling is one of the oldest forms of grappling, whose definite roots are lost in history. Images of wrestling can be seen in the depictions of ancient Western civilizations, such as the Tombs Of Beni Hassan in Egypt, though it is likely much older than that. Wrestling emphasizes takedowns, controlling positions, and pinning an opponent's shoulders to the mat.
• Techniques: Wrestling techniques include various takedowns, throws, and controlling grips. Unlike Judo and BJJ, wrestling focuses on achieving and maintaining dominant positions on the feet and ground, with the ultimate objective being the pin. It is practiced without the kimono traditionally used in BJJ and Judo.
• Training: Wrestlers train extensively in conditioning, strength, and explosive movements. Practices include live wrestling sessions (sparring) where practitioners simulate competitive scenarios.

Japanese Jujutsu

• Origin and Philosophy: Though developed in Japan over centuries, the origins of Jujutsu are believed by many to trace back to Buddhist monks in India. In Japan, it was developed for and utilized in the battlefield. Traditional Jujutsu encompasses a wide range of techniques including strikes, joint locks, throws, and pins, and incorporates both armed and unarmed combat.
• Techniques: Jujutsu includes techniques for both standing and ground combat, emphasizing self-defense against armed and unarmed attackers. Techniques vary, and the unarmed techniques include: strikes (atemi-waza), joint locks (kansetsu-waza), and throws (nage-waza).
• Training: Training in Jujutsu involves practicing techniques in controlled settings, with an emphasis on practical self-defense applications. It prepares practitioners for various combat scenarios, including multiple attackers and weapons defense.

Sambo

• Origin and Philosophy: Sambo originated in the Soviet Union and combines techniques from Judo, wrestling, and native folk style grappling (of which there are many across the entire region of Central Asia). It encompasses both standing and ground-based techniques.
• Techniques: Sambo includes throws, joint locks, and pins from Judo, as well as wrestling-style takedowns and jiu-jitsu style ground control techniques. Distinct from those others, however, it also incorporates strikes and more vicious techniques, such as punches, kicks, elbows, knees, headbutts and groin strikes (though some are only allowed in “combat” style Sambo).
• Training: Like BJJ, Jujtsu and wrestling, Sambo practitioners drill the various techniques in a controlled setting. The standard uniform is a kimono-style jacket and thigh-length shorts.

Each grappling martial art offers unique insights into controlling and dominating opponents in combat. For those interested in MMA, a combination of one or all of them will provide you with a unique set of techniques and tools to add to your martial arts arsenal.

Whether your goal is self-defense, sport competition, or personal development, each of these disciplines offer the opportunity to enrich your physical and mental well-being. Choosing the right grappling art for you really comes down to personal preference, training goals, and the community you wish to join.