What's the Difference Between Traditional Ju-Jutsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Many people contact us asking if we teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).
The answer is no—we teach Traditional Japanese Ju-Jutsu (Kyushoshin Ju-Jutsu).
Both martial arts share a common heritage, but today they have different training methods and different goals.
Neither is better than the other.
The important question is simply:
Which one is right for you?
Traditional Ju-Jutsu
At Kyushoshin Ju-Jutsu, we teach Traditional Ju-Jutsu, a Japanese martial art that develops practical self-defence skills through traditional principles and modern application.
Our training includes:
- Throws and takedowns
- Joint locks
- Standing defence
- Ground techniques
- Striking techniques
- Nerve strikes and pressure point applications (Kyusho)
- Escapes from common grabs and holds
- Awareness and personal safety
Our aim is to help students develop confidence, awareness and practical self-defence skills in a friendly and supportive environment.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a highly respected martial art best known for its grappling, positional control and submission techniques.
Training often focuses on:
- Ground grappling
- Positional control
- Submission techniques
- Live sparring ("rolling")
- Sport competition (although many people train recreationally)
It is an excellent martial art for those who enjoy technical grappling and ground fighting.
At a Glance
Kyushoshin Ju-Jutsu Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Traditional Japanese martial art Modern martial art developed from Judo
Practical self-defence Grappling and submissions
Standing techniques and groundwork Primarily groundwork
Throws and takedowns Takedowns leading to ground control
Joint locks Joint locks
Striking principles No striking in sport training
Pressure points (Kyusho) Not a core part of training
Escape and disengagement Positional control and submission
Which One Is Right for You?
Traditional Ju-Jutsu may suit you if you want to:
✔ Learn practical self-defence.
✔ Train both standing techniques and groundwork.
✔ Learn what to do if a confrontation goes to the ground—and how to regain control or get back to your feet safely.
✔ Learn throws, locks, strikes and pressure point applications.
✔ Experience a traditional Japanese martial art.
✔ Train in a friendly, supportive environment.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may suit you if you enjoy:
✔ Ground grappling.
✔ Submission techniques.
✔ Technical positional training.
✔ Live sparring.
✔ Sport competition or recreational grappling.
Our Philosophy
At Kyushoshin Ju-Jutsu, we believe martial arts should be welcoming, enjoyable and practical.
We teach Traditional Ju-Jutsu not for competition, but to preserve a traditional martial art while helping students build confidence, develop practical skills and enjoy training in a supportive environment.