✦ Membre👤 Connexion
← Compare martial arts

Wrestling vs Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: differences explained

Wrestling: grappling: takedowns and control. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: grappling: mostly ground fighting. For self-defence, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has the stronger focus. Best advice: try one class of each.

WrestlingBrazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Origin and founderAncient world · Greco-Roman Olympic since 1896Brazil · Gracie family, from the 1920s (based on Mitsuyo Maeda’s judo/jiu-jitsu)
TypeGrappling: takedowns and controlGrappling: mostly ground fighting
UniformSinglet and wrestling shoesGi and belt, or rashguard and shorts (no-gi)
Belt / ranking systemNo beltsWhite, blue, purple, brown, black (adults); slow promotion
Typical techniquesTakedowns, throws, mat control, pinning the back (fall)Guard, passes, sweeps, joint locks and chokes
Sport / competitionYes: fall (pin) or pointsYes: points or submission
Self-defence focusMediumHigh
Olympic statusYes, since 1896No
Where to train📍 Wrestling clubs📍 Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu clubs

Summary written by Wabukan; rules and grading vary by federation and school.

Sources: Wikipedia — Wrestling · Wikipedia — Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu · olympics.com

⚖ Pick any two arts · Quiz: which art suits you? · How to choose a school

More comparisons