There are various different martial arts disciplines out there, and it can be hard to decide which one is right for you. More importantly, martial arts isn’t just about fighting and self-defense, it also teaches you discipline as well.
Two of the most popular martial arts types are Jiu Jitsu and Karate. But which one is better? In other words, Jiu Jitsu vs. Karate: which one should you choose?
Jiu Jitsu generally focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It has no striking but it is very effective for self-defense and MMA. Karate includes various styles and forms, mainly focusing on combining kicks with punches. More importantly, Karate emphasizes light contact and using speed and precision to overwhelm the opponent.
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Jiu-Jitsu and Karate, their pros and cons, and help you effectively decide which one is right for you!
See also: Which Martial Arts Is Best For Fitness? (Let’s find out!).
Table of Contents
What Is Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, also known as BJJ (sometimes written as jujitsu or jujutsu), is a martial art of Japanese origin. Word-for-word, jū in Japanese means “gentleness,” and jutsu means “art” or “technique.” Thus the literal translation of BJJ is the “gentle art.”
BJJ practitioners generally use levers, torsions, and pressure to take their opponents to the ground and dominate them. It is a very effective form of self-defense.
BJJ is also a great workout and can be used for competition. Jiu Jitsu is suitable for people of all ages and sizes. This martial art can be practiced by anyone who wants to learn self-defense or get in shape. Jiu Jitsu is an excellent way to reduce stress and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
In addition, Jiu jitsu is a great way to keep yourself active and fit because it uses all of the major muscle groups. It is also a very dynamic martial art that requires split-second decisions. This makes it a great way to improve your reflexes and coordination.
Moreover, Jiu Jitsu is a very social activity. You will meet new people and make new friends when you train. Not to mention it is a lot of fun.
See also: How Hard is BJJ For Beginners? (Here’s the truth!)
What is Karate?
Karate is a martial art that originated in Okinawa, Japan. It is a system of self-defense that uses punches, kicks, and other strikes to effectively disarm an opponent. Karate practitioners also learn to use weapons such as knives and swords. Karate is now practiced all over the world and is a popular sport.
Karate is also used as a form of self-defense in law enforcement and the military. It has even been used in international competitions.
Karate is a great way to get in shape, learn self-defense, and have fun. It can give you a unique view of the Japanese culture and way of life.
If you are interested in learning more about Karate, there are many schools that offer classes. You can also find videos and articles online that will help you get started. Enjoy your journey into the world of Karate!
The most popular types of Karate are:
- Shotokan-ryu
- Shito-Ryu
- Goju-ryu
- Wado-ryu
- Kyokushin-ryu
- Isshin-ryu
- Uechi-ryu
- Shorin-ryu
- Shindo Jinen-ryu
- Shukokai Ryu
- Gosoku Ryu
- Shuri-ryu
- Chito-ryu
See also: Pros and Cons Of Practicing Karate.
Jiu Jitsu Vs. Karate: What Are the Differences?
There are several differences between Jiu-Jitsu and Karate. Let’s take a look at a few of those differences.
1- Jiu Jitsu Focusses More On Grappling Art Whereas Karate Is More Of A Striking Martial Art.
Jiu Jitsu practitioners spend a lot of time training on how to grapple and ground fight. This is because Jiu Jitsu focuses more on grappling and submissions than strikes.
Karate, on the other hand, is more focused on striking techniques such as punches and kicks. While both martial arts can be used for self-defense, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
2- Karate Is an Olympic Sport Whereas Jiu Jitsu Is Not.
Karate has been an Olympic sport since 2020. It made its first debut at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. It is a popular spectator sport and there are many competitions held each year.
Jiu Jitsu, on the other hand, is not an Olympic sport. While it is popular martial art, it does not have the same level of competition as Karate.
3- The Fighting Stance Is Different For Each Martial Art Type.
In Jiu Jitsu, fighters adopt a stance that is lower to the ground. This allows them to take their opponents down more easily.
Jiu-Jitsu is often referred to “chess match” on the ground because it is a versatile martial art with very complex techniques. Here are some of the most popular Jiu-Jitsu styles:
- Positions (full mount, back mount, guard, side control)
- Chokes (Triangle, rear-naked choke, D’arce, Anaconda)
- Joint locks (armbar, leg lock, kimura)
- Diverse escapes, sweeps, and throws
Karate practitioners, on the other hand, generally adopt a more upright stance. This helps them generate more power for their strikes. It also allows them to move more quickly.
In Karate, students spend a considerable amount of time learning the movements alone by practicing katas before moving to Kumite (aka sparring).
Karate techniques include dozens of:
- Punches
- Kicks
- Elbow
- Knee strikes
- Throws
- Trips, and more
4- The Competition Rules are Different for Both Martial Arts
Jiu-Jitsu competitions are typically divided into two categories: gi and no-gi.
- In gi competitions, fighters must wear a Gi (a uniform that consists of a jacket and pants).
- In no-gi competitions, fighters can wear anything they want as long as it does not give them an unfair advantage.
Karate competitions are usually divided into kata and Kumite.
- In kata, fighters perform pre-arranged movements.
- In Kumite, fighters spar with each other using the techniques they have learned.
5- Jiu Jitsu Originated In Japan but It Is Considered a Brazilian Form of Martial Arts
Jiu Jitsu originated in Japan but it was later brought to Brazil by Mitsuyo Maeda. It is now considered a Brazilian form of martial arts.
Karate, on the other hand, originated in Okinawa, Japan, and is still considered a Japanese martial art. It was later brought to other parts of the world by practitioners who traveled there to teach it.
6- Jiu Jitsu Is Better For Self-Defense
If you are looking for a martial art that is better for self-defense, then Jiu-Jitsu is a clear choice. This is because Jiu Jitsu focuses more on grappling and submissions than strikes.
Recently, Jiu-Jitsu has gained increased popularity as the best self-defense martial art. Even Joe Rogan, a famous black belt in BJJ and Taekwondo, recommended Jiu-Jitsu over any other martial art for self-defense.
Karate, on the other hand, is more focused on striking techniques such as punches and kicks. While both martial arts can be used for self-defense, they each have their own strengths and weaknesses.
7- Jiu Jitsu Is Not As Widely Practiced As Karate
Karate has been practiced all over the world for many years now whereas Jiu Jitsu is not as widely practiced. This means that there are more Karate schools and clubs to choose from.
It also means that Karate is more likely to be offered as a class at your local gym. If you’re looking for a martial art that is more widely available, then Karate is the better choice.
8- Both, Jiu-Jitsu and Karate Ask For Your Full Determination and Devotion
Although they both require your full determination and devotion, Jiu-Jitsu asks for a bit more. This is because it is a bit more technical than Karate. It also requires you to be in good physical shape as you will be spending a lot of time on the ground.
Karate, on the other hand, does not require you to be in as good of physical shape.
As you can see, there are several differences between Jiu-Jitsu and Karate. Each martial art has its own strengths and weaknesses. The best martial art is the one you enjoy the most.
If you are interested in learning more about either of these martial arts, check your local gym, fitness clubs, or even community center if they offer classes.
If both Jiu-Jitsu and Karate are offered in your area ask for a trial period (most school offers discounted trial period) and try both and si which one you enjoy the most, the instructors and the training environment. In the end, the best sport is the one you enjoy the most. Enjoy your journey into the world of martial arts!
See also: How Can Karate Help You Get You in Shape? (Including 16 Ways).
Jiu-Jitsu vs. Karate: Training and Class Format
Generally, Jiu-Jitsu and Karate classes are divided into distinct phases:
- Karate: Traditionally, karate classes are usually split into:
- Kihon (fundamentals)
- Kata (forms)
- And Kumite (sparring).
- Jiu-Jitsu training includes three main phases:
- Warm-ups
- Drilling techniques
- And rolling (sparring rounds).
Jiu-Jitsu Vs. Karate: Which One Takes More Time And Harder To Learn?
Generally, Jiu-Jitsu takes longer to master and has proven harder than Karate. Typically, Jiu-Jitsu students need about 7 to 10 years of consistent practice to earn a black belt rank.
In addition, because Jiu-Jitsu is consistently evolving, there are always new techniques and movements to master.
Compared to Karate, Jiu-Jitsu is not a beginner-friendly sport. If you are a beginner, you might need to spend your first couple of months of practice trying to survive on the mats.
Jiu-Jitsu Vs. Karate: Which One Is Better?
Jiu-Jitsu and Karate are two martial arts that differ in almost every aspect, but Jiu-Jitsu is better in virtually every aspect. Karate will teach you strikes, and jiu-jitsu will teach you grappling. Both grappling and striking are essential skills to have to defend yourself.
- If you are a fan of grappling, choose Jiu-Jitsu. Jiu-Jitsu training is enjoyable, fun, and safe because there is no striking. Jiu-Jitsu embraces a positive and strong culture and encourages a supportive environment.
- Karate is a striking martial art and a popular sport among kids. Karate training is less adult-friendly and focuses less on community building.
If you are looking to start practicing martial arts, it is a good idea to focus on finding good and supportive instructors, class camaraderie, and an atmosphere that suits your goals best and helps you reach them.
See also: What Are The Muscles Worked in BJJ? (And the best exercises for BJJ).
Wrapping Up
Overall, karate and jiu-jitsu offer tremendous benefits. They are excellent ways to keep yourself active and fit, meet new friends, and build mental resilience.
Additionally, karate and jiu-jitsu are excellent for self-defense; check in your area and see which one is available at your local martial arts school. If both are available, I recommend you give both karate and jiu-jitsu a try and see what fits your personality and lifestyle better.
