What Is Jiu Jitsu? A Complete Guide to the Gentle Art

For many people asking themselves “what is jiu jitsu” when discovering this martial art for the first time, the answer goes beyond takedowns, submissions, and rolling on the mats. Jiu Jitsu—particularly Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)—is a grappling-based martial art focused on leverage, technique, and strategy rather than strength alone. It is practiced by millions worldwide for self-defense, sport, fitness, mental discipline, and community. To truly understand what is jiu jitsu, you have to look at its origins, philosophy, techniques, and impact on modern training culture.

Origins and Evolution

To understand the answer to the question “what is jiu jitsu” we have to go far long before its modern form. The roots of this discipline trace back to traditional Japanese jujutsu systems used by samurai on the battlefield. These techniques emphasized grappling, joint locks, and leverage to overcome armored opponents. In the late 1800s, Jigoro Kano—founder of Judo—organized these techniques into a safer, systemized martial art.

Eventually, one of Kano’s students, Mitsuyo Maeda, traveled the world demonstrating Judo. When he arrived in Brazil in the early 1900s, he taught his methods to Carlos Gracie. Carlos, along with his brother Hélio Gracie, adapted the techniques to suit smaller, weaker practitioners by focusing heavily on leverage and ground control. This evolution formed the foundation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Today, BJJ is one of the fastest-growing martial arts globally, recognized for its effectiveness in MMA, self-defense, and lifelong fitness.

The Philosophy Behind the Art

To understand what is jiu jitsu, you also need to understand the mindset behind it. Practitioners train with the belief that a smaller, weaker person can neutralize a stronger opponent using leverage, angles, and intelligent technique. Instead of relying on strikes, BJJ focuses on controlling an opponent, forcing mistakes, and applying submissions with minimal force. This philosophy teaches humility, patience, discipline, and resilience. You learn to stay calm under pressure, make decisions strategically, and embrace failure as part of growth—because every tap is a lesson.

The Core Techniques of Jiu Jitsu

While the art is incredibly vast, most of its techniques fall into three main categories: positional control, transitions, and submissions.

1. Positional Control

BJJ is built on the idea of achieving and maintaining dominant positions. These include:

• Guard (closed guard, open guard, half guard, butterfly)
• Mount Side control Back control
• Knee-on-belly

From each position, practitioners work to advance, escape, or set up submissions.

2. Transitions

Movement between positions is equally important. Smooth transitions reflect timing, balance, and strategy. Examples include passing the guard, taking the back, sweeping from-bottom positions, and escaping submissions.

3. Submissions

The goal of a submission is to force an opponent to tap, signaling defeat. Common categories include:

• Chokes (rear-naked choke, triangle choke, guillotine, bow-and-arrow)
• Joint locks (armbar, kimura, americana)
• Leg locks (heel hook, ankle lock, knee bar)

Submissions require precision and control rather than brute strength—another key factor in understanding what is jiu jitsu.

Gi vs No-Gi: Two Styles, One Art

Modern BJJ is practiced in two variations:

Gi Jiu Jitsu

Practiced in the traditional uniform (the gi), this style allows grabbing fabric for grips, throws, and submissions. It emphasizes technical control, grip fighting, and layered strategy.

No-Gi Jiu Jitsu

Practiced in athletic gear like rash guards and shorts, this version removes grips and makes the game faster and more explosive. It is heavily used in MMA and submission-only competitions.

Both styles build transferable skills, but many practitioners prefer one over the other depending on their goals.

Benefits of Jiu Jitsu

Understanding what is jiu jitsu also means recognizing the many reasons people train.

1. Self-Defense BJJ gives real-world skills to escape holds, survive confrontations, and control opponents without striking. It's especially valuable because most fights end up in some form of clinch or grappling.
2. Physical Fitness Rolling is a full-body workout that improves strength, flexibility, balance, and cardiovascular health. Many practitioners choose BJJ because it feels like play, not a repetitive gym routine. 
3. Mental Health Training teaches stress management, mindfulness, and resilience. The focus required on the mats often becomes a form of meditation in motion.
4.  Community BJJ gyms are known for tight-knit, supportive cultures. Training partners become friends—and often feel like family.
5. Lifelong Learning There is always a new move, detail, or concept to learn. This makes BJJ addictive for people who enjoy growth and challenge.

Culture of Jiu Jitsu

BJJ culture is built on respect, discipline, and camaraderie. Bowing on and off the mats, helping teammates improve, and maintaining humility are core values.

Another iconic symbol is the belt system, ranging from white to black. Progression is based on skill, understanding, attitude, and time on the mats—not on strength or athleticism.

Conclusion

So, what is jiu jitsu? It is a martial art, a combat sport, a self-defense system, a fitness journey, and a lifestyle. It’s an ever-evolving discipline that empowers people of all ages, sizes, and backgrounds to become stronger—both physically and mentally. Whether you're looking to improve your health, learn effective self-defense, compete, or join a motivating community, Jiu Jitsu offers a transformative path that extends far beyond the mats.