Ninjutsu & BJJ. The differences.
Ninjutsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) are both martial arts with unique histories, philosophies, and techniques. While both can be effective for self-defence and physical conditioning, they are fundamentally different in their approach and training methods. BJJ is commonly referred to as Jiu-Jitsu; however, the term Jiu-Jitsu encompasses a broader range of styles and techniques, including traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu.
Origin and Philosophy
Ninjutsu, often associated with the historical ninjas of Japan, has roots that date back centuries. It encompasses not only combat techniques but also strategic thinking, espionage, and survival skills. The philosophy of Ninjutsu often emphasises adaptability, stealth, and the use of environment to one’s advantage. Training in Ninjutsu can include a variety of weapons, hand-to-hand combat, and tactics for infiltration and evasion. Ninjutsu focuses on practicality and self-preservation rather than competition, emphasising skills that are essential for survival in real-life situations.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, on the other hand, evolved from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and was developed primarily in Brazil during the early 20th century. It places a strong focus on ground fighting and grappling techniques, promoting the idea that a smaller, weaker person can defend themselves against a larger opponent through technique and leverage, particularly in a one-on-one scenario. BJJ also values sparring and real-time application of techniques, often described as "rolling" on the mat. BJJ is predominantly a competitive sport, with athletes often engaging in tournaments to showcase their skills and techniques against opponents.
Training Methods
Training in Ninjutsu is diverse and can vary widely between schools. Practitioners learn various techniques, including strikes, throws, joint locks, and weaponry. Physical conditioning may also include agility and flexibility training. Much of Ninjutsu training is focused on situational adaptability, allowing practitioners to respond to different types of attacks and environments. Traditional forms of Ninjutsu may also include meditation and mental discipline techniques. Ninjutsu emphasises the importance of grappling techniques that take into account the possibility of an opponent wielding a weapon, ensuring practitioners are prepared for dynamic and potentially dangerous confrontations.
BJJ training usually revolves around live sparring sessions, where practitioners engage in grappling exchanges to apply techniques against resisting opponents. This method helps practitioners understand the practical applications of moves and develops timing, strategy, and adaptability. Classes often include specific drills, technique demonstrations, and situational sparring, allowing students to refine their skills through practical application.
Techniques and Focus
The techniques in Ninjutsu are varied and can include a wide range of striking, grappling, and weaponry. The art teaches various ways to defend against armed and unarmed attacks and often incorporates techniques for escape and movement in complex environments. Ninjutsu training environments encompass a range of challenging terrains, including outdoor concrete surfaces and slippery conditions such as wet grass and water, where grappling can become particularly difficult and hazardous. The holistic nature of Ninjutsu makes it as much about mind and strategy as it is about physical ability.
BJJ techniques are primarily grappling-based, including chokes, joint locks, and positional control. The art focuses heavily on ground fighting, with a significant emphasis on submissions and positional advantage. BJJ practitioners learn to defend against attackers by using leverage and technique rather than relying on brute strength, which is particularly useful in self-defence scenarios where fights may end up on the ground.
In summary, Ninjutsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offer distinct martial arts experiences, each with its own unique elements. Ninjutsu provides a broader range of skills, including striking and weapons training, while BJJ focuses primarily on grappling and ground control techniques. The choice between these arts should depend on personal interests and goals, whether they be self-defence, physical fitness, or mastering a specific martial skill. Both martial arts have their merits and can provide valuable skills to their practitioners.
