If you're into Jiu Jitsu or Aikido, you're probably wondering the differences or similarities of these two sports. If you try to look at Aikido and Jiu Jitsu players, you will think that these sports are entirely different but you're wrong. You see, there are also similarities.

Just like Jiu Jitsu, Aikido also originated in Japan. The founder of this sport is Morihei Uyeshiba and he was known as a Judo practitioner. He is very good with joint locks, chokes, and throws. These techniques are very much similar to the Jiu Jitsu techniques.

The following are the similarities of Jiu Jitsu and Aikido:

1. The goal of both sports is to gain control. Submission techniques used in Jiu Jitsu are also based on the Aikido principles. Such principles focus on the application of force to the ligaments, joints, and tendons to create pain. Controlling the opponent is the main goal of the sport. By gaining superior position and applying effective throws, the player can accumulate points to win a game.

2. In order to neutralize an attack, the players must be able to bring his or her opponent down (on the ground). The arm bar technique in Jiu Jitsu is similar to Aikido's kote gaeshi. Both moves can cause pain. The arm bar technique results to the elbow's hyperextension thereby signaling pain. Kote gaeshi also causes pain due to the stretching of the ligaments and tendons. Although the moves appear different, the same principle is used - control is achieved through the pain caused by the flexion or hyperextension of the joints.

3. Koshi nage is also used both in Jiu Jitsu and Aikido. This is a hip throw technique. In Jiu Jitsu, other moves are also used with the hip throws like uchi mata, leg takedowns, and ko soto gari. In Aikido, kokyo nage is quite popular.

The difference of Jiu Jitsu and Aikido are as follows:

1. Aikido is entirely defensive. It relies greatly in harmonizing or blending and controlling the attack force. It is then neutralized with a pin. Also, there are no tournaments as compared to Jiu Jitsu. You can only advance through testing processes. Aikido players are not exposed to extreme competition. In the Aikido trainings, relaxation and meditation techniques are taught because the experts believe that the Aikido techniques are better executed through relaxation.

2. In Jiu Jitsu, players go through great lengths to achieve physical conditioning. Intense training is required for players to develop agility, flexibility, and speed. Tournaments are held and the scores are based on the throws, chokes, and other Jiu Jitsu moves executed by the players. Promotion to higher belt ranks is based on the overall performance and development of the players.

There is an obvious difference in the training and application of the techniques but Jiu Jitsu and Aikido definitely have similarities. Now that you know the similarities and differences of these two sports, you can easily identify each of the sport.

If you want to learn an effective self defense tool, you can either learn Jiu Jitsu and Aikido. The choice is yours but if you want to choose the more popular form of martial art, go for Jiu Jitsu. Its popularity is continuously increasing; in fact, kids and teens are already into Jiu Jitsu.

Find a club or gym that teaches any of the sport and soon you will learn about the different techniques used in the two sports.

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