Two combat sports events which will take place at this year’s Southeast Asian (SEA) Games include judo and jiu-jitsu.
For longtime Pinoy sports fans, judo may be a bit more familiar, especially because of the titanic achievements of John Baylon, who won nine straight gold medals in the 1991 SEA Games — a feat, Spin.ph’s Reuben Terrado writes, “that no athlete will likely match, much less surpass, anytime soon.”
Jiu-jitsu will make its first SEA Games appearance when the competition begins this week. Hopefuls like 2018 Jiu-jitsu International Federation world champion Meggie Ochoa hope to bring home some inaugural metal for the fledgling sport.
With the two sports have a shared history and might even look similar, we’re here to unpack the world of difference between the two.
History of judo
Judo traces its roots back to Japanese jiu-jitsu, an ancient martial art used by soldiers on the battlefield for disarming armored, sword-wielding attackers. Its different forms, schools, and styles encompassed striking, grappling, and weapons techniques.
In the late 19th century, Jigoro Kano sought to remake jiu-jitsu by removing its more lethal aspects to emphasize a holistic approach to martial arts, one that promotes physical and mental wellbeing. He called his new art judo, or the ‘gentle way.’
In 1882, Kano founded the Kodokan Judo Institute where he would teach and spread his art, which concentrated on grappling. In 1964, 26 years after Kano’s passing, judo would be included in the Olympic Games.
History of jiu-jitsu
The jiu-jitsu you’ll see in the SEA Games is not the ancient Japanese martial art, but rather one that traces its origins to Brazil, particularly that dynasty of fighters known as the Gracies.
It was Carlos Gracie, his brothers (most notably Helio), and their sons who would put their own stamp on judo. Carlos had learned the martial art from a Japanese expat named Mitsuya Maeda (who had studied in Kano’s kodokan), but thought of a variation that would focus on control and submission moves on the ground. The family would later develop this into a new martial art altogether.
The Gracies got their definitive moment in 1993, when one of Helio’s sons Royce won the first-ever Ultimate Fighting Championship event, beating multiple opponents in a one-night tournament. The victory proved to be a landmark moment in martial arts as the Gracies not only showcased Braziilan jiu-jitsu to the world, but arguably gave birth to what we know today as mixed martial arts.
Aside from being used in MMA, jiu-jitsu is also its own sport, with numerous tournaments held across the globe.
What’s the difference between judo and jiu-jitsu?
Okay, so now we know that both judo and jiu-jitsu are grappling arts which trace their roots back to feudal Japan. Their key difference lies in their emphasis. Judo spends a lot more time on standing techniques and throws, whereas jiu-jitsu focuses its efforts on controlling and submitting opponents on the ground.
Now, let’s take a look at their respective rulesets.
The rules of judo
Judo contestants wear the traditional kimono (known as a gi) in practice and during competition. The gi is made of tough cotton material that won’t break or rip during competition. It must fit according to certain specifications.
Judo practitioners are matched according to weight class.
Contests are held on a matted area which must be 14 square meters minimum, with an 8-10 square meter area inside where the match takes place. For adults, the match length is five minutes. Points are scored based on executions of throws and grappling techniques on the ground. Throws involving grabbing the legs and submission holds on the lower body are not allowed.
An ippon (full point) is just like a knockout in boxing — it ends the match immediately. This happens when either: a throw is executed with good technique and the opponent lands on their back, a choke or armlock is attained and the opponent submits, or if the opponent is held in a pin hold for 20 seconds.
A waza-ari (half point) is scored from throws done with control (but not enough for an ippon), or if the opponent is held in a pin hold for more than 10 but less than 20 seconds. Two waza-ari scored by the same fighter ends the match.
If the match goes the distance, the winner is declared based on points scored and penalties drawn. In the event of a tie, the match continues into a ‘golden score’ round where the first person to score wins. If there is still no victor after the golden score round, a winner is chosen via referee’s decision.
The rules of jiu-jitsu
Like judo, a jiu-jitsu match in the SEA Games is fought in a gi, but with different size regulations. Contestants are also matched according to weight classes. Based on the International Federation of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu rules, the matted area of competition must measure at least 64 square meters, with the combat area measuring at least 36 square meters. At the highest levels, a match is 10 minutes in length.
In a jiu-jitsu contest, points are scored based on successful techniques and positions on the ground.
Each position (like the mount, side control, guard) have a corresponding number of points awarded based on their level of dominance.
Advantages (similar to points) are awarded separately based on near-attempts of techniques and submissions.
A submission, where the opponent ‘taps out’ after a choke or joint lock is attained, ends the match immediately.
If a match goes until the full time limit, a winner is chosen based on points and advantages they got during the match. In case of a tie, a referee will decide who wins.
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