HISTORY
Though Jiu Jitsu can be categorized into Japanese and Brazilian styles, this article will focus on the competitive combative style–Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was formed approximately in the 19th century as a branch from Japanese Judo away from its sibling, Japanese Ju Jutsu, as a sport as opposed to a mere martial art. Though not yet an Olympic sport, the Sport Jiu Jitsu International Federation (SJJIF) serves as an organization with the goal of one day introducing Jiu Jitsu into the Olympics.
AS A COMPETITIVE SPORT
Jiu Jitsu competitions occur on mats of varying sizes depending on the tournament. Jiu Jitsu fights in competition are sectioned into two sets of rules: Gi Rules, and No Gi Rules. Gi Rules are applied to matches in which opponents wear the traditional Jiu Jitsu gi (pictured to the left) or not. Though rules for Gi and No Gi matches differ, and branch out even more depending on belt level and division, there exists eight official general rules, including no unsportsmanlike conduct, no slamming, no infection skin diseases, and no gender mixing in divisions. The US rules for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be easily obtained here. Typically, matches (which vary in round number and length based on rank and division) are won through points, which can be gained through applying various techniques to the opponent, or submissions that cause the opponent to tap out of the fight.
MAIN CHARACTERISTICS OF JIU JITSU
Jiu Jitsu consists of entirely grappling and ground fighting. There is no striking allowed. The purpose of a match is for one fighter to obtain the dominant position to put the other fighter into submissions.
Essentially, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is composed of five main positions, where one person in dominant and the other is in the controlled position. This consists of:
- Back: the dominant opponent is at the opponent’s back and is able to control the opponent
- Mount: the dominant opponent directly is on top of the opponent’s torso, usually sitting anywhere from at the hips to below the underarms
- Side Control: the dominant opponent is on top of the opponent’s torso horizontally, most basically chest-to-chest
- Guard: the dominant opponent has the other inbetween the both legs with heels crossed; ideally also controls the arms
- Half-Guard: no dominant fighter, one has one leg inbetween the other opponent with the fighter on the bottom typically with the heels crossed at rest
There exist a variety of submission positions form each basic position that aim to put one opponent through pain that serves to either tap out, break, to choke out the other fighter. The most popular technique utilized across other mixed martial arts and on the screen is the armbar, where one opponent places the arm of the other opponent between their legs, hips, and chest, grabbing the arm and bridging the hips until the arm breaks. One of the flashiest types of arm bars is the flying armbar. 
Jiu Jitsu fights typically begin standing until one opponent takes the other opponent down to the mat and attempts to gain a dominant position to submit the other opponent.
“The best way to get a move to work is to make it so uncomfortable that the opponent gives it to you to stop the pain.”
-Carlson Gracie
PROS OF JIU JITSU IN COMBAT
- Highly effective in submitting opponent
- Works against heavier, taller, and stronger opponents with less skill
- Very methodical
- Highly adaptive to grappling and ground fighting
- Utilizes all limbs for combat
CONS OF JIU JITSU IN COMBAT
- Slow, takes time against someone with equal skill
- Doesn’t address striking
- Not specialized in standing fighting
- Typically only effective against 1v1 fights
FIGHTCEPTION 