What's The Difference Between Gracie Jiu Jitsu And Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Are there any differences between Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu? Which one is better?
That's a very common question amongst beginners and those who are considering starting Jiu Jitsu.
The reality is... yes, there are some differences, but there is also a lot of overlapping between the two styles.
It's not really a matter of which one is better, because both are great, but rather it's more about what you are looking for and what you want to focus on.
The main differences between the 2 styles are their training objectives and the techniques themselves.
Watch this video to learn more about it.
-Professor Gustavo Gasperin

[neveryoumind]

I train at a gracie barra and when our professor teaches us a technique he always tells us if this is sport or reality! I really like how he keeps it real!

[scottmarlow]

To expand on the Gracie Jiu Jitsu topic of being self-defense applicable, my GJJ school (under Royce) includes defenses against strikes thrown standing and on the ground, throws, defenses against being grabbed in different ways, and defense against weapon attacks. We roll like every other BJJ school too.

[CelciusPR]

Although I do enjoy sport jiu jitsu.. I tend to put aside many of the sport techniques & dissect mostly moves that can be applied to street situations. I never want to get into the habit of pulling guard on someone & end up doing it in a street fight

[CoachRasul]

This is the most classy explanation of the of the differences without making one better than the other. Brilliant.

[rubinmendoza]

Thank you for this excellent explanation. I’m 63, still in great shape, but nevertheless I’m still 63… I’ve been wanting to learn Jiu Jitsu add to my 25 years of Muay Thai experience, but wasn’t sure which I should study. I now know that Gracie Jui Jitsu is the smart choice for me. Thank you!

[Davyen]

And what's it called when a Mexican hugs you on the ground? Gracias Jiu Jitsu.

[chenzenzo]

As a practiciomer of Gracie Jiu-jitsu since I was a kid, this an excellent explanation.
Breathing and focus on movement as a thought, is the most important thing.
Gracie Jiu-jitsu is practiced as science by the Gracie family for 100 years.
Brasileiru jujitsu is focused on ability.
When someone attempts to grab you, you will immediately understand the difference between Gracie, and regular Jiu-jitsu.

[blackfriarsffc]

I am a student of Gracie JJ and I have wondered this exact question. Thanks for your humble and honest talk. OSS

[SJ-tyrw]

The Gracie style was designed for defense on the street . Many others are aimed more towards "sport" against other competition . Much like what Judo became

[kevinjoubert]

Excellent breakdown and commentary. Thank you.

[JickFincter]

I've been to atleast 4 different gyms over the years, so I'd say that you are more likely to get high quality training from a Gracie Jiujitsu gym than a bjj gym. There are pros and cons to both but if you don't necessarily know a lot, meaning you can't tell the difference between the quality of training it's just safer to go to a Gracie gym.

[garybolenable]

One of the best explanations I've heard so far.

[kofidebrah]

Thank you Professor, well said. Have a wonderful day.

[MansterBear]

I go to a normal BJJ gym, but the prof does teach it with a self defense lense. Even more so in the kids classes.

He regularly tells them, "So once we get to this position... what could they do to us? They could punch us, so we need to get control of the arm, and use our leg here..." etc.


When I first started looking for gyms, I wanted to go to GJJ but the closest one is almost 1.5 hours away. My gym is in town and has been a really awesome place overall.

[mikel.]

Amazing breakdown and commentary! Thank you! I've been looking to start Jiu Jitsu and thinking I will start with Gracie Jiu Jitsu for the focus in self defense as we do not plan to do any competitions. This video was very helpful!

[blkwarriorspirit]

In my humble opinion I appreciate all fighting arts and think they are all connected on some level . Whether BJJ, GJJ, Judo or Kung Fu all Martial arts are connected and to be respected. Besides nowadays in these unforgiving streets damn near every fool seems to be an expert at pulling a knife or gun and shooting someone.✌🏿 Good breakdown sir.

[chueri]

Gracie JJ => Hélio Gracie Style = more focus in selfdefense

[燕北山前萬梅山莊主人]

They are marketing terms. The techniques are developed in Japan during Edo period and codified by Kano Jigoro as Kodokan Judo. Maeda Mitsuyo 前田光世 learned Sumo at his hometown and then Judo at Kodokan when he started studying at Waseda University in Tokyo. His main teacher was Tomita Tsunejirō 富田常次郎, and he was eventually awarded 7 dan by Kodokan.

[kevintuliper]

Great job breaking it down I couldn't told it better myself I study both an its hard to explain the difference most people think its the same. Great job sir.

[certainlyitis]

Thank you so very much for this explanation concerning the differences. I appreciate it!