With the increasing popularity of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Perth, Australia, and the world… we’ve become accustomed to hearing comments from our customers at Giri Martial Arts Supplies that assume to the fact Jiu-Jitsu originates from Brazil.
This is not the case.
Jiu-Jitsu ‘officially’ originates from Japan, as a Japanese form of martial arts… though the history of these things is all somewhat clouded, as many Japanese martial arts have Chinese influence somewhere along the line… with arguments for the origins of Karate and Kung-Fu also open to debate.
However, for arguments sake… the general rule of thumb is:
• Kung-Fu – Chinese
• Jiu-Jitsu – Japanese
• Karate – (Okinawan) Japanese
With both Jiu-Jitsu and Karate, although influenced and potentially derived from Chinese martial arts techniques, having had enough time and influence to be considered fundamental styles of their own.
Japanese Karate is an offshoot of (Okinawan) Karate… Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an offshoot of (Japanese) Judo… which in itself is the daughter art of (Japanese) Jiu-Jitsu.
It can all get a little confusing…
What we can say with certainty is that Jiu-Jitsu did definitely not originate in Brazil – with popular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu being a 19th century adaptation of Judo… which like it’s parent martial art, distinguishes itself from older forms of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu in one important way:
It is both a martial art and sport, often used as a method for promoting physical fitness, competition and character building amongst young people.
Luckily for us – as martial arts has comfortably spread to all corners of the globe, we can all enjoy the benefits of practise, regardless of location.
Here at Giri Martial Arts supply, we stock a large range of traditional and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu equipment and accessories – Chinese Kung Fu and Tai Chi essentials – and Karate supplies… all available from our Cannington shop, and shipped locally throughout Perth and WA, and nationally all across Australia.
For further information or enquiries, please don’t hesitate to contact the martial arts professionals at Giri.