Values for Life
The world of martial arts is vast, with each discipline offering a unique philosophy, set of techniques, and cultural heritage. Among the most popular and impactful martial arts are Judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai, and most recently Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Despite their differences, these arts share fundamental values of discipline, respect, and resilience, and together, they represent some of the most influential forms in modern combat sports. Below, we explore the key characteristics, histories, and shared elements of these disciplines, along with what sets them apart in terms of technique and cultural values.
1. Judo: The Art of Gentle Force
Origin and History
Judo originated in Japan in the late 19th century, created by Jigoro Kano. Kano, a lifelong student of traditional Jiu-Jitsu, sought a martial art that emphasized both physical and mental discipline, as well as a gentler approach to self-defense.
柔道. The kanji characters have specific meanings:
柔 (Jū): This kanji means “gentle,” “soft,” or “yielding.”
道 (Dō): This character means “way,” “path,” or “principle.”
Together, 柔道 (Judo) literally translates to the “gentle way” or the “way of gentleness.” This reflects the art’s core philosophy of using an opponent’s force against them rather than opposing it with direct strength. The term embodies the idea of flexibility, adaptability, and using minimal force to control or subdue an opponent, aligning with Judo’s emphasis on balance, leverage, and controlled technique.
Technical Focus
Judo emphasizes throws, pins and also submissions. It encourages practitioners to destabilize their opponents through balance-breaking techniques (kuzushi) and apply controlled leverage. Ground techniques are present but more limited compared to grappling arts like Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, especially in competition due to limited time available to progress on the ground.
Core Values
Respect, humility, and the concept of “mutual welfare and benefit” are core tenets of Judo. Judo also commands a strong discipline during practice. Respect towards the sensei (teacher) and higher belts is paramount.
Key Facts about Judo
- Judo has about 100 base techniques (throws and submissions / pins) and many variations of each base technique
- Judo is an Olympic sport since 1964
- According to the International Judo federation, there are 20-30 million practitioners in over 200 countries
- Judo initially only had white and black belts, the colored belts were first introduced in Europe (yellow, orange, green, brown)
- How to win in Judo:
- Advantage on scoreboard after regular time (5min, time extension until someone scores after regular time)
- Throw opponent flat on back (Ippon, full point) and fight is over
- Submit opponent on the ground or pin for 20 seconds for Ippon
2. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Mastery of Ground Control
Origin and History
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was born from Judo in the early 20th century. The Gracie family, after learning Judo’s techniques from Maeda san, a japanese immigrant, adapted them to fit smaller individuals in real-world self-defense situations. They focused on ground fighting, where a weaker or smaller practitioner could use leverage and technique rather than brute strength.
Technical Focus
BJJ is renowned for its specialization in ground combat. It uses a combination of joint locks, chokeholds, and positional control to subdue opponents. BJJ’s adaptability to all body types and its effectiveness in real combat situations made it an essential skill for self-defense and for practitioners in the growing sport of MMA.
Core Values
In BJJ, humility and adaptability are emphasized due to the complexity and fluidity of techniques. Practitioners learn to view setbacks as opportunities for growth. The art instills patience, as it takes years of consistent training to master its intricacies.
Key Facts about BJJ:
- BJJ has a wide array of techniques, including joint locks, chokes, sweeps, and escapes. The system emphasizes leverage and technique over strength, with many variations for each fundamental move.
- BJJ originated from Judo, with the Gracie family in Brazil adapting and developing it, focusing heavily on ground fighting and submissions.
- BJJ has grown exponentially worldwide, with millions of practitioners across numerous countries. It is a foundational skill in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) due to its effectiveness in ground combat.
- Belt System: BJJ uses a belt ranking system (white, blue, purple, brown, and black), with practitioners typically spending several years at each level, making it a longer journey to black belt compared to other martial arts.
- How to win in BJJ:
- Win by submission
- Win by points after regular time (time depends on belt color)
3. Muay Thai: The Art of Eight Limbs
Origin and History
Muay Thai, with roots extending back several centuries in Thailand, evolved as a battlefield art for Thai soldiers. By the 19th century, it had gained popularity as a sport within Thailand, eventually being recognized globally for its effectiveness in stand-up striking.
Technical Focus
Known as the “Art of Eight Limbs,” Muay Thai employs punches, kicks, elbows, and knee strikes, making it one of the most comprehensive striking arts. Its clinch game, involving close-range grappling, adds a layer of control over an opponent that differentiates it from boxing or kickboxing.
Core Values
Muay Thai promotes resilience, courage, and respect. Fighters, or nak muays, traditionally perform a ritual dance called the Wai Kru before each match to honor their trainers, families, and ancestors. Respect for one’s opponents, trainers, and the martial art’s lineage is deeply embedded in the culture of Muay Thai.
Key Facts about Muay Thai:
- During fights, live traditional music (Sarama) is often played, adding a unique rhythm to the movements and strikes.
- Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, and many fighters start training and competing from a very young age to make a living
- Unlike other martial arts, traditional Muay Thai does not have a belt ranking system.
- How to win in Muay Thai:
- Knock out
- Decision by points
4. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA): The Synthesis of Combat
Origin and History
MMA, while practiced in various forms for centuries, rose to global prominence in recent years with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the United States. Originally, it was a showcase for different martial arts, but over time it became a distinct discipline, blending the best techniques from wrestling, BJJ, Muay Thai, boxing, and Judo, among others.
Technical Focus
MMA emphasizes a comprehensive approach to combat, with techniques from both striking and grappling. Fighters are trained in everything from takedowns and submissions to punches, kicks, and defensive maneuvers. MMA’s appeal lies in its versatility, pushing athletes to develop a well-rounded skill set to handle any combat scenario.
Core Values
MMA’s values reflect those of its component disciplines—respect, dedication, and adaptability. It also emphasizes resilience, as athletes are constantly refining their skills across multiple disciplines to remain competitive.
Key Facts about MMA
- The UFC is the largest MMA “league” and dominates the market with roughly 80-90% of generated revenues globally
- Pankration in Ancient Greece can be considered the closest ancient predecessor to modern MMA, Pankration was introduced in the Greek Olympic Games in 648 BCE
- How to win in MMA:
- Knock out / Submission
- Decision by points
5. Common Ground: Shared Values and Philosophies
Respect and Discipline: Across all four disciplines, respect for instructors and opponents is paramount. Martial artists bow to their opponents in Judo and BJJ, perform the Wai Kru in Muay Thai, and often touch gloves in MMA.
Adaptability: Whether in Judo, where practitioners adapt to their opponent’s force, or in MMA, which demands cross-disciplinary skills, adaptability is crucial. Each art requires practitioners to read their opponents and respond effectively.
Resilience and Perseverance: Martial arts training is inherently rigorous, often involving physical and mental challenges that test resilience. Muay Thai fighters endure intense conditioning, Judokas face countless throws, and MMA fighters must condition themselves for both striking and grappling.
6. Key Differences: Techniques and Approaches
Focus on Stand-Up vs. Ground Combat: Muay Thai is almost exclusively focused on stand-up striking, while Judo and BJJ emphasize throws and ground control. MMA combines all aspects, requiring proficiency in both stand-up and ground combat.
Cultural Practices: Each art has distinct rituals. Judo and BJJ follow Japanese traditions, Muay Thai reflects Thai cultural practices, and MMA, being more modern, borrows rituals from various cultures and is less ritualistic in nature.
Competition Formats: Judo and BJJ competitions focus on specific scoring systems—Judo through throws, pins and submission, and BJJ through points and submissions. Muay Thai matches are won by points, knockout, or referee stoppage. MMA allows a broad range of techniques, and matches can be won by knockout, submission, or decision.
7. Conclusion
While Judo, BJJ, Muay Thai, and MMA each bring unique techniques and histories, their shared values—respect, discipline, resilience, and adaptability—unite them within the broader martial arts community. Whether practiced for sport, self-defense, or personal growth, these martial arts continue to inspire individuals worldwide, emphasizing physical prowess as well as mental and moral development.
