Japanese Jujutsu, an ancient martial art with roots in feudal Japan, has had a profound influence on modern Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). While Jujutsu itself may not be a dominant discipline in MMA competitions today, its techniques form a core foundation for many of the strategies, submissions, and grappling techniques utilized in the sport. Understanding how Jujutsu influenced MMA requires looking at its historical evolution, its key principles, and the ways in which these have been integrated into modern combat sports.
Historical Background of Japanese Jujutsu
Jujutsu, often referred to as “the art of flexibility,” emerged during the feudal period of Japan (around the 16th century) and was primarily designed for samurai in battle. The core idea behind Jujutsu was to use an opponent’s strength and movements against them, making it a highly effective martial art for close-quarter combat. Techniques included joint locks, throws, sweeps, and strikes, all aimed at neutralizing opponents quickly and efficiently.
Unlike other martial arts, Jujutsu did not rely on brute strength but instead emphasized leverage, timing, and understanding an opponent’s body mechanics. This made it adaptable and versatile in various combat scenarios, including both armed and unarmed confrontations.
The Development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)
While Japanese Jujutsu laid the foundation for grappling techniques, the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) in the early 20th century further refined and systematized these concepts. Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese Jujutsu master, traveled to Brazil in the early 1900s, where he taught Jujutsu to the Gracie family. The Gracies then evolved these teachings, emphasizing ground control, submissions, and positioning, which became the hallmark of modern BJJ.
BJJ’s emphasis on ground fighting, submission holds like joint locks and chokes, and positional dominance became one of the most significant influences on MMA, especially in the early days of the sport. The Gracie family, with their mastery of Jiu-Jitsu, demonstrated to the world that a smaller, technically skilled fighter could defeat a larger, stronger opponent, revolutionizing martial arts and laying the groundwork for MMA’s success.
Japanese Jujutsu’s Role in MMA Grappling
Modern MMA grappling is a direct descendant of Japanese Jujutsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Many of the fundamental techniques used in MMA fights, especially on the ground, come from these systems. Jujutsu’s influence in MMA grappling can be broken down into several key areas:
1. Joint Locks and Submissions
Joint locks, a cornerstone of Jujutsu, have become a primary method for submission in MMA. Techniques such as armbars, kimuras, and wrist locks, which originated from Jujutsu, are commonly seen in MMA competitions. The art of controlling an opponent’s limb, isolating it, and applying leverage to cause pain or force a submission, is central to both Jujutsu and MMA.
The armbar, for example, is one of the most effective submission techniques in MMA. Originating from Jujutsu, it involves hyperextending the elbow joint, and it is commonly executed on the ground. Its prominence in MMA was significantly influenced by BJJ’s focus on submissions and its role in transforming grappling from a secondary aspect of combat to a dominant strategy.
2. Throws and Takedowns
Jujutsu’s emphasis on using an opponent’s movements and strength against them is key to its throwing techniques. Many of these throws, such as the hip toss, body lock throw, and shoulder throw, are integrated into MMA as part of a fighter’s takedown arsenal. While wrestling also plays a prominent role in MMA, many of the clinch and judo-style throws seen in modern MMA come from Jujutsu techniques.
In MMA, effective throws are essential for taking an opponent to the ground, where the fighter can control the pace of the fight. Jujutsu’s philosophy of using leverage and timing over raw power allows for successful throws even against larger opponents.
3. Grappling and Control
Control of an opponent’s position is a key Jujutsu principle, which has become a staple in MMA. Whether a fighter is on top in side control, half guard, or mount, maintaining dominant positioning is essential for scoring points and executing submissions. The concept of maintaining dominant control and staying in advantageous positions, such as mount or back control, comes directly from Jujutsu, and is also emphasized in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Many MMA fighters incorporate Jujutsu’s positional strategies to maintain control while avoiding strikes from their opponents. For example, when a fighter achieves mount position, they can rain down punches or work for a submission. The balance between submission attempts and strikes from dominant positions is a direct legacy of Jujutsu’s concepts of leverage and control.
4. Escapes and Reversals
While Jujutsu taught how to attack and submit an opponent, it also emphasized the importance of escapes and reversals, especially when a fighter finds themselves in a disadvantageous position. MMA fighters often rely on techniques like bridging, shrimping, and sweeps to escape from inferior positions, which all have their roots in Jujutsu.
The ability to reverse or escape from positions like side control or full mount, while under heavy attack, is a fundamental skill that traces back to Jujutsu’s teachings on using an opponent’s pressure to escape or reverse the situation.
Integrating Jujutsu into MMA Training
Modern MMA fighters often train in multiple disciplines to develop a well-rounded skill set. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has become one of the most popular grappling arts in MMA due to its emphasis on ground fighting and submissions, but many MMA fighters also incorporate Jujutsu into their training regimen.
While BJJ is often more emphasized, especially in ground control and submissions, Jujutsu’s principles of leverage and timing have led to hybridized techniques that are used in MMA today. This has led to the evolution of specific MMA-focused grappling systems that blend the elements of Jujutsu, BJJ, wrestling, and other martial arts.
Jujutsu’s influence extends beyond the physical techniques into the mental aspect of MMA as well. The concept of using an opponent’s energy against them, which is central to Jujutsu, is mirrored in the mental fortitude required to stay calm under pressure, make adjustments mid-fight, and outthink the opponent.
Impact on MMA’s Early Growth
In the early days of MMA, especially in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) tournaments, Jujutsu, particularly BJJ, had a dominant presence. Fighters like Royce Gracie, who utilized Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, proved that technique could overcome strength, and helped MMA gain popularity as a legitimate sport. His success in early UFC tournaments was a testament to the effectiveness of Jujutsu-inspired grappling in a multi-discipline environment.
As MMA evolved, various styles began blending together, and other martial arts like Muay Thai and boxing were incorporated into the sport. However, Jujutsu’s influence on the grappling aspect of MMA remains ever-present.
Conclusion
Japanese Jujutsu has had a lasting influence on the development of modern MMA, especially in the areas of grappling, submissions, and control. The techniques of joint locks, throws, and positional control that were developed centuries ago for battlefield combat have proven to be highly effective in the cage. Over time, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu refined these techniques, and MMA fighters have continued to adapt them to the ever-evolving nature of the sport.
Though MMA today is a blend of various martial arts, the principles of Japanese Jujutsu remain central to many of the most effective grappling techniques. Whether it’s through submissions, escapes, or throws, the art of Jujutsu continues to shape and influence the strategies of fighters inside the octagon.