Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ to its friends) is a martial art and self-defense system focused almost entirely on ground fighting, or grappling, and is widely considered one of the most practical self-defense arts in the world for people of all sizes and fitness levels.
BJJ traces its roots back to the early 20th century, when Japanese Judo master Mitsuyo Maeda traveled the world promoting his grappling techniques, eventually settling in Brazil. There, his style was adapted and expanded upon, evolving over decades into its own distinct martial art and eventually gaining global acclaim in the 1990s as a foundational pillar of modern mixed martial arts (MMA).
Unlike striking disciplines that involve punching or kicking, jiu-jitsu is about using technique and leverage to control an opponent, and submission holds like joint locks and chokes to subdue them. Because of this focus on leverage and body mechanics rather than brute strength or speed, BJJ enables a smaller fighter to defeat a much larger, stronger opponent.
What’s the Difference Between BJJ, Wrestling, and Judo?
People often ask how jiu-jitsu compares to traditional wrestling and other grappling sports. There are some major distinctions.
High school and collegiate wrestling rely heavily on aggressive takedowns and high-intensity ‘scrambles’ for mat control, and getting forced onto your back means losing the match. BJJ is more methodical and strategic, focusing on position over force, allowing smaller practitioners to safely neutralize larger opponents. In BJJ, being on your back (a position called the guard) is actually a powerful offensive position from which you can control, sweep, or even submit an opponent. Judo sits somewhere else again, built around explosive stand-up throws and sweeps aimed at slamming an opponent onto their back for an instant win. Judo matches stop shortly after an opponent hits the mat, where BJJ treats the takedown as just the starting point for extended, strategic ground fighting and submissions.
Everything underneath is shared. All three are about controlling another person’s body without hitting them, and all three run on the same fundamentals: grip fighting, base and balance, hip movement, pressure, and the kind of conditioning that only comes from grappling with someone who doesn’t want you to. What separates them is where each one puts its attention. Wrestlers develop the best takedowns and the heaviest top pressure. Judoka build the best throws and the sharpest grip fighting. BJJ owns the guard and the submission game once the fight hits the floor.
That’s why they feed each other so directly. Wrestling gets you the takedown, and BJJ decides what happens after it lands. Judo grips translate straight into gi jiu-jitsu. And BJJ’s comfort off your back is exactly what a wrestler is missing when a scramble goes sideways. Training them alongside each other closes the gaps each one leaves on its own, which is why we run BJJ and wrestling on the same mats.
Gi vs. No-Gi BJJ: What’s the Difference?
Gi BJJ is practiced in a traditional belted uniform of heavy cotton called a gi, which allows you to grip your opponent’s sleeves, lapels, and belt to control their movement, defend, and set up submissions. No-Gi BJJ is practiced in regular athletic clothing like shorts or leggings and a fitted rashguard, making for a faster, more slippery style that relies more on body hooks, wrist control, and head position than on fabric grips.
Most people end up training both. The gi slows everything down and rewards precision, which makes it a good teacher, while no-gi moves faster and translates more directly to MMA and self-defense situations where nobody’s wearing a jacket. The positions and the principles are the same either way. What changes is what you’re allowed to hold onto.
Where to Train BJJ in Brooklyn: Classes at DiamondHeart
You don’t need to be in peak shape or have any prior martial arts experience to join our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes. Most of our grapplers are hobbyists who come for the cerebral and physical workout BJJ provides, and stay for the welcoming social environment our Brooklyn gym is known for.
If your grappling goals include formal competition, DiamondHeart is also home to an active BJJ competition team. We offer dedicated competition training, positional sparring, and tournament prep for local, regional, and national events.
Whatever your goals, our beginner-friendly BJJ program offers safe, structured learning to help you master fundamental positions, escapes, and submissions, engaging both your mind and body for fitness and stress relief in a friendly, casual environment where everyone is welcome.
New to grappling? Check our class schedule and come join us for your first jiu-jitsu class at DiamondHeart, conveniently located between Bushwick and East Williamsburg, just minutes from the Morgan L train stop. No experience required, and we’ve got loaner gis if you need one.