Jiu-Jitsu Vs. Kickboxing

Both martial arts, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Kickboxing have a massive following. The comparison is similar to the comparison of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Taekwondo, as, in both styles, we have discussed grappling art in contrast with striking art. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is purely based on grappling techniques, holding opponents on the mat and forcing them to submit. Kickboxing is based on high-impact striking techniques in a standing position, and relies on punching and kicking opponents.

1. BJJ

Japanese Judo master Mitsuyo Maeda visited Brazil in 1914 and taught Jiu-Jitsu to Carlos Gracie. Later on, Helio Gracie made modifications to its style and introduced some new techniques at that time. These new techniques got famous as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It is now known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ).

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu totally relies on ground fighting and grappling techniques. In BJJ, a fighter controls his/her opponents on the ground, attempts takedowns, and forces them to submit via applying choke holds and joint locks.

2. Kickboxing

Kickboxing is a combination of Muay Thai and free-style boxing and it was created around the 1960s. Kickboxing is a type of martial art derived from Karate that uses kicks and punches. Kickboxing is all about standup fights. This means that it emphasizes striking and does not entail ground combat.

The variety of techniques varies depending on the particular kickboxing style. In addition to the traditional punches used in western boxing, kickboxing tactics frequently involve knee punches, throws, headbutts, strikes, and kicks.

3. Difference Between BJJ and Kickboxing

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, you will learn ground fighting and all the techniques involved in grappling. The objective of a BJJ match is to force the opponent to submit by seizing their motion. In BJJ, you must have built a tremendous amount of stamina and the ability to analyze, and react to every move made by your opponent.

Kickboxing is based on a fighter's ability to strike with force while standing firmly. If the opponent is knocked to the ground, you step aside and wait for them to stand up before continuing the fight. The strategy is to utilize your limbs as weapons, striking with brutal force whether with your punches or legs. Grappling is strictly not allowed in kickboxing even when you are in a clinch, you must have it quickly stand or the referee will interfere and reset the fight.

4. BJJ Vs. Kickboxing

Both are different martial arts, BJJ and Kickboxing are very effective for fitness and self-defense. Here we’ll compare both in different aspects.

4.1. BJJ Vs. Kickboxing Rules

Let’s have a look at how the rules of both sports are different from each other.

BJJ Rules

• The objective is to submit the opponent by holding him under control on the ground.
• Submissions include cranks, joint locks, strangulations, and other positions that can become intolerable and force the opponent to submit.
• Strikes are not permitted.
• Different organizations and rules may have different match time requirements. Even the IBJJF has varying time restrictions for various belt degrees. But strikes are prohibited across all the platforms of BJJ.
• Competitions take place on an open mat space but within predetermined premises limits.

Kickboxing Rules

• Punches and kicks, including those delivered below the waist, are permitted during combat, except groin strikes.
• Knees and elbows are not permitted.
• The use of throws, sweeps, and clinch combat is prohibited.
• For amateurs, bouts are 3 to 5 rounds; for pros, they are 3 to 10 rounds, with each round lasting 2 to 3 minutes. There is a one-minute break between each round.

4.2. BJJ or Kickboxing: Which One is Best for Self-Defense?

If we talk about self-defense, both have their upsides and downsides, but kickboxing will probably protect you from more assaults than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will. But that doesn't imply BJJ is ineffective for self-defense.

BJJ is a martial art that involves concentration, endurance, strategy, thinking under stress, and split-second decision-making.

Also, a lot of attacks are made from behind, and the attacker frequently uses a chokehold or another similar technique. You will learn exactly how to avoid and escape those types of assaults from BJJ. But if the attacker hits you with punches and kicks it would become difficult for you to defend by just grappling, kickboxing can be more effective in standing fights.

Here, the issue arises when an attack is launched from behind. Since you fight to face your opponent in kickboxing mostly in a standing position, you don't learn how to get out of chokeholds or how to respond when attacked from the back side.

Overall, both styles of martial arts have their benefits but because of the force and aggressive approach behind the Kickboxing style, it is somewhat more practical for self-defense.

4.3. BJJ or Kickboxing: Which One is More Effective in Mixed Martial Arts(MMA)?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has its own value when compared with kickboxing regarding MMA. Royce Gracie demonstrated the dominance of jiu-jitsu in MMA fights by inviting other martial artists for open challenges and winning the fights.

The first MMA Kickboxer Mirko Cro Cop defeated by BJJ fighter Antonio Nogueira. The Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter dragged legendary Mirko and finished him via armbar in the first round.

So by considering all these factors, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can give the fighters more chances of winning than Kickboxing in the context of mixed martial arts.

4.4. BJJ or Kickboxing: Which One is More Useful for Weight Loss?

Training sessions for Kickboxing are often quite demanding exercises. The majority of practitioners adhere to the three minutes of exercise and one minute of rest. You'll thus usually perform eight to twelve cycles, which will burn lots of calories.

While BJJ sessions are longer, you are constantly rolling with your fellows throughout the session. So it will activate more muscle fibers, thus it should burn more calories.

However, both martial arts include intense workouts. But, BJJ ought to burn more calories in an hour. Additionally, using a Gi will increase your calorie consumption because it adds to the resistance during your workout.

4.5. BJJ or Kickboxing: Which One is Best for Beginners?

Jiu-Jitsu is a fairly scientific and technical art, thus it will take some practice to become proficient. To get into the swing of things, you'll need to invest a time period of a minimum of two to three months.

In Kickboxing, the initial training session generally consists of stance adjustments and some simple yet basic techniques. You may then start learning direct punches and low kicks after a couple of weeks. Later, you can continue sparring.

If you've never trained in a martial art before, Kickboxing is simpler to learn. BJJ requires more training yet burns more muscle.

4.6. BJJ Belts Vs. Kickboxing Belts

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belts follow this order:

• White Belt
• Blue Belt
• Purple Belt
• Brown Belt
• Black Belt
• Red and Black Belt
• Red and White Belt
• Red Belt

Kickboxing Belts follow this order:

• White Belt
• Red Belt
• Yellow Belt
• Orange Belt
• Green Belt
• Blue Belt
• Purple Belt
• Brown Belt
• Black Belt

4.7. BJJ or Kickboxing: Which is safer?

Injuries are likely to occur in both sports but BJJ is considered a lot safer than kickboxing. Because kickboxing can cause some serious injuries to the body and in severe cases cause brain trauma.

On the other hand, BJJ does not entail hitting, which is beneficial to your health. Intentionally causing injury to the opponent, if proven, can disqualify the BJJ fighter.  Every submission attempt, however, aims to get the tap out and every BJJ fighter is strictly advised to tap out whenever got strangled in a choke or joint lock.

BJJ puts a lot of load on the body and calls for remarkable flexibility.

4.8. BJJ or Kickboxing: Which One Should You Pick?

Picking between Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and kickboxing totally depends on your personal preference, whether you like grappling or striking. Choose Kickboxing if you want a challenging workout that will help you get in shape, build strength, and eventually help you protect yourself. It doesn't take long to learn the fundamental moves. However, developing more deep striking takes time and perseverance. One will have a great chance of succeeding in kickboxing if he/she is eager to pick up new skills and doesn't mind taking some jabs and blows.

On the other hand, some people would prefer to learn self-defense techniques. With BJJ. It requires concentration and planning, which will provide you with a significant advantage if you ever need to defend yourself.

Additionally, kickboxing is a physical sport that depends as much on strength as it does on skills.

BJJ, on the other hand, focuses more on the game's techniques and skills than on physical power.

4.9. BJJ Vs. Kickboxing: Who Will Win a Fight?

Similar to most grappling versus striking bouts, a fight between kickboxing and BJJ would likely finish on the ground. With the use of grappling, a BJJ expert can close the gap and bring the battle to the ground. Once the battle is on the ground, a BJJ expert may quickly take the kickboxer into submission. Kickboxers have a chance to maintain their distance in a stand-up fight because of their highly skilled kicking tactics. A BJJ practitioner is likely to win in this fight as a kickboxer is likely to be outsmarted by the grappling skills of a BJJ fighter.

5. Last Words

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Kickboxing both are mainstream forms of martial arts. In BJJ you will learn how to defeat the opponent on the ground via grappling techniques while kickboxing will teach you to knock off the opponent via striking techniques. Carefully identify your priorities and choose the martial art according to the ease of your time, energy, preferences, and passion.