Ju-jitsu
Ju-jitsu has three competition forms. Fighting is a three-minute match in three parts: strikes at a distance, then throws once a grip is taken, then holds and submissions on the ground, with points scored in each part. Ne-waza, which the federation also calls jiu-jitsu, is grappling with no strikes, won by making the opponent submit to a choke or joint lock or else on points. Duo is a judged demonstration of self-defence by a pair, one making set attacks and the other defending.
New to ju-jitsu? Start here
Which to watch first, and how long
Start with Fighting. Strikes, throws and holds in one match, scored part by part.
- Fighting
- Matches of three minutes for adults
- Ne-waza
- Ground grappling for five minutes (adults), won by submission or on points
- Duo
- Pairs perform set attacks and defences for judges
Lengths are from the rule book.
The big events, and why they matter
- 1JJIF World ChampionshipsThe sport's own world title.Yearly
- 2Asian Games (ju-jitsu)Asia's multi-sport title.Every 4 years; held in 2018, 2022 and 2026 · Holder: the United Arab Emirates won 5 of the 8 golds
India
India has competed in ju-jitsu at the Asian Games without a medal.
- Ju-jitsu at the Asian Games: No medal
Countries to know
India and the nations that have done best, biggest titles first.
- FranceJJIF World Championships: 56 golds, 47 silvers, 92 bronzes (latest 2019)
- GermanyJJIF World Championships: 36 golds, 43 silvers, 57 bronzes (latest 2019)
- RussiaJJIF World Championships: 37 golds, 31 silvers, 43 bronzes (latest 2019)
- PolandJJIF World Championships: 30 golds, 27 silvers, 73 bronzes (latest 2019)
- NetherlandsJJIF World Championships: 24 golds, 24 silvers, 47 bronzes (latest 2019)
Who runs it
| Rules made by | Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF): Ju-Jitsu Fighting Rulebook, version 4.0; Jiu-Jitsu (Ne-Waza) Rulebook, version 2.7, reviewed in 2024; Ju-Jitsu Duo Rulebook, version 4.1, March 2024 |
| International federation | Ju-Jitsu International Federation (JJIF) |
| In India | Ju-Jitsu Association of India, listed by the JJIF as India's member (president Vinay Kumar Joshi) and present at the Ju-Jitsu Asian Union's 2023 General Assembly; it sends the Indian team. |
Where and when it is played
On a mat, in a gi or, for ne-waza, also in no-gi kit. The big events: the JJIF World Championships every year and the Asian Games (ne-waza), held in 2018, 2022 and 2026.