Kendo vs Japanese Jiu-Jitsu

Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Kendo are both traditional Japanese martial arts with distinct techniques and philosophies. Jiu-Jitsu focuses on grappling, joint locks, and throws, while Kendo is a sword-based martial art that emphasizes discipline and precision in swordsmanship.

General information

Kendo
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
Introduction :
Kendo is a traditional Japanese martial art that focuses on swordsmanship using bamboo swords and protective armor. It has a rich history dating back to the samurai warriors of feudal Japan. Kendo is practiced for sport, fitness, and self-defense purposes, emphasizing discipline, respect, and mental focus. It is popular worldwide, with practitioners of all ages and skill levels participating in competitions and training sessions to hone their techniques and improve their physical and mental well-being.
Introduction :
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is a traditional martial art that focuses on self-defense techniques utilizing joint locks, throws, and strikes. With roots dating back to the samurai warriors, it emphasizes using an opponent's energy against them. Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is popular for its practical applications in self-defense scenarios and is also beneficial for fitness and overall well-being. It has gained recognition worldwide for its effectiveness in real-life situations.
Advantages :
  • Kendo offers a unique focus on discipline and respect, instilling important values in practitioners.
  • The use of traditional Japanese sword techniques sets Kendo apart from other martial arts.
  • Kendo provides a rigorous physical workout, improving strength, agility, and endurance.
  • Practitioners develop mental focus and concentration through intense training and sparring.
  • Kendo offers a strong sense of community and camaraderie among practitioners.
Advantages :
  • Japanese Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes joint locks and throws for self-defense.
  • Focuses on using an opponent’s energy against them, making it effective.
  • Teaches practical techniques for real-life situations.
  • Offers a well-rounded approach to self-defense with striking and grappling.
  • Promotes physical fitness and mental discipline.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited self-defense techniques compared to other martial arts.
  • Less emphasis on grappling and ground fighting.
  • Requires specific equipment (bogu) which can be expensive.
  • Limited availability of qualified instructors in some areas.
  • High risk of injuries due to full-contact sparring.
Disadvantages :
  • Limited focus on striking techniques
  • Less emphasis on competition training
  • Lack of standardized curriculum among schools
  • Limited availability of high-level instructors
  • Not as widely practiced or recognized as other martial arts
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Kendo is popular in Japan and has a dedicated following in other countries with established martial arts communities. It may not be as widespread as more mainstream martial arts, but it has a strong presence in certain regions.
🟡 Popularity : Somewhat.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is somewhat popular in certain regions, with a dedicated following of practitioners. It may not be as mainstream as other martial arts like Karate or Taekwondo, but it has a strong presence in the martial arts community.


General application

Kendo
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Kendo requires learning the basic techniques and etiquette, which may take some time. It also involves physical conditioning and the use of specialized equipment, making it an average level of difficulty to begin.
🟡 Difficulty : Average.
Getting started in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu requires dedication and commitment to learning the techniques and principles. Basic physical fitness and flexibility are helpful, but beginners can start with introductory classes to build a solid foundation.
🟡 Self defense : Average.
While Kendo teaches discipline and focus, its effectiveness for self-defense on the street may be limited due to the focus on traditional techniques with bamboo swords. It may not be as practical in real-world self-defense scenarios.
🟢 Self defense : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is effective for self-defense on the street due to its focus on joint locks, throws, and submissions. It teaches practical techniques for real-world situations, making it a valuable martial art for self-defense.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Kendo is an excellent way to improve fitness, with its high level of physical exertion and focus on agility and strength. It also helps improve flexibility and coordination, making it a well-rounded workout.
🟢 Fitness : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is excellent for fitness as it involves a high level of physical exertion, improves flexibility, and enhances overall strength and endurance. It provides a full-body workout and helps in weight management.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
Kendo has a well-established competition circuit with events at various levels, from local to international. There are recognized awarding bodies and organizations that oversee and organize these competitions.
🟢 Competitions : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu has a strong presence in sporting competitions with events held at various levels, including local, national, and international tournaments. There are established awarding bodies that oversee these competitions.


Techniques

Kendo
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu
🟡 Punching : Average.
Kendo focuses more on sword techniques rather than punching. While some basic punching techniques are included, they are not the primary focus. Practitioners may find the punching techniques in Kendo to be average compared to other martial arts.
🟡 Punching : Average.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu focuses more on grappling and joint locks rather than punching techniques. While some striking techniques are included, the emphasis is not on developing powerful punches compared to other striking-focused martial arts.
🟡 Elbowing : Average.
Kendo is primarily focused on sword techniques and does not emphasize punching. While some basic punching techniques may be included, it is not a primary aspect of Kendo training.
🟡 Elbowing : Average.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is average for punching. While it incorporates striking techniques like punches and elbows, the focus is more on joint locks and throws rather than developing powerful punching skills.
⚪ Kneeing : Unknown.
Kendo primarily focuses on sword techniques and does not emphasize punching. While some schools may incorporate punching techniques, it is not a primary aspect of Kendo training. Further research is recommended for specific information on punching in Kendo.
🟡 Kneeing : Average.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu focuses more on joint locks, throws, and grappling techniques rather than striking. While some schools may incorporate striking techniques, the emphasis is not on punching, making it average for punching skills.
⚪ Kicking : Unknown.
Kendo primarily focuses on sword techniques and does not typically involve kicking. While some schools may incorporate minimal kicking techniques, it is not a primary aspect of the martial art.
🟡 Kicking : Average.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu includes a variety of kicks in its techniques, but the focus is primarily on grappling and joint locks. While practitioners can execute kicks, the emphasis may not be as strong as in other martial arts dedicated to kicking techniques.
🟡 Throwing : Average.
Kendo is not primarily focused on throws, but some techniques involve off-balancing opponents. While not as extensive as in Judo or Aikido, Kendo practitioners may learn basic throws for self-defense or competition.
🟢 Throwing : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is known for its wide range of throws, including hip throws, shoulder throws, and sweeps. It emphasizes proper technique and leverage, making it effective for throws in self-defense situations.
🟡 Joint locks : Average.
Kendo focuses more on striking techniques with the sword rather than joint locks and holds. While some joint locks may be incorporated into training, it is not a primary focus of the martial art.
🟢 Joint locks : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is known for its extensive range of joint locks and holds, making it highly effective in controlling and subduing opponents. The techniques are well-developed and versatile for various situations.
⚪ Grappling : Unknown.
Kendo primarily focuses on swordsmanship and does not typically involve ground fighting techniques. While some principles of footwork and timing may be applicable in ground fighting, Kendo is not specifically designed for this purpose.
🟢 Grappling : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is known for its effective range of ground fighting techniques, including joint locks, chokes, and submissions. It emphasizes control and leverage, making it a valuable skill set for ground combat situations.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Kendo is known for its effective use of blocks and defense techniques, incorporating a range of blocking movements and strategies. Practitioners learn to defend themselves efficiently against various attacks, making it a strong choice for those focused on defense.
🟢 Defense : Good.
Japanese Jiu-Jitsu is known for its effective range of blocking and defense techniques, including joint locks, throws, and strikes. Its emphasis on fluid movements and redirection of an opponent's force make it a strong choice for defense.


Ultimately, the choice between Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and Kendo depends on personal preference and goals. If you prefer close combat techniques and self-defense skills, Jiu-Jitsu may be the right choice. On the other hand, if you are interested in mastering the art of sword fighting and developing mental focus, Kendo could be the perfect fit. Both martial arts offer unique benefits and can be rewarding practices for those willing to commit to their training.