Combat Jiu Jitsu, often abbreviated as CJJ, is a martial art that blends elements of traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with striking techniques similar to Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). In this article, we will be taking a look at the full concept of Combat Jiu-Jitsu, exploring its origins, key differences from BJJ, rules, and its purpose.
What is Combat Jiu jitsu?
Basically, Combat Jiu-Jitsu, also known as CJJ, is a dynamic martial art that combines the ground-based techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with open-palm strikes. It allows competitors to grapple, submit, and strike their opponents, making it a unique hybrid sport. As you may know Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a very popular martial art and has been around for years, since the 90s, but Combat Jiu Jitsu is also coming up with great potential and popularity. What is the key difference between CJJ and BJJ? We can say Combat Jiu Jitsu is a hybrid version of the popular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and we’ll find out more details later. For now, let’s take a look at the history of the martial art.
Basically, Combat Jiu-Jitsu, also known as CJJ, is a dynamic martial art that combines the ground-based techniques of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu with open-palm strikes. It allows competitors to grapple, submit, and strike their opponents, making it a unique hybrid sport. As you may know Brazilian Jiu-jitsu is a very popular martial art and has been around for years, since the 90s, but Combat Jiu Jitsu is also coming up with great potential and popularity. What is the key difference between CJJ and BJJ? We can say Combat Jiu Jitsu is a hybrid version of the popular Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and we’ll find out more details later. For now, let’s take a look at the history of the martial art.
Who Invented Combat Jiu-Jitsu? Brief History of Combat Jiu Jitsu
Eddie Bravo is the mastermind behind the creation of Combat Jiu-Jitsu, often referred to as CJJ. He was a well-known figure in the martial arts world and was not only a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) black belt but also the founder of the 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu system. His unconventional approach to grappling techniques and his dedication to evolving the sport of BJJ, with ideas gotten from Gracie Jiu Jitsu, set the stage for the birth of Combat Jiu-Jitsu. According to Eddie Bravo, BJJ techniques were beginning to look unrealistic and could not be used effectively for self defense. This pushed him to introduce new techniques that were more practical in real-life events.
In 2017, the first official Combat Jiu-Jitsu event took place, marking a significant milestone in the history of martial arts. This groundbreaking tournament showcased the integration of open-palm strikes with traditional BJJ techniques. Competitors were now allowed to strike their opponents while engaged in grappling exchanges, creating an entirely new and dynamic experience for both competitors and spectators.
Since its inception, Combat Jiu-Jitsu has continued to evolve and grow in popularity. It serves as a bridge between traditional BJJ and the world of MMA, offering martial artists a platform to test their skills in a more realistic combat scenario. Eddie Bravo’s vision for this hybrid martial art has led to the emergence of a new generation of athletes and enthusiasts eager to explore the limitless possibilities of Combat Jiu-Jitsu.
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What Are the Combat Jiu-Jitsu Rules?
Every form of martial art comes with its own distinct set of rules and Eddie Bravo’s Combat Jiu Jitsu isn’t left out. The rules of Combat Jiu-Jitsu (CJJ) are designed to create an engaging and dynamic martial arts experience by blending traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with open-palm strikes. Here are the key rules of Combat Jiu-Jitsu:
Grappling Techniques: Combat Jiu Jitsu competitions follow the fundamental grappling techniques of BJJ, allowing competitors to engage in submissions, sweeps, and positional control on the ground.
Open-Palm Strikes: The most distinctive feature of CJJ is the inclusion of open palm strikes. Competitors are permitted to strike their opponents using open-palm strikes while on the ground. These strikes must be controlled and delivered with the palm of the hand rather than closed fists.
No Closed Fist Strikes: Unlike MMA, closed-fist punches are not allowed in CJJ. The emphasis is on open-palm strikes to minimize the risk of injury while still incorporating striking elements.
Submission Attempts: Competitors can use open-palm strikes strategically during submission attempts, creating opportunities to both control and strike their opponents while seeking submissions.
Ground Fighting: CJJ encourages ground fighting, with competitors often attempting to secure dominant positions to gain better opportunities for striking and submissions.
Referee Supervision: Referees closely monitor CJJ matches to ensure that the open-palm strikes are executed within the rules and that the competitors’ safety is maintained.
- Preventing Stalling: CJJ rules discourage stalling or inactivity. Competitors are expected to actively engage and seek advantageous positions or submission opportunities.
Scoring: Points are awarded based on positional control, submission attempts, and effective striking. The point system is similar to traditional BJJ, with added emphasis on the impact of open-palm strikes.
Overtime Rules: In CJJ events following the Eddie Bravo Invitational (EBI) format, overtime, EBI overtime, rounds may occur. Competitors take turns starting from specific positions and attempt to submit or escape within a set time frame.
Winning by Submission or Points: As in BJJ, matches can be won by submitting the opponent, accumulating more points through positional control and effective striking, and knockouts.
Purgatory Position: In Combat Jiu-Jitsu, the Purgatory Position comes into play when one fighter is standing while the other is on the ground. In this situation, these fighters can only maintain this position for a maximum of 30 seconds. Anything longer than 30 seconds is results in an overtime round. If either fighter touches their knee to the ground, whether to attack or for any other reason, the referee ends the Purgatory Position. The purgatory time can also begin when both fighters are inactive for 10 seconds.
Get Down Rule: Heard of the Get Down Rule before? If after one minute of starting the fight, both competitors are still standing, they will have to follow this rule, get down, and begin ground wrestling. The referee will then conclude the ground wrestling session, flips a coin and the winner of the toss gets to select if he’ll start with the butterfly guard or his opponent’s.
These rules in combat create a unique and exciting martial arts experience for everyone, combining the technical aspects of BJJ with the added dimension of open-palm strikes, making Combat Jiu-Jitsu an engaging and dynamic sport for both competitors and spectators.
Can You Strike in Combat Jiu-jitsu?
Yes, striking is an integral part of Combat Jiu-Jitsu. Competitors can use open-palm strikes while grappling on the ground, creating unique opportunities for both submission and striking techniques. Be aware that standing strikes and kicks are most definitely not allowed. Keep this in mind during training, matches, or street fights (self defense) and you’ll have no issues with the martial art.
Combat Jiu jitsu and BJJ: What Is the Key Difference Between Combat Jiu jitsu and BJJ?
Here are some of the key differences between Combat Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
Aspect | Combat Jiu-Jitsu (CJJ) | Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) |
Striking Elements | Incorporates open-palm strikes during grappling exchanges. | Primarily focused on submissions and positional control without striking. |
Competition Objective | Emphasizes both grappling and striking techniques. | Primarily focused on submitting opponents or gaining positional dominance. |
Ruleset | Allows open-palm strikes but prohibits closed-fist punches. | Exclusively involves grappling techniques; striking is not allowed. |
Realism in Combat | Simulates aspects of a realistic combat scenario by integrating striking. | Focuses on self-defense, submissions, and sportive aspects without striking. |
Training Focus | Trains practitioners in grappling with added emphasis on striking techniques. | Primarily focuses on mastering the art of ground-based submissions and control. |
Combat Jiu-Jitsu, a fusion of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and open-palm strikes, offers a thrilling and dynamic martial arts experience. Founded by Eddie Bravo, it has rapidly gained popularity in the world of combat sports. This unique sport serves as a testament to the ever-evolving landscape of martial arts, combining the best of both grappling and striking techniques.
Whether you’re a BJJ practitioner looking to expand your skill set or an MMA enthusiast seeking a new challenge, Combat Jiu-Jitsu has something to offer. Step up today and discover the limitless possibilities of human combat.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is combat Jiu-Jitsu? Is it Judo?
Combat Jiu-Jitsu (CJJ) is a martial art that combines traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) with open-palm strikes and Judo, allowing competitors to grapple and strike their opponents.
Can Jiu-Jitsu be used in a real fight?
Yes, Jiu-Jitsu techniques can be effective in real fights, especially for self-defense. BJJ focuses on ground-based combat, including submissions and positional control, which can be valuable in real-world situations.
What is a Jiu-Jitsu fighter called?
A practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu is often referred to as a “Jiu-Jitsu practitioner” or simply a “BJJ practitioner. The First CJJ athletes were Vagna Rocha and Chad George, lightweight and Bantamweight champions respectively.
Can you slap in combat jiu-jitsu?
Yes, in Combat Jiu-Jitsu, unlike MMA and BJJ, open-palm strikes, often referred to as “slaps,” are allowed during grappling exchanges.
Who is the founder of Combat Jiu-Jitsu?
Eddie Bravo is the founder of Combat Jiu-Jitsu. He introduced this martial art as an innovative blend of BJJ and striking techniques.
