Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing are both hugely popular combat sports. However, they differ in their approaches and techniques. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on self defense. It aims at gaining control over a larger and stronger opponent with minimum effort and by using specific techniques. Boxing is a sport that involves movements to attack and defend at the same time.



Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has evolved from Jiu-Jitsu, which is known as the oldest martial art. It uses grappling and ground fighting techniques for combat. It uses joint locks, compression locks and chokeholds to make the opponent submit. It came into existence when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka, immigrated to Brazil in 1910's. He propagated a martial art that used techniques of Jiu-Jitsu and Judo.

Boxing is known to have evolved from fist fighting. Initially, it looked more like a combat without rules. It included kicking, punching, eye gouging, biting, hair-pulling, etc. Standardization of boxing rules started in 1838 with introduction of rings to fight. The rules regarding safety gear and match duration were defined in 1867.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, being an art of self-defense, discourages all techniques aimed at injuring the opponent. The athlete has to focus on gaining control on his opponent. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches an athlete to respect his opponent's strength. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes are responsible for the safety of their opponents. While applying a technique to make his opponent submit, a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athlete must apply the pressure slowly so that he does not hurt the opponent beyond the necessary level.

Boxing has a set of rules too. A boxer uses jab punches, cross punches, hook punches, uppercut punches, guards, defense, etc. to win over his opponent. Boxers cannot use techniques like biting, scratching or gouging to injure their opponent. In addition, they are not allowed to hit below their opponent's waist. However, unlike Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, a boxer is not bound to ensure the safety of his opponent.

The rules for uniforms in both the sports also differ. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu athletes have to wear a kimono, pants, shorts and belt during a tournament. The uniform is either blue or white in color. Boxers are required to wear only a pair of short for a tournament and there is no specific rule for the color.