5 Reasons Why BJJ Is More Popular Than Judo | The Shintaro Higashi Show

Summary

In this video, the speaker explores five key reasons why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is more popular than Judo, focusing on business efficiency, training dynamics, and market demographics. BJJ's space efficiency, gamification, and accessible community contribute to its widespread appeal, while Judo's formal traditions and geographical barriers limit its growth. The speaker also critiques Judo’s bureaucratic structure and calls for innovation to make the sport more accessible and appealing in the modern era, especially in the U.S. A call to action encourages positive discussion and new ideas for Judo’s future.

Takeaways

• 😀 BJJ is more space efficient than judo, allowing more people to train in the same area, making it more business-friendly.
• 😀 In BJJ, more people can train at once in a given space, with fewer constraints compared to the more space-consuming judo practice.
• 😀 The instructor’s bird's-eye view in BJJ enables better oversight and interaction with students, which increases engagement.
• 😀 The average BJJ practitioner tends to be older (30s-40s), with more disposable income, contributing to BJJ's popularity over judo.
• 😀 As practitioners age, they develop isometric strength, which aligns well with BJJ’s reliance on control and positioning.
• 😀 BJJ offers more 'gamified' successes, such as earning points for guard passes or achieving dominant positions, which keeps newcomers motivated.
• 😀 Judo lacks the same level of in-the-moment success recognition as BJJ, where small victories can help retain newcomers.
• 😀 The language and cultural barrier in judo, especially with foreign champions, can hinder global connection and community building.
• 😀 Judo's traditional structure and formality, including strict ranking and kata requirements, create barriers for newcomers and slow growth in the US.
• 😀 The US judo community suffers from bureaucratic hurdles, such as difficult promotion processes, which can deter practitioners from advancing.
• 😀 Judo tournaments can be inefficient, with long durations and limited mat space, while BJJ tournaments manage space better and accommodate more competitors in less time.

Q & A

Why is BJJ considered more space-efficient than Judo?

BJJ is more space-efficient because it allows for more practitioners to train simultaneously in a smaller area. While in Judo, only 7-10 people can train at the same time in a given space, BJJ can accommodate up to 40 or more people in the same space due to its focus on ground work, which requires less room.

How does the layout of a BJJ class differ from Judo in terms of instructor oversight?

In BJJ, most of the time is spent on the floor, allowing instructors to have a clear bird's eye view of the entire class. In contrast, Judo practitioners spend more time standing and moving around, making it harder for instructors to monitor all students effectively.

What impact does BJJ's space efficiency have on its popularity?

BJJ’s space efficiency allows gyms to accommodate more students in a given area, which makes it easier to run larger classes. This can generate more income per square foot, contributing to BJJ’s growing popularity, especially in the business aspect of martial arts.

Why does the age demographic of BJJ practitioners contribute to its popularity?

BJJ attracts a larger number of practitioners in their 30s and 40s. This demographic typically has more disposable income, which allows them to commit to regular training. Additionally, older practitioners develop more isometric strength, which suits the slower, strategic nature of BJJ.

How does the 'gamification' of BJJ make it more attractive to newcomers?

BJJ offers a clear system of points and progression (e.g., guard passes, back takes) that rewards small successes. This gamified approach keeps practitioners motivated as they experience incremental victories, unlike Judo, where the focus is mainly on achieving a single decisive throw or pin.

Why is the lack of accessible top-level Judo athletes a disadvantage for Judo's growth in the U.S.?

The best Judo athletes, such as those from Japan, are not easily accessible to U.S. practitioners. The language barrier and cultural differences hinder effective communication and community building, while the widespread access to BJJ athletes who speak English and share content online helps foster a more connected and engaged community.

How does the Judo ranking system impact its popularity?

Judo’s formal and sometimes bureaucratic ranking system can create barriers to entry, especially with complex grading requirements and the need for formal promotion through organizations. In contrast, BJJ’s simpler, more direct belt promotion system tends to be more approachable for practitioners.

What are the limitations of traditional Judo tournaments in terms of space and time management?

Judo tournaments often suffer from inefficient space and time management. Large events may have only a few mats running at once, which results in long waiting times for competitors. This inefficiency contrasts with BJJ tournaments, where multiple mats can be set up, reducing competition time and allowing more participants.

How does the tradition and formality of Judo affect its growth?

The formality and strict traditions in Judo, including rigid structures around etiquette, language, and ranking, can be off-putting for some practitioners. This sense of rigidity may deter new students, especially those who are looking for a more flexible and accessible martial art, like BJJ.

What can Judo learn from BJJ to increase its popularity in the United States?

Judo can learn from BJJ's approach to community-building through accessible content, simpler ranking systems, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Judo could also benefit from improving its tournament structures and focusing on more space-efficient training methods, which would make it more appealing and accessible to a wider audience.