News & Articles


Here you can check news and articles about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Martial Arts. Whether you are a student, a parent of a child that trains Jiu Jitsu or just a BJJ enthusiast, there are plenty of useful information for you to read below.

What's the difference between Jiu Jitsu and Karate for kids?

What's the difference between Jiu Jitsu and Karate for kids? image

Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on ground fighting, submissions, and body control. Karate, on the other hand, is a striking-based martial art that emphasizes punches, kicks, and strikes.

It's very commun for parents to have this question and since we opened Gracie Barra Shellharbour here in Albion Park in the Illawarra we've been explaining to our students the difference between Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts. 

We find that many parents even did Karate when they were kids, as back then Karate was more popular than Jiu Jitsu in Australia. 

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Karate are two different martial arts that can offer many benefits to kids, but they differ in their focus, techniques, and training methods.

Jiu Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on ground fighting, submissions, and body control. Kids who train Jiu Jitsu learn techniques for taking down their opponents, controlling them on the ground, and submitting them through techniques like arm locks, chokes, kimuras, arm triangles, arm bars, etc. Jiu Jitsu can be especially effective for kids who may not have the size or strength to overpower their opponents, as it relies more on leverage and technique than brute force.

Karate, on the other hand, is a striking-based martial art that emphasizes punches, kicks, and strikes. Kids who train Karate learn a variety of kicks and punches, as well as blocks, throws, and joint locks. 

In terms of training methods, Jiu Jitsu classes for kids typically involve partner drills, sparring, and live training, with an emphasis on developing grappling skills and technique. Karate classes for kids may involve partner drills, forms, and sparring, with an emphasis on developing striking skills and technique.

Both Jiu Jitsu and Karate can offer many benefits to kids, including physical fitness, self-defense skills, and self-discipline. The best martial art for your child will depend on their individual interests, goals, and temperament. It may be helpful to try out both Jiu Jitsu and Karate classes for kids to see which one your child enjoys more and feels more comfortable with.