Judo vs MMA: Which is Better? (and key differences)

Written by Jeff Campbell in Judo,MMA/UFC Last Updated May 2, 2023

Judo and MMA are two combat sports that are vastly different yet share some similarities. But how do they differ, is one more effective, and which is quicker to learn? Let’s explore Judo vs MMA.

Judo and MMA are two different martial arts with Judo primarily focused on throws and grappling techniques, while MMA is a combination of various martial arts, including striking, grappling, and submissions. Both offer benefits such as physical fitness, self-defense skills, and mental discipline.

Judo, also known as the “gentle way,” is a martial art that originated in Japan in the late 19th century.

The objective of judo is to use an opponent’s strength against them and to subdue them through throws, pins, and submissions. In contrast, MMA, or mixed martial arts, is a full-contact combat sport that combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines such as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and more.

Although both sports involve physical contact between opponents with the intent of subduing or defeating each other, there are significant differences in their rules and objectives. Judoka compete with the goal of scoring points through throws or pins.

In contrast, MMA fighters aim to knock out or submit their opponents by striking them with fists and feet or by using grappling techniques such as chokes or joint locks. Despite their differences in objectives and rulesets, one thing is certain: both judo and MMA require tremendous discipline, training rigorously for years before being able to compete at a high level.

Table of Contents:

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What is Judo?

Judo, now an Olympic sport, is a martial art that originated in Japan during the late 19th century. It was developed by Jigoro Kano, who sought to create a modern system of self-defense based on traditional Japanese techniques. The word “judo” translates to “the gentle way,” which reflects the philosophy of the sport.

Rather than using brute force, judo emphasizes technique and leverage to overcome an opponent. The principles of judo are based on mutual respect, discipline, and physical fitness.

In a Judo competition, judoka (judo practitioners) wear special white uniforms called gi and compete on a mat called tatami. Matches can be won by throwing an opponent onto their back with force or by pinning them down for a specified amount of time. MMA fighters do make use of a gi, and instead often fight wearing shorts only.

A Judo match also includes submissions such as chokes and joint locks, but these are not allowed in all competitions.

Some famous judoka include Kano himself, who is considered the father of judo, as well as Anton Geesink from the Netherlands who famously defeated Japanese opponents at the 1964 Olympics to win gold in the open weight category.

Other notable figures include Yasuhiro Yamashita from Japan who won four world championships and two Olympic gold medals in his career. These athletes have made significant contributions to both the sport itself as well as its cultural impact around the world.

Judo techniques involve throwing an opponent off balance before taking them down or pinning them down on the ground with a hold-down technique known as osaekomi-waza. In addition to Judo hip throws and pins, judo also includes submission techniques such as armlocks and chokes that can force an opponent to submit without injury.

Some common throws include ippon seoinage (one-arm shoulder throw), uchi-mata (inner thigh throw), and harai-goshi (sweeping hip throw). Judo emphasizes both physical and mental training to develop technique, timing, flexibility, and strength.

One key distinction between Judo and BJJ is that Judo always starts from a standing position.

While some BJJ schools also start standing, many BJJ practitioners start on their knees or with one knee down and the other leg on the foot with the knee bent.

What is MMA? – The Ultimate Fighting Championship

History and Evolution of MMA

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a combat sport that combines various forms of martial arts like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, boxing, wrestling, Muay Thai, and judo.

This sport originated from the ancient Olympics and has been around for centuries.

But Mitsuyo Maeda, a Judo master originally from Japan who moved to Brazil, not only is considered one of the first modern MMA fighter but was also crucial for his role in helping create Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). He taught Judo to Carlos Gracie and others in the Gracie family. Ultimately modern-day Gracie Jiu-Jitsu has as much to do with Judo as it does with traditional Japanese Jiu Jitsu (or the ancient Japanese art of JuJutsu).

However, the modern version of MMA as we know it today started in 1993 with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

In its early days, UFC was a no-holds-barred competition where fighters from different martial arts backgrounds went head-to-head to determine which form was superior. Over time, UFC bans and rules were established to make it safer for fighters.

Fighters were required to wear gloves, joint locks were allowed but not strikes to the groin or back of the head. The UFC expanded rapidly over time as more people became interested in watching these skilled fighters battle it out in the octagon.

Rules and Regulations

The rules governing MMA are designed to protect the fighters while still allowing them a wide range of techniques to use during competition. The fights take place inside an octagonal ring called “the cage,” or “the Octagon,” which is surrounded by a fence.

Fighters are not allowed to grab onto the cage or kick their opponents while they are down on all fours. The scoring system used in MMA is based on judges’ decisions after each round.

Points are awarded based on clean strikes landed, takedowns executed successfully, and grappling maneuvers performed accurately among other things. Illegal moves like eye gouging or strikes to sensitive areas will result in penalty points being deducted from a fighter’s scorecard.

Famous Fighters and Their Fighting Styles

There have been many famous MMA fighters over the years who have helped elevate this sport into global popularity including Conor McGregor with his striking techniques and trash-talking antics, Khabib Nurmagomedov with his grappling dominance and unbeatable record, Jon “Bones” Jones with his versatile fighting style and achievements inside the Octagon.

Ronda Rousey is also a very noteworthy former MMA fighter with not only a black belt in Judo, but she’s a gold medal Judo champion in the Olympics games of 2004 also!

Each fighter has their own unique set of skills and techniques. Some are better at striking while others excel in grappling arts, ground techniques, or submissions.

Some fighters have a more aggressive style, while others use a more strategic approach. Regardless of the fighter’s style, fans flock to see these skilled athletes showcase their abilities in the ring.

Judo vs MMA: Similarities and Differences

Similarities in techniques used in both sports

Both the art of judo and MMA utilizes a variety of grappling techniques such as throws, chokes, arm locks, and leg locks. These techniques are designed to subdue an opponent by forcing them into a position where they can be controlled or incapacitated.

In both sports, athletes train to improve their timing, leverage, and technique to maximize the efficiency of these moves. Another similarity is the importance of groundwork in both sports.

While Judo has traditionally focused on throwing an opponent onto his back with the intention of pinning him for a win by immobilization (Ippon), both Judo and MMA practitioners understand that grappling on the ground is an integral part of combat.

This involves learning how to transition from standing techniques into ground fighting positions while maintaining control over your opponent until you reach a dominant position.

Differences in rules, scoring, and objectives

One major difference between judo and MMA is their focus on winning.

In judo, the objective is to throw your opponent onto his back with force or hold him down for 25 seconds without allowing him any movement (Ippon). In MMA however, fighters aim to strike their opponents with punches, kicks, or elbows until they are knocked out or submit due to pain.

Another important distinction is that judo places more emphasis on technique than brute strength.

Whereas MMA fighters tend to rely more heavily on strength and athleticism than refined technical skills. Furthermore, there are many differences in rules between judo and MMA which can impact how athletes approach each fight.

Physical demands on athletes

Both sports require high levels of physical fitness as athletes need strength, speed, agility as well as endurance during competition.

However there are differences regarding which attributes are prioritized in each sport: while Judo requires more explosive power needed for throwing techniques, MMA training focuses on improving muscular endurance to withstand the rigors of prolonged fights. Another difference is the amount of contact involved in each sport.

While both Judo and MMA involve physical contact, they differ in intensity: Judo competitions typically involve less contact compared to MMA bouts which can result in more serious injuries. It’s worth noting that while judo is not as rough-and-tumble as MMA, it still requires a lot of physical effort and can be very demanding on an athlete’s body.

Training for Judo vs MMA

Training methods for judoka

Judo training involves the repeated practice of throws, holds, and submissions with a partner. Judo practitioners also train to improve their strength, flexibility, speed, and endurance through resistance training and cardiovascular exercises.

Judo training is usually divided into two main categories: randori (free practice) and kata (formal sets of techniques). Randori allows judoka to apply their techniques against different opponents while kata helps them perfect their form and technique.

In addition to physical training, judoka also focus on mental preparation through meditation and visualization techniques. They learn how to be disciplined, respectful, and humble towards themselves and others.

Training methods for mixed martial artists

MMA training is a combination of various martial arts styles including grappling, striking, wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Muay Thai boxing among others. MMA fighters train in all these arts to become well-rounded athletes who can handle any fighting situation.

The training regimen includes strength conditioning exercises such as:

  • weight lifting
  • cardiovascular exercises such as running or swimming
  • sparring sessions with partners who simulate real fights
  • drills to improve technique in specific areas such as takedowns or ground-and-pound

Mixed martial artists also learn how to mentally prepare themselves for fights by studying their opponent’s strengths and weaknesses as well as visualizing different scenarios that may arise during a fight.

Comparison of training regimens

The main difference between judo and MMA training lies in the focus of each sport.

While judo focuses heavily on mastering specific throws and holds while developing a good balance between attack/defense/posture; MMA requires fighters to have a deep understanding of many different fighting styles along with a superior physical fitness level that would allow them not only to execute a variety of technical moves but to also survive and stay strong during an entire fight.

Both sports emphasize strength and endurance training, but MMA fighters tend to focus more on weight-lifting while judoka uses more bodyweight exercises and core training.

Additionally, MMA fighters spend a lot of time sparring with partners who simulate real fights, whereas judoka are not as concerned with full-contact competition in their training regimen.

Injury Rates in Judo vs MMA

Common Injuries in Each Sport

Both judo and MMA are full-contact combat sports that involve grappling and throwing techniques. As a result, the risk of injury is high in both sports.

However, the types of injuries that are common in each sport differ. In judo, the most common injuries are joint-related.

Since many judo techniques involve twisting or bending an opponent’s limbs, it’s not surprising that joint dislocations and sprains are frequent occurrences. Additionally, due to the nature of throws, falls, and takedowns involved in judo matches, there is a significant risk of head injury from hitting the mat or being struck by an opponent’s throw.

On the other hand, MMA athletes face a higher likelihood of cuts and bruises due to strikes from punches and kicks. Additionally, since MMA involves striking as well as grappling techniques like those used in judo, there is also a risk for joint-related injuries such as dislocations and sprains.

Factors Contributing to Injury Rates

Several factors contribute to injury rates in both judo and MMA. One factor for both sports is the level of experience. Novice athletes may not have developed the proper technique or conditioning needed to prevent injuries during training or competition.

Another contributing factor for both sports is weight class differences between opponents. A larger opponent can increase an athlete’s risk for injury during throws or takedowns if they are unable to execute these techniques correctly with someone their size.

Rules differences between judo and MMA also play a role in injury rates. In judo competitions, certain throws are banned due to their extreme danger even though they may be allowed in training sessions with appropriate safety measures put into place.

The goal is safety first; however, perhaps some high-risk moves should be included within complete guidelines strictly enforced during competition only. In MMA, the rules are more permissive, allowing almost any technique so long as it doesn’t cause permanent damage to an opponent.

Overall, both sports are physically demanding and carry inherent risks. Athletes must take necessary precautions to minimize the risk of injury, such as using proper technique and protective equipment.

Judo vs. MMA for Self-Defense: Which is better?

When it comes to self-defense, Judo and MMA have their unique strengths and weaknesses.

Judo is primarily focused on throws and grappling techniques, making it effective for close-range combat situations. It emphasizes the use of leverage and timing to take down an opponent, making it a useful tool for defending against larger attackers.

On the other hand, MMA incorporates various techniques from different martial arts, including striking, grappling, and submissions. This makes it a versatile option for self-defense, as it offers a wider range of tools to deal with different situations.

MMA also places a strong emphasis on physical conditioning, which can be beneficial in a self-defense scenario.

However, it’s important to note that both Judo and MMA have limitations in terms of self-defense. In a real-life situation, there are no rules, and the attacker may use weapons or employ tactics that are not allowed in competition. In such cases, situational awareness and avoidance are often the best forms of self-defense.

Another factor to consider is the training environment. Judo is often practiced in a traditional dojo setting with a focus on respect and discipline, while MMA is typically trained in a more competitive setting with a focus on practical application. The training atmosphere can impact the effectiveness of each martial art for self-defense.

In the end, MMA may be a better fit than Judo for those who want a more well-rounded approach to self-defense.

It can provide great techniques for both ground and standing battles as well as how to deal with multiple attackers. And it still provides the benefits that Judo has of teaching you how to deal with a potentially larger and/or stronger opponent.

JUDO VS MMA - Paul Matthews vs Cory Smith - MMA Fight

Conclusion

Both judo and MMA are fascinating combat sports with unique histories and techniques. Judo, a traditional Japanese martial art, also known as the gentle way, emphasizes using an opponent’s force against them and relies heavily on throws and submissions.

MMA, on the other hand, is a full-contact sport that combines striking and grappling techniques from a variety of martial arts. While there are some similarities in techniques used in both sports, such as arm locks and chokes, there are also significant differences in rules, scoring, and objectives.

One of the most notable differences between judo and MMA is the physical demands placed on athletes. Judoka need to have exceptional balance and coordination to execute throws and takedowns effectively.

They also need to have a strong grip to control their opponents. In contrast, mixed martial artists need to have well-rounded skills that include striking, grappling, wrestling, and cardio endurance.

Another key difference between judo and MMA is injury rates. While both sports can be dangerous at times due to their physicality, studies suggest that judo has a higher rate of injuries overall.

This may be due in part to the emphasis on throws in judo which can result in falls or awkward landings if not executed properly. Overall, whether you prefer the finesse of judo or the raw power of MMA is a matter of personal preference.

Both sports require hard work, dedication, and discipline but offer unique challenges for those who pursue them seriously.

A good MMA fighter will ultimately have the advantage over a Judo fighter’s skills in a street fight or self defense situation due to the much wider array of skills and techniques they have learned by studying 2 or more of the most effective martial arts.

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