Introduction
If you're interested
in martial arts, you've probably heard of Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai.
These two styles are super popular in mixed martial arts (MMA), but they’re
very different from each other. In this article, we’ll break down what makes
them unique, how they work, and which one might be the best fit for you!
What is Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu (or Brazilian Jiu Jitsu,
BJJ) is all about
fighting on the ground. Instead of punching or kicking, it's focused on
grappling, where you try to pin your opponent or make them tap out by putting
them in a submission like an armbar or a choke. BJJ was created by the Gracie
family in Brazil and has become one of the most effective martial arts for
self-defense.
What Jiu Jitsu Looks Like
When you train in Jiu
Jitsu, you’ll spend a lot of time sparring (rolling) with other people, trying
to get better at controlling your opponent and finding the best ways to make
them tap out. You use leverage and technique instead of strength, so even if
someone is bigger or stronger than you, you can still win by using your brains
and moves to outsmart them.
What is Muay Thai?

Muay Thai
is a striking art from Thailand. It’s known as
"The Art of Eight Limbs" because it uses fists, elbows, knees, and
shins to fight. It’s a stand-up martial art, meaning you’re always trying to
stay on your feet while striking, blocking, and attacking your opponent. Muay
Thai is famous for its brutal power and sharp techniques.
What Muay Thai Looks Like
In Muay Thai, you'll
learn to throw powerful kicks, punches, and elbows. You also work on clinch
fighting, where you get close to your opponent to control them, knee them in
the body or face, or try to throw them. The goal is to hurt your opponent with
fast, sharp strikes while avoiding theirs.
Jiu Jitsu vs Muay
Thai: What’s the Big Difference?
So, what makes Jiu
Jitsu and Muay Thai so different? Well, here are the main things that set them
apart:
Striking vs Grappling
- Muay Thai
is all about striking – punches, kicks, knees, and elbows. You want to
hurt your opponent and control the fight with powerful hits.
- Jiu Jitsu,
on the other hand, is all about grappling, submissions, and controlling
your opponent on the ground. It’s more about technique than brute
strength.
Stand-Up Fighting
vs Ground Fighting
- In Muay Thai, you’ll spend most of your time on
your feet, dodging, attacking, and blocking strikes.
- In Jiu Jitsu, you'll spend a lot of time on the
ground, where you’ll try to submit your opponent or escape from bad
positions.
Offensive
Techniques
- Muay Thai
relies on strong, powerful strikes. You’ll use your fists, elbows, knees,
and shins to land hard hits and make your opponent feel the pain.
- Jiu Jitsu
focuses on strategy, finding the best way to control your opponent’s body
and put them in a position where they have no choice but to give up (tap
out).
Defense Techniques
- In Muay Thai, you’ll block punches, parry kicks,
and even catch them in the clinch to stop your opponent from attacking.
- In Jiu Jitsu, defense is all about escaping bad
positions, like when someone’s on top of you. It’s about staying calm and
using your technique to break free.
Which Martial Art
Should You Choose?
So, now you’re
probably wondering, "Which one is right for me?" It really depends on
what you're into:
If you love
grappling and submission holds:
Jiu Jitsu is for you.
It’s perfect if you enjoy fighting on the ground and using your body and
technique to control your opponent. You’ll get to learn how to take someone
down, get them into a hold, and make them tap out – all without relying on
strength.
If you want to hit
hard and stand-up fight:
Muay Thai is the way
to go. If you love the idea of landing powerful strikes with your fists,
elbows, knees, and legs, then Muay Thai will teach you to be a beast on your
feet. It’s awesome for conditioning and learning how to stay aggressive.
Why Not Do Both?
A lot of people in MMA
(mixed martial arts) do both! Muay Thai gives you amazing striking skills,
while Jiu Jitsu teaches you how to fight on the ground. If you're serious about
fighting, cross-training in both can help you become a well-rounded fighter
who’s ready for anything.
Frequently Asked
Questions

What’s the main
difference between Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai?
Jiu Jitsu is about
grappling and submissions on the ground, while Muay Thai is about striking using
fists, elbows, knees, and shins in a stand-up fight.
Can I learn both Jiu
Jitsu and Muay Thai?
Totally! Many MMA
fighters train in both to be better at both striking and grappling. It’s a
great way to be a complete fighter.
Which one is better
for self-defense?
It depends! If you’re
worried about being attacked on the street, Muay Thai is awesome for learning
how to fight back with powerful strikes. But if you get taken to the ground,
Jiu Jitsu is great for getting back up or controlling your attacker.
Is Jiu Jitsu good for
smaller people?
Yes! Jiu Jitsu is
perfect for smaller fighters because it’s all about using technique and
leverage instead of strength. It levels the playing field.
Can you use Muay Thai
in MMA?
Definitely! Muay Thai
is one of the best striking styles for MMA. It gives fighters powerful tools to
dominate in the stand-up game.
How long does it take
to get good at Jiu Jitsu or Muay Thai?
It varies, but
generally, you’ll need a few years to become really proficient in either. It
takes dedication and consistent training, but it’s all worth it!
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day,
both Jiu Jitsu and Muay Thai are amazing martial arts. It really
depends on what type of fighting you enjoy. If you like grappling, submissions,
and strategy, then Jiu Jitsu is your art. If you love striking and powerful
attacks, then Muay Thai is the way to go. Or, why not combine both for the
ultimate martial arts combo?
Good luck, and
remember, whatever you choose, martial arts will teach you discipline, respect,
and the strength to overcome challenges!