In a recent interview on the JAXXON Podcast, former MMA fighter Jake Shields delved into the distinctions between American and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, shedding light on his own journey and the evolution of grappling styles in the martial arts world.

Origins of American Jiu-Jitsu

Shields begins by explaining that the term “American Jiu-Jitsu” started somewhat as a joke. At the time, he wasn’t training with the traditional gi, and there was significant pushback from the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu community, which dominated the scene. They criticized his rank, questioning his legitimacy. To counter this, Shields donned a gi for a short period, quickly demonstrating his prowess by dominating competitions. Frustrated by the constant criticism, he coined the term “American Jiu-Jitsu” as a form of defiance.

However, the term evolved to represent a distinct style. Unlike traditional BJJ, which often emphasizes patience and waiting for the opponent to make mistakes, American Jiu-Jitsu blends the aggressive techniques of wrestling with jiu-jitsu. This fusion creates a more assertive approach, focusing on forcing opportunities rather than waiting for them. Shields is one of the pioneers of this style, integrating wrestling’s proactive strategies with jiu-jitsu’s grappling techniques.

Evolution and Adaptation

Shields notes that modern grapplers have adopted this blended style, enhancing their ground game with superior takedowns and aggressive attacks. This evolution marks a shift from the traditional BJJ philosophy to a more dynamic and versatile approach. He emphasizes that the combination of wrestling and jiu-jitsu, along with elements from judo and sambo, creates a comprehensive and effective martial art, particularly without the gi.

Influential Grapplers and Modern Trends

During the discussion, Shields highlights some of the most dominant grapplers in the UFC, mentioning fighters like Gilbert Burns and B. Mohamed. He praises their powerful, no-gi style of jiu-jitsu, which mirrors his own approach. Shields also reflects on his competitive experiences, including a notable grappling match against Gilbert Burns, which he narrowly won.

Shields also acknowledges the influence of the Ruotolo brothers, who exemplify the modern, athletic-based jiu-jitsu. Their relentless pace and well-rounded skills embody the principles of American Jiu-Jitsu. Shields observes that today’s jiu-jitsu athletes are becoming more athletic, turning the sport into a high-intensity, physically demanding competition.

Performance Enhancers and Ethics

The conversation shifts to the controversial topic of performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) in grappling and MMA. Shields expresses mixed feelings, acknowledging the prevalence of PEDs and the challenges in maintaining a level playing field. He reflects on his own experiences, competing against opponents who were likely using PEDs, particularly in Japan. Shields has always been against the use of such substances, believing they can shorten an athlete’s career by causing long-term health issues.

Jake Shields’ insights provide a comprehensive overview of the differences between American and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. His personal experiences and observations highlight the evolution of grappling techniques and the impact of integrating wrestling with jiu-jitsu. As the sport continues to evolve, the blend of athleticism, aggression, and technical skill will likely define the future of jiu-jitsu.

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