Dr. Rhadi Ferguson, an Olympic competitor in Judo, a fighter in ADCC world championships, IBJJF world championships, and professional MMA, brings a unique perspective to the martial arts community. Now retired, he teaches Judo and Jiu-Jitsu at his Florida academy, holding a 6th-degree red & white belt in Judo and a 5th-degree black belt in BJJ.

Revisiting the Roots: BJJ’s Judo Foundation

Dr. Ferguson articulates on the Jiu-Jitsu outlast podcast a compelling argument that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu essentially stems from Judo. He asserts, “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is basically just Judo. If we want to understand the principles of Jiu-Jitsu, we should look to Judo and the teachings of Jigoro Kano.” This statement challenges the modern separation between the two disciplines, proposing a reevaluation of their historical and technical connections.

The Evolution and Distinction in Techniques

Delving deeper into the technicalities, Dr. Ferguson discusses how BJJ and Judo share fundamental techniques that have been slightly adapted over time. He emphasizes, “There are no moves in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that aren’t in Judo… what happens is people grasp what is in vogue at the time, which deviates from its original roots.” This perspective underscores the shared heritage while recognizing the evolutionary aspects that have given BJJ its distinct flavor.

Cultural Shifts in Martial Arts

Addressing the broader cultural implications, Dr. Ferguson speaks on how the community’s focus may have shifted away from the traditional martial arts values. He points out, “Judo has a way to it, a gentle way, which includes principles like mutual welfare and benefit, which I think are getting lost as we dive deeper into the competition aspect of these sports.”

Advocating for a Unified Understanding

In advocating for a unified understanding of these martial arts, Dr. Ferguson calls for a reintegration of Judo’s philosophy into BJJ training. “We are doing Judo, and that’s all you’re doing,” he states, encouraging practitioners to acknowledge their sport’s roots and embrace its foundational principles.

A Call to Martial Arts Integrity

Dr. Rhadi Ferguson’s insights offer a call to action for the martial arts community to bridge the gap between Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Recognizing the interconnectedness of these disciplines not only enriches practitioners’ understanding but also preserves the integrity and depth of martial arts as a whole.