In a recent appearance on the Jaxxon podcast, MMA veteran Jake Shields provided fascinating insights into the distinct styles of American and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Shields, known for his exceptional ground game, shared the backstory behind his preference for the term “American Jiu-Jitsu” over the more commonly used “Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.”
Shields explained that his use of “American Jiu-Jitsu” initially started as a “kind of a joke” during a time when Brazilians were dominant in the sport and were dismissive of non-Brazilian practitioners. Determined to prove his skills, Shields donned a gi for a week and proceeded to “dominate the world” to show that he could excel in the traditional Brazilian style.
However, Shields’ approach to grappling evolved beyond the traditional Brazilian model. He emphasized that “as Americans, we did take Jitsu, especially guys like me,” and blended Jiu-Jitsu with wrestling to create a more aggressive and dynamic style. Whereas traditional Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes a more passive, wait-and-react approach, Shields’ American version focuses on a relentless, attack-minded philosophy.
“Wrestling is about forcing things, so I think I’m one of the original guys that took it and kind of blended the two,” Shields explained. This fusion of Jiu-Jitsu and wrestling has become a hallmark of the modern American style, resulting in fighters with superior takedowns and a more aggressive approach on the ground.
Shields also discussed the rise of elite grapplers like the Renzo brothers, who he believes exemplify this blended approach. He praised their ability to “mix everything so well” and their “attack, attack, attack” mentality, which he sees as emblematic of the new wave of American Jiu-Jitsu.
As the sport of Jiu-Jitsu continues to evolve, Shields’ insights shed light on the distinct stylistic differences that have emerged between the traditional Brazilian approach and the more aggressive, wrestling-influenced American variant. His perspective offers a unique glimpse into the ongoing development of this ever-changing martial art.
