Welcome to our gym, Bangkok’s premier destination for grappling arts. We offer comprehensive training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the gi, providing a solid foundation in this world-renowned discipline. But our approach to no-gi is what sets us apart. We are proud to be the only gym in the city to focus on the dynamic and distinct style of Luta Livre Esportiva.
Many people ask: what is the difference between Luta Livre Esportiva and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? Both are grappling martial arts that originated in Brazil, but they have key differences in their history, uniforms, and philosophical approaches to fighting. Here is a breakdown of the main distinctions.
1. The Uniform: Gi vs. No-Gi
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- Luta Livre Esportiva: This is a strictly no-gi martial art where practitioners wear shorts and a rash guard. Techniques, therefore, don’t rely on gripping the opponent’s clothing, as they do in BJJ. The absence of a gi makes Luta Livre more similar to styles like submission wrestling or catch wrestling.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): BJJ is traditionally practiced in a gi, which is a heavy cotton uniform. The gi is an integral part of BJJ techniques and can be used for chokes, grips, and to control an opponent. While “no-gi BJJ” has become very popular, the gi remains a foundational element of the art.
2. The Fighting Philosophy: Submission vs. Position
The core strategies of the two arts also diverge.
- Luta Livre Esportiva: Luta Livre often has a more direct, submission-focused approach, influenced by catch wrestling. The philosophy is frequently described as “submission first,” with practitioners comfortable in fast-paced scrambles to find an opening for a submission from any position. Luta Livre is also known for a strong focus on leg locks, which were historically less emphasized in BJJ.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): The classic BJJ philosophy is “position before submission”. The primary goal is to systematically move through a hierarchy of dominant positions—such as passing the guard, getting to side control, mount, or the back—before attempting to finish the fight. This methodical approach is designed to allow a smaller person to control a larger opponent.
3. The Techniques: Grips and Strategies
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Luta Livre Esportiva: With no gi to grab, Luta Livre techniques rely heavily on body locks, head control, and traditional wrestling grips. There is a strong emphasis on takedowns, as well as an aggressive pursuit of submissions from various positions. Luta Livre also features a sub-style called “Luta Livre Vale Tudo,” which incorporates striking.
The difference in uniform directly impacts the techniques used.
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): Many BJJ techniques are designed to leverage the gi, with a vast range of chokes and joint locks that use the lapels, sleeves, and pants. While BJJ includes takedowns, many practitioners are comfortable pulling guard to initiate the fight from their backs.
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4. A Tale of Two Histories: A Brazilian Rivalry
The origins of these two arts are distinct and led to a famous rivalry.
- Luta Livre Esportiva: Luta Livre emerged in Brazil in the early 20th century with roots in catch wrestling and was developed by Euclydes Hatem. Historically, it was seen as the martial art of the working class and had a fierce rivalry with BJJ. This shaped the early days of MMA in Brazil (Vale Tudo).
- Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ): BJJ is a Brazilian adaptation of Japanese judo, taught to the Gracie family by Mitsuyo Maeda. The Gracie family refined the art to focus on ground fighting and leverage. BJJ was initially associated with Brazil’s upper class due to the cost of training and gis.
Your Journey Starts Here
Whether you choose the traditional path of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with the gi or the dynamic, no-gi style of Luta Livre Esportiva under Marcelo Silva, you’ll find a clear path for your martial arts journey with us. Our friendly and relaxed community is ready to help you learn and grow on the mats, no matter your experience level.
Training Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Bangkok offers not just physical benefits, but mental and social rewards as well. Avoiding these common beginner mistakes will help you build a solid foundation and enjoy the long-term benefits of BJJ.
At BrazilianJiuJitsuBKK.com, we welcome students of all levels. Our experienced instructors, international community, and central Bangkok location make us the ideal place to begin or continue your Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey.
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