Why Calling Basic BJJ Takedowns “Judo Throws” Is a Debate That Won’t Go Away
“Li chiamerò lanci di judo no-gi quando li farò nel BJJ adesso solo per infastidirti.” — A Reddit user’s snarky declaration has sparked a broader conversation about terminology in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) and the evolving relationship between grappling arts. The phrase, which translates to “I’ll call them no-gi Judo throws when I do them in BJJ now just to annoy you,” highlights a persistent tension in the BJJ community: the debate over whether certain takedowns should be labeled as Judo techniques, especially in no-gi scenarios.
This article explores the technical, historical, and cultural dimensions of the debate, drawing on verified sources, expert perspectives, and the nuances of grappling terminology. Whether you’re a BJJ practitioner, a Judo enthusiast, or a casual observer, the question of how and why we label techniques matters—both in the gym and in the wider martial arts ecosystem.
The Origins of Judo Takedowns in BJJ
Modern BJJ owes much of its takedown repertoire to Judo. The art of Judo, developed in the late 19th century by Jigoro Kano, emphasizes throws and grappling techniques that prioritize control, and efficiency. Many of these techniques, such as the hip throw (o-goshi) and the shoulder throw (seoi-nage), have been adapted by BJJ practitioners for use in both gi and no-gi contexts.
“Judo throws are foundational in BJJ,” says Keller Locke-Sodhi, a BJJ black belt and co-host of the YouTube series 5 Best NoGi Judo Takedowns/Throws for BJJ (source 1). “But the key is adaptation. In no-gi, you don’t have the same grips, so you have to modify the technique. That’s why we call them ‘NoGi Judo takedowns’—it’s a nod to their origin, but also a recognition of the differences in execution.”
However, not all practitioners agree. A 2022 Reddit post titled Lack of Judo-esque takedowns in no-gi BJJ (source 3) argues that the absence of gi grips and the prevalence of wrestling-based defenses make traditional Judo throws less effective in no-gi competition. “In no-gi, you don’t have as much to grab, and your opponent can fight in a low/defensive stance. Plus, your opponent can use wrestling,” the post notes. This perspective underscores a core challenge: the technical divergence between Judo and BJJ, particularly when grappling without a gi.
The Terminology Debate: Judo vs. BJJ Takedowns
The term “Judo throw” carries specific connotations. In Judo, throws are judged based on technique, balance, and control, with an emphasis on minimizing injury risk. In BJJ, the focus shifts to positional dominance and submission opportunities, often prioritizing efficiency over the aesthetic or philosophical elements of Judo.
This difference has led to a split in the BJJ community. Some practitioners argue that labeling techniques as “Judo throws” is a misrepresentation. “A hip throw in BJJ is not the same as in Judo,” says a BJJ coach quoted in a Grapplearts article. “In Judo, you’re aiming to throw your opponent cleanly. In BJJ, the same move might be used to set up a takedown or create space for a submission.”
Others, however, see the term as a way to honor the historical lineage of the techniques. “Judo is the grandfather of BJJ,” says Locke-Sodhi. “Calling a technique a ‘Judo throw’ isn’t about claiming it as Judo’s own—it’s about acknowledging where it came from.”
The debate also touches on cultural sensitivity. Judo has deep roots in Japanese tradition, and some purists argue that appropriating its terminology without understanding its context is disrespectful. “Judo is more than just throws,” one Judo instructor told Black Belt Magazine. “It’s a philosophy. Redefining its techniques in BJJ without that context can dilute its meaning.”
Adapting Judo Techniques for No-Gi BJJ
The no-gi variant of BJJ has its own unique challenges and opportunities. Without the gi, practitioners must rely on body control, leverage, and timing rather than grip-fighting. This has led to the development of hybrid techniques that blend Judo, wrestling, and BJJ principles.
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