What is the difference between MMA, BJJ and Grappling?

If you're new to combat sports, it's understandable that terms like MMA, BJJ, and grappling can be confusing. While they all involve fighting on the ground or in the cage, they're three completely different disciplines, each with its own techniques, rules, and goals. In this blog post, we'll explain the differences.

What is MMA (Mixed Martial Arts)?

MMA stands for Mixed Martial Arts and is a full-contact combat sport that combines elements from various styles such as boxing, kickboxing, wrestling, judo, and BJJ. Fighters use both standing techniques (striking) and ground fighting (grappling/submissions).

• Objective: To defeat the opponent by knockout, submission, or decision.
  
• Allowed techniques: Punches, kicks, clinching, takedowns and submissions.
  
• Known from: UFC, PFL and One Championship.
  

MMA is the complete package – a sport for the all-around fighter.

What is BJJ (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on control techniques, submissions, and neutralizing opponents without punching or kicking. It's all about technique, leverage, and timing, allowing even smaller fighters to overpower larger opponents.

• Goal: To make the opponent surrender through armlocks, chokes, or other submissions.
  
• No striking.
  
• Widely used in MMA as a basis for ground fighting.
  

BJJ is perfect for those who want to specialize in control and technique on the ground.

What is Grappling?

Grappling is an umbrella term that encompasses all forms of wrestling and ground fighting—including BJJ, judo, Sambo, and submission wrestling. Grappling is all about takedowns, control, and submissions, without the use of punches or kicks.

• Grappling = wrestling without hitting.
• It can be done in gi (as in BJJ) or no-gi (as in submission wrestling).
• Popular in tournaments such as ADCC and NAGA.

Grappling is the glue that holds many combat sports together—and essential in MMA.

Discipline	Striking	Grappling	Submissions	Goal
MMA	Yes	Yes	Yes	KO, submission or points
BJJ	No	Yes	Yes	Submission
Grappling	No	Yes	Yes	Submission of points

Why this is important for your gear

At Tactical Fightwear, we design gear that can withstand the intensity of these disciplines. Whether you're a BJJ specialist or stepping into the MMA cage, your gear must support, protect, and perform.

Check out our knee braces and performance wear – designed for fighters with a tactical mindset.