How Wrestling Body-Slammed Its Way into Jiu-Jitsu
If you’ve spent any time on the mats, you’ve probably seen it. The guy who shoots in for a double-leg takedown like he's trying out for a high school wrestling team rather than a jiu-jitsu class. Or maybe you’ve been on the receiving end of a suplex that had you questioning whether you were in a grappling match or a WWE audition. Yep, that’s wrestling, and it’s had a sneaky little hand in shaping the way modern jiu-jitsu looks today.
But let’s be honest—while jiu-jitsu purists might scoff at the notion of wrestling creeping into their precious art, it’s undeniable that wrestling’s gritty, grind-it-out style has left a serious mark on BJJ. And in many ways, it’s for the better (though your spine might not agree).
The Roots: When Wrestlers Invaded the Jiu-Jitsu Scene
It all started when wrestlers realized that rolling around on the mats wasn’t just a Saturday night pastime—it could actually be useful in jiu-jitsu. Early on, BJJ had a more traditional, flowy feel, with practitioners training primarily in gi’s and focusing on leverage and technique to secure submissions. Then came the wrestlers, bringing their relentless pressure and takedowns, and suddenly, the tempo changed. Wrestling introduced a whole new level of aggression, turning what was once a delicate dance into a gritty grindfest.
Wrestling’s emphasis on top control and explosive movements added a dynamic to jiu-jitsu that couldn’t be ignored. Wrestlers didn’t care about patiently waiting for an opening; they made one. And if you were a poor jiu-jitsu practitioner caught in the wake, good luck trying to stay on your feet or get out from underneath their smothering top pressure. Don’t be mistaken however, a jiu-jitsu black belt will still have the last word vs a wrestler if it’s purely based on ground game, even if the wrestler manages to start off the round with an impressive world beating takedown.
The Takedown Game: Sorry Judo, Wrestling Wins Here
Let’s talk about takedowns. Jiu-jitsu traditionally borrowed its stand-up game from judo, which—don’t get me wrong—has some beautiful throws that would make any Olympian proud. But in a no-gi scenario, good luck executing an elegant harai goshi. Enter wrestling, where the double-leg and single-leg takedowns became the go-to moves in BJJ tournaments. Why? Because they work. Wrestlers perfected the art of shooting in and taking their opponents to the ground with force that would make even a judo black belt think twice.
In jiu-jitsu today, you’re more likely to see a successful single-leg than a flashy hip throw. Wrestling doesn’t care about style points; it’s all about effectiveness. And let’s face it—there’s nothing more effective than dumping someone unceremoniously on their back in the blink of an eye.
Top Control: Because Who Really Wants to Play Guard?
The wrestling mindset doesn’t particularly jive with the concept of pulling guard. Wrestlers are conditioned to fight tooth and nail for top position, which they view as the ultimate control. Guard? Yeah, that’s something to be passed, not played for them.
This insistence on top control has transformed the way jiu-jitsu practitioners approach the game. Suddenly, everyone wanted to be on top, smashing their way through guards like Craig Jones in a speedo is just beyond. Wrestlers brought this "grind-your-face-into-the-mat" mentality to the BJJ scene, and it’s not going anywhere.
Scrambling: The Art of Never Giving Up Position
Another key influence wrestling brought to jiu-jitsu is the art of the scramble. Wrestlers never stop moving. They’re always fighting to regain position, always looking for that edge. And that non-stop energy has become a staple in high-level jiu-jitsu matches. Before, if you got swept, you accepted your fate and prepared to work from your back. Now, thanks to wrestling, every transition is a battle, every scramble a chance to recover.
This has pushed jiu-jitsu athletes to be more aggressive and opportunistic. You can thank wrestling for that extra dose of chaos in every match.
So, Has Wrestling Ruined Jiu-Jitsu?
Some old-school jiu-jitsu folks might think so. They’ll tell you that the gentle art has lost its soul, that wrestling’s hard-nosed tactics have turned it into something more brutish and less cerebral. But let’s be real—jiu-jitsu has always been about adaptation. It’s not static. And wrestling has helped it evolve, pushing the sport to become more well-rounded and competitive. The combination of wrestling’s physicality and jiu-jitsu’s technique has created a beautiful hybrid that’s more effective in both self-defense and competition.
So, while you might groan when a wrestler blasts through your guard with a double-leg or faceplants you with a snap-down, deep down, you know that jiu-jitsu is better for it. Just maybe try to avoid standing too tall next time.