Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is divided into three broad categories; self-defense, which includes striking techniques and unarmed techniques against armed opponents, free fighting competition commonly referred to as “vale tudo” or “anything goes” events, now better known as MMA and sport grappling with and without the gi, which applies the use of a large variety of submission holds, but no striking. The competition rules of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu matches are designed to highlight the techniques and strategy to be applied in a street scenario. For example, in a BJJ match, points are awarded based on achieving superior positions, positions from which not only grappling techniques can be more readily applied, but also from which strikes may be applied or defended.

The overall fighting strategy of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is designed to equip a physically smaller or weaker individual with an effective method of defending against a larger and stronger attacker. When applying BJJ techniques, leverage is best. BJJ also has the most developed methods of fighting while on one’s back, a position weaker fighters will often find themselves when attacked.