Five Ways BJJ is Human Chess

Jiu Jitsu and chess have more in common than you might think at first. In fact, many of the things that make a good chess player also make a good Jiu Jitsu martial artist. Don’t see the similarities? Allow me to explain. Let’s look at 5 ways BJJ and chess are alike starting with number 5, the learning curve.

5 - The learning Curve

There’s a steep learning curve to both BJJ and chess and progression takes a large investment in time and effort. The novice’s lack of expertise is demonstrated every time they compete with someone with even an intermediate skill level. It can take years before you feel like you have a strong grasp on things.

The steepest portion of the learning curve is transitioning from beginner to intermediate – most people never get past the beginner phase in either pursuit.

4 - Etiquette

Respect is a must in both pastimes. To show respect, people follow the established rules of etiquette. While each pastime has unique rules to their etiquette, they do have some in common.

First, you start and end a match (a roll in BJJ) by shaking hands. In BJJ it it’s usually a slap and a bump of the fist in lieu of a handshake but the gesture is done for the same reason.

Second, there’s no trash-talking and pretty much no other types of talking at all while a match is going. The only way you should be communicating is through your technique and strategy.

Finally, when the game is lost, and there’s nowhere to go, you should submit (resign in chess) to your opponent. It’s best to take the loss and move on to the next round.

3 - Strategic Thinking

Chess and BJJ are very strategic. A good player has a solid strategy, backed by well-practiced tactics, and multiple contingency plans.

If you want to succeed against a competent opponent, you must have a solid plan and you must execute to it. You can’t just make stuff up as you go against a master. That is a recipe for disaster.

2 - Similar Objective

​The objective of chess is to neutralize and overcome your opponent’s offense and defense and capture his king. BJJ has the same objective, but you are the king. The queen, the bishop, the rooks, and the pawns are the tools at your disposal in chess, just as your strategy and techniques are your tools in BJJ.

In both pastimes, players are attempting to outsmart their opponents and get to the point where escape for their opponent is impossible. The result of all this effort is a checkmate in chess and a submission in BJJ.

1 - Problem Solving

​Chess and BJJ both require problem solving skills. In both pastimes, practitioners will be presented with problems that require solutions. Decisions will need to be made and moves will be executed. These decisions have consequences – there may be a swift consequence, or the match may go down a path that eventually leads to a checkmate/submission.

A wise practitioner of either pastime will take the time to analyze their moves after the match. They will examine what went well, what went poorly, and determine what they can do better the next time in a similar scenario. They may even go to their opponent and ask for their analysis of the match. Good opponents teach the best lessons and the best opponents are willing to explain how they did it.

So, there you have it – the 5 ways BJJ is human chess. Yes, there are many other similarities, but these are the most important to me. What are your thoughts? What other similarities do you see between BJJ and chess? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!