Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu vs Fencing
Side-by-side on feel, cost, and what your week needs to look like, so you can pick Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Fencing with your real life in mind, not just the aesthetic.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Fencing can feel similar on paper, but they ask for different weeks: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu suits moderate, Fencing suits serious. The clearest personality split is just do it / studious: just do it for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, studious for Fencing.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Out-leverage bigger opponents on the ground until they tap.
Out-leverage bigger opponents on the ground until they tap.
Fencing
Score touches with a blade through speed, distance, and feints.
Score touches with a blade through speed, distance, and feints.
Which is right for you?
Choose Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu if…
- Getting tapped by smaller people teaches you, instead of bruising your ego.
- You want to solve a sweaty, close-contact puzzle rather than win on strength.
- The gym's culture of mutual improvement is exactly your kind of community.
Choose Fencing if…
- Landing a touch you set up three actions ahead is a genuine thrill for you.
- You like a fast, twitchy chess match decided by a feint and a half-step.
- You want a hobby that makes you think and react hard at the same time.
Experience profile85% overlap
Physical
Physical
Indoors
Indoors
Social
Social
Practical
Practical
Technical
Technical
Hands-off
Hands-off
Competitive
Competitive
Daring
Cautious
Patient
Patient
Private
Private
Minimalist
Minimalist
Just do it
Studious
Low-kit
Gear-heavy
Analog
Analog
Objects
Objects
Practical fit
Shaded rows show where they differ.
Activity type
Only Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Before you commit
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
- Monthly academy fees of one to two hundred would strain your budget.
- Routine bruises, mat burn, and strains are a dealbreaker for you.
- Months of getting submitted before progress shows would discourage you.
Fencing
- Tedious footwork drills with burning legs before you touch a blade would put you off.
- Club fees and a kit that adds up fast would strain your budget.
- Getting picked apart by better fencers for months would discourage you.
Starter gear
What you'll need
Essential kit only, what you actually buy on day one.
BJJ Gi (Kimono)
Venum Contender Evo BJJ Gi
Rash Guard
Sanabul Essential Long Sleeve Compression Training Rash Guard for MMA BJJ Wrestling Grappling and No Gi Jiu Jitsu Rashguard - White, Medium
BJJ Gi
Fuji All-Around BJJ Gi
Body Cord and Lamé
LEONARK Fencing Foil & Epee & Saber Equipment Kit - Universal Body Cords Mask Cords (Clear Wire), Foil Tape Fencing Tester Epee Gap Gauge for Training & Competition
Fencing Pants and Socks
LEONARK 350N Fencing Sport Pants Knickers Jacket Vest Waistcoat for…
Fencing Glove
RIK SPORTS Fencing Glove 350N for Foil Epee Saber 3 Weapon Silicoated…
Fencing Weapon (Foil / Épée / Sabre)
Allstar Uhlmann FWF German FIE Complete Fencing Epee Point
Fencing Jacket
LEONARK 350N Fencing Sport Pants Knickers Jacket Vest Waistcoat for…
Fencing Mask
LEONARK Fencing Epee Mask Hema Helmet CE 350N Certified National Grade…
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Common questions
Should I pick Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Fencing?
How different are Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Fencing?
Which is easier for beginners: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Fencing?
Which costs more to start: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Fencing?
Next steps
Still undecided?
Take the quiz: we'll match you to the right hobby.