By "other forms" you mean "other forms of jiu-jitsu," right?
The terms "Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ)" and "Gracie Jiu-jitsu (GJJ)" are basically synonomous. BJJ is a term used to differentiate the style of BJJ from Japanese Jiu-jitsu.
Japanese Jiu-jitsu (JJJ) was a predecessor of BJJ (actually it was the predecessor of many martial arts, but I digress). JJJ has many of the same techniques and principles as BJJ. I'll compare them for you:
Shared Traits:
Focus on grappling and holding techniques (Throws, takedowns, joint locks, chokesm pins, etc).
Using opponent's energy and leverage against him.
Typically trained while wearing the "gi" or "kimono"
JJJ-Exclusive Traits:
Typically NO sport application
MORE emphasis on striking techniques
MORE responsive techniques (You do this, so I do this)
LESS freestyle sparring
Rarely trained without the gi
OFTEN traditional/Some instructors oppose change
BJJ-Exclusive Traits:
MAJOR sport application
VERY LITTLE emphasis on striking
LOTS of freestyle sparring (we call it "rolling")
OFTEN trained without the gi
Very NON-traditional/constantly evolving
The most significant differences between BJJ and JJJ are the training methods. BJJ tends to favor very "live" training methods. This allows us to know how it feels to throw someone and get thrown, choke someone and get choked, which makes our training more applicable to a street situation or competition.
JJJ guys tend to favor more "static" training. This allows them to train more dangerous techniques, such as striking the groin or eyes, manipulating small joints, or performing other techniques too dangerous to practice against an actively resisting partner.
Which is better? LOL, the argument will probably never end. BJJ guys are very competent at what they do, but there arsenal is more limited in scope than JJJ guys. JJJ guys have all the striking and "dirty" techniques, but may not be able to apply them in a combat situation because of their frequent lack of live training methods.
I also train in Combat Hapkido, which is extremely similar to JJJ. I prefer the BJJ philosophy, but I can certainly see the JJJ side's point. The best place to be, IMO, is somewhere in the middle.
Geez, sorry about the length, got a little carried away. I love answering questions like this though. Anyone have any more?
