I get asked this question a lot and my best and most concise answer is as follows:

Old School Jiu Jitsu, also known as “traditional” Jiu Jitsu, is characterized by its focus on self-defense and its adherence to traditional techniques and values. This style of Jiu Jitsu typically emphasizes the use of leverage and technique over brute strength, and emphasizes the use of throws, joint locks, and chokeholds to defeat an opponent.

New School Jiu Jitsu, also known as “sport” Jiu Jitsu, is characterized by its focus on competition and its use of modern training methods. This style of Jiu Jitsu typically emphasizes the use of speed, athleticism, and conditioning to defeat an opponent, and places a greater emphasis on points and leg attacks.

In summary, Old School Jiu Jitsu is focus on self-defense, traditional techniques, and values, while New School Jiu Jitsu is focus on competition, modern training method, speed, athleticism, and leg lock submissions.