The Power of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Many people regard Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) as one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense. This is largely because it teaches smaller practitioners how to use leverage to outmaneuver bigger opponents. BJJ has its roots in traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu but has evolved to prioritize ground fighting, a transformation significantly influenced by the Gracie family.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has demonstrated its effectiveness in real-life situations time and again, with Royce Gracie highlighting its prowess against various martial artists in mixed martial arts. He triumphed in three out of the first four Ultimate Fighting Championship tournaments, submitting every opponent he faced. Royce’s remarkable displays in the early days of mixed martial arts played a significant role in the widespread popularity that BJJ enjoys today.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may not hold the same level of dominance in mixed martial arts as it did in the past, but that’s largely because most MMA fighters dedicate significant time to mastering it. This training helps them effectively counter the various chokes, sweeps, reversals, and joint locks that BJJ employs.
This article will explore the reasons why individuals interested in self-defense should prioritize enrolling in BJJ classes before looking into other martial arts options.
Five Reasons Why BJJ Is An Excellent Fighting System For Self-Defense
Before diving deeper into the reasons why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is excellent for self-defense, it’s crucial to emphasize that the most effective self-defense strategy is to de-escalate situations and steer clear of physical altercations. After all, fights rarely have true winners, so it’s wise to avoid them whenever possible.
You could fend off an attacker, but then find yourself spending hours trying to prove your innocence to the police. It’s wise to steer clear of confrontations whenever you can.
Now that we’ve got that sorted, here are a few reasons why BJJ stands out as one of the most effective martial arts for self-defense:
1) Emphasis On Technique Over Strength
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on leveraging technique rather than relying on brute strength to control opponents. This approach makes it accessible for individuals of all shapes and sizes to learn, regardless of their physical fitness or strength. As a result, those who are smaller can effectively compete against larger, stronger adversaries.
A fantastic illustration of this is ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Demetrious Johnson. In the video above, you can see DJ, who appears smaller than his towering opponent, skillfully submitting him. This victory was all about technique and control.
2) Emphasis On Realistic Scenarios When Training
One of the great aspects of BJJ training is that students practice techniques in realistic situations that mimic actual fights. For instance, they might begin with one partner in a mounted position on the other’s back. The student in the mount will attempt to escape while their partner focuses on applying rear-naked chokes and armbars.
3) Best Martial Art For Ground Fighting
Some wrestlers may have a different opinion, but when it comes to self-defense, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu stands out. Although BJJ includes various fighting techniques such as throws, trips, and takedowns, the majority of training in the dojo is dedicated to ground fighting.
In contrast to other grappling martial arts such as wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu places a significant focus on fighting from your back. Practitioners utilize the guard position to gain an upper hand while on the ground. Techniques like triangle chokes, guillotine chokes, Ezekiel chokes, and armbars can all be executed effectively from these bottom positions.
4) Improves Your Ability To Adapt
A significant aspect of BJJ is mastering the art of “flowing with the go.” Since it’s a combat sport, being overly passive isn’t ideal, which is why this well-known phrase has been adapted in the world of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Practitioners of BJJ excel at adapting to their opponent’s movements, smoothly shifting between different positions and submissions depending on the opportunities presented.
The ability to adapt is essential in self-defense scenarios, which can often be quite unpredictable. One of the standout skills of BJJ students is their knack for adjusting to the actions of others.
5) Gives You The Skills You Need To Escape And Neutralize Threats
In most self-defense situations, your main objective should be to either neutralize the threat or find a way to escape. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu equips you with the skills to effectively control and restrain an opponent on the ground while minimizing any potential harm.
You will learn numerous chokes and joint locks that can effectively conclude a fight, regardless of whether you find yourself in a top or bottom ground position.
The various escapes and reversals you practice during training can be incredibly useful in a self-defense scenario, especially if an attacker gets the upper hand and pins you down. While many untrained individuals may feel powerless in such situations, those who train in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu have a range of effective techniques to either escape or turn the situation to their advantage.
BJJ Is An Excellent Base For Self-Defense
Martial arts such as Muay Thai, Wrestling, Judo, Sambo, Boxing, and Kickboxing are all powerful in their own right, but Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) stands out as the top choice for self-defense. It proved its effectiveness during the early days of mixed martial arts when anything went, showcasing itself as the most successful fighting style.
You don’t have to be a black belt to defend yourself with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; just a few months of training can make you a more capable fighter than most people. Add some striking skills, and you’ll be well-equipped to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from danger.