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5 Reasons Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is Ideal for Self-Defense
Hello, from Dojo Diva (Kristen Lamb) at Gracie Barra Jujitsu Mansfield, the definitive Brazilian Jujitsu instruction in the Fort Worth/Arlington area. As a well-known author, part of my brand is martial arts. I’ve been in some form of martial arts since I was four. I studied Tae Kwon Do, Karate, Japanese Jujitsu, boxing and now Brazilian Jujitsu. So, whenever one of my fans is curious about martial arts, they come to me.
Which is the best form of martial arts for self-defense?
I know everyone has an opinion, but unless they answer Brazilian Jujitsu? They are wrong 😛 .
KIDDING!
Okay, only partly.
After studying so many other forms of defense, why am I partial to BJJ? I will tell you.
#1—Brazilian Jujitsu Gives Us Options
If someone tries to attack me and I have been trained in a striking sport or a combative, then I am trained to punch, kick, strike (obviously) or even go for eyes or throats. Not that this is bad, but it isn’t always necessary.
It’s overkill.
In Brazilian Jujitsu I am taught all kinds of options that will stop the attack and the attacker without doing any physical harm.
If I am involved in a dispute and I break someone’s nose and arm, yes I’m “safe.” Then the cops are going to show and then???
Er…
It’s gonna get sticky (aside from the blood). If I have to deal with police, which would I rather defend/explain?
That I pulled the attacker to the ground and wrapped him in a choke that harmlessly rendered him unconscious?
OR…
Do I want to explain how I took out an attacker’s knees and he may never walk again?
And I know that if we are defending from a legitimate attack, we generally don’t have to fear criminal prosecution. We DO, however, need to expect the civil suit suing us for damages. It WILL happen. Then we are going to have to explain why crushing someone’s larynx was an appropriate use of force.
Now, with Jujitsu, if an attacker is SO overpowering that I need to use more force (I.e. dislocating a shoulder)? I can. I HAVE that option. BUT, I have A LOT MORE options that actually will do little more than hurt for a day or two.
#2—Brazilian Jujitsu is Ideal for a Small Person
FACT 1: Most people do NOT know how to fight.
FACT 2:They REALLY do not know how to fight on the ground.
FACT 3: Almost ALL fights go to the ground.
Even if the fight doesn’t go to the ground, BJJ trains us to TAKE it there because it is our DOMAIN. On the ground? Size matters far less.
As a 42 year old 5’3″ female? There is only so hard I can hit, kick or punch. If I am against a far larger opponent, one who might even be under the influence? It is going to be REALLY TOUGH for me to hit or kick in a way that will make an impression. But, the smaller you are? The better the throw. It is all physics and since my center of gravity is lower? I can devastate a larger attacker and gain the advantage in a fraction of a second.
Brazilian Jujitsu is a rapist’s worst nightmare. Most attackers’ go-to move is to drag a potential victim to the ground and then use body weight and strength to pin the person for the attack. If the “victim” knows BJJ? That attacker just sealed his fate. The ground is PRECISELY where we want to be.
#3—Brazilian Jujitsu is Known as The “Gentle Martial Art”
People practice BJJ into their 70s. Guess who’s one of the most targeted groups for violent crimes? Women and older people. Train in Jujitsu, and the attacker will quickly realize…this is going to be a VERY bad day.
#4—AGAIN, Brazilian Jujitsu is the GENTLE Martial Art
Remember, I am older. I had to give up the striking sports because they were simply too hard on my body. BJJ keeps me fit and limber and I don’t have to worry as much about shattering a hand by punching some blockhead.
But let’s go back to self-defense.
In case you don’t know? Punching and kicking can hurt MORE than just the attacker. We can be the one who ends up with broken bones and dislocations. I was in a fight years ago and by punching the person attacking me? I ended up with two cracked bones in my hand. Not saying BJJ is pain and injury-free, but fighting is not like Hollywood.
Punching and kicking HURTS.
A LOT.
NOT FUN.
#5—Brazilian Jujitsu is Ideal for Children
Aside from being able to defend themselves from potential kidnapping or sexual assault, bullying is a problem as old as time. But, remember that litigious society we mentioned in the beginning? If your child has to defend him/herself from a larger attacker, what’s going to go over better with the school officials? Our kid bashing a kid’s face in, or an arm-lock to hold the bully in place (without injury) until a teacher can arrive on-scene?
I know we all have our favorites and I love the other sports too. But I will say that for those who practice a different discipline, I highly recommend adding BJJ to your toolbox. You stay safe and let the criminals be the ones in trouble…NOT YOU.
Stay Frosty,
Dojo Diva