The Usefulness of Jiu Jitsu
I’ve recently wondered on the usefulness of Jiu Jitsu in actual fighting scenarios. While it is really good in competitions such as MMA and UFC, its effectiveness in real life is not yet known. I have researched more into this topic and I want to share in this article if Jiu Jitsu is useful in real life scenarios.
Jiu Jitsu is really useful in real life scenario such as in self defense. This is because Jiu Jitsu’s techniques are specialized in dealing with people who are even stronger than you. They have a series of grapples and joint locks that can immobilize enemies without harming them.
But there are lots of things to consider. While Jiu Jitsu is effective and useful not just in competitions but in real life situations, they have a really big weakness. Furthermore, its limitations are very easy to spot. How useful is Jiu Jitsu really is? How effective is it in real-life scenarios? Let’s find it out!
How useful is Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu is very useful not just in competitions, but also in real life scenario. Whether it is street fight or just for self defense. However, Jiu Jitsu has its own limitations that you need to consider when using it is real life scenarios. Therefore, you need to take note of these before using it in a fight.
But it is never recommended to use it in a street fight. In fact, most BJJ schools are against using the martial art in any form of informal fights.
Furthermore, the essence of Jiu Jitsu is to use it on self defense against enemies and not to cause them harm as it boils down to its history.
While the famous Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been the trend recently, Traditional Jiu Jitsu dates back to thousands of years ago when unarmed monks have to defend themselves from attackers.
Monks are usually unarmed and it came to the point when they are good targets by robbers and attackers such as pirates. To protect themselves, they built a martial art that they can use to defend themselves and at the same time, not cause harm to the enemies.
That is why currently, you can see that when someone uses Jiu Jitsu, it is not to strike the enemies, but as you will see in MMA or UFC fights, they will just hold their enemies and force them into submission.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu is proven when in history, the Samurai took the martial art and used the martial art themselves.
This is because it is really useful when they are fighting while at a disadvantage. Since Jiu Jitsu was made against armed enemies, they were able to use it even if they lose their weapon in a fight.
Jiu Jitsu is really good in defense and in joint locking their enemies, making them immobilized and unable to fight back.
Jiu Jitsu is useful in a lot of situations and not just in competitions.
Is Jiu Jitsu actually useful?
Jiu Jitsu is actually very useful in real fight scenarios. It has good techniques for joint locking and holding their enemies down, which will prevent any harm to be done. Jiu Jitsu is also useful in ground fighting because of its specialization on grappling movements.
The real usefulness of Jiu Jitsu can be seen in ground fighting scenarios. That is why you can see the power of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu when enemies are on the ground.
They can start doing a series of movement locking their enemies leaving them no choice but to just submit and give up.
That is why most MMA fighters that are in the top have a black belt in Jiu Jitsu. That is not just a coincidence, it is a proof of its power.
But their real focus on ground fighting comes with a weakness, it is what we will see in the next section.
Is Jiu Jitsu effective in a street fight?
Jiu Jitsu is effective in a street fight on a one versus one situation. It can even work on immobilizing stronger and heavier opponents. But the effectiveness of Jiu Jitsu has a limit which is it is not meant for fighting two or more enemies. This is because their moves make them vulnerable to attacks.
While it is very true that Jiu Jitsu is very effective on a one versus one situation, it is not good for dealing with multiple enemies.
A one versus one situation is good because of their holds. But their holds are also their weakness if there are 2 or more enemies.
In street fights, there are more instances where there are more than 2 enemies. This makes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu not a good choice.
This is because by grappling one enemy, you are held in that position. This makes you an easy target for strikes such as kicks, headbutts, and punches.
You can hold one enemy with BJJ, but you can’t hold multiple enemies at once.
In those situations, martial arts that focuses on strikes that can beat enemies in a few hits will work better such as Muay Thai, Karate or even the Traditional Jiu Jitsu.
I have an article differentiating Traditional from Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it is a good read. Here is the article: Difference between Brazilian and Traditional Jiu Jitsu.
Furthermore, here is another article which discussed a lot more depth on the effectivity of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in street fights. Here is the article: Is Jiu Jitsu effective in street fights?
Is Jiu Jitsu effective for self defense?
Jiu Jitsu is an effective form of self defense on a one versus one situation. This is because it is specialized in holding or grappling enemies to immobilize them. However, holding enemies also makes you vulnerable to strikes. That’s why it is not ideal in dealing with 2 or more enemies.
While Jiu Jitsu is effective in holding an enemy on a 1 versus 1 fight, be aware.
There are no rules on the streets.
This means that they can easily head butt, elbow strike, use weapons or do strikes which is not used in BJJ practice.
That is why always be careful and it is better to run away from these type of situations rather than hurt yourself.
Remember that there is nothing good to get in an actual street fight.
For self defense purpose, it is amazing in preventing harm not just to you, but also to others.
Why is Jiu Jitsu so effective?
Jiu Jitsu is so effective because it is specialized in ground attacks. This makes Jiu Jitsu very hard to deal with on MMA or UFC fights since most martial arts focused on standing strikes and kicks. For that reason, most enemies will have no idea how to deal with fighting on the ground.
What makes Jiu Jitsu so effective and a choice on competitions?
It is focused on ground attacks which enemies from other martial art have no idea how to deal with.
And most fights go to the ground. This puts it into BJJ’s advantage.
That is why on MMA and UFC, people always go for learning a way to learn or deal with ground fights. Most top MMA fighter have a black belt in Jiu Jitsu, and some who don’t usually find a way to counter Jiu Jitsu in a match.
Here is an article discussing Jiu Jitsu’s weakness. Definitely a good read: What can Beat and Counter Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
As you can see, Jiu Jitsu is very useful in competitions, street fights and self defense.
It is no wonder it is very popular. However, there are limitations to Jiu Jitsu such as their vulnerability to strikes from another opponent, and their dependence on putting the fight into the ground.
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Welcome to my recommended list of Jiu-Jitsu gear.
In this section, you are going to see my recommended Jiu-Jitsu gears both for beginners and pros.
Grappling Shorts
When getting some grappling shorts, you first need to understand that the thing we are looking for in grappling shorts is the ones that will provide flexibility.
This means that we are not looking at designs but what we are looking for is how comfortable it is and if you can do a full range of motions while wearing the shorts.
If that’s the case, I recommend an IBJJF approved grappling short which has no pockets that can interfere with rolls, and most importantly, allows a full range of motion. This can help you in rolls since you need to have fluid motions to do some maneuvers.
Here is the link for the product: BJJ Shorts
Grappling Spats
Grappling spats are a great alternative to Grappling shorts and are sometimes used in conjunction with Grappling shorts.
The reason for using a Grappling spat is to prevent friction.
Remember that BJJ is focused on rolls, locks, and takedowns. This is prone to friction that can cause injuries such as burns and mat cuts.
In choosing a good pair of grappling spats, you need to take note that it is important that it is also flexible so you can easily do some full-range motions while rolling.
Furthermore, since you will be covering your whole legs with it, it is important for it to absorb some sweat while still being comfortable for the wearer.
If that’s the case, I recommend these Grappling Spats which are very stretchable making them good for fluid motion. Furthermore, it is well made to handle friction which prevents any unwanted injuries.
Lastly, its cloth is breathable which means that it is very comfortable for your skin.
Here is the link for the product: Grappling Spats
Rashguard
Think of a rash guard as the grappling spat for the upper body.
Rashguard helps in preventing friction that can cause injuries such as mat cuts and burns.
When finding one, it is important to find a comfortable rash guard which is breathable. Furthermore, have one that allows a full range of motion.
Thus, I recommend this rash guard which does all of the functions I’ve said: Rashguard
Knee and Elbow Pads
Personally, I am a victim of a knee injury. That’s why I always tell people to use knee and elbow pads when doing some physically intensive activities such as BJJ.
Because of my injuries, I can’t really last long with any sort of long physical activity.
So, while it is often neglected, I believe that Knee and Elbox pads are important.
Good Knee and Elbow pads are supposed to be comfortable while still providing maximum protection to both your elbows and knees.
Thus, I recommend these safety gears:
Ear Protectors
There are lots of cauliflower ear incidents with BJJ practitioners.
Even if this is quite an unpopular safety gear, it is important as we are preventing friction that can come from rolls.
In choosing an ear protector, you do not need to get something that protects you from strikes. Striking is usually not allowed.
So, what’s important is to find something that is very lightweight and protects you from friction.
If that’s the case, then you may opt for this which is really useful and won’t look weird on rolls: Ear Guards
