There are many reasons to train BJJ – fitness, camaraderie, having fun, taking on a challenge, spiritual development, learning to deal with challenges, wanting to compete – but at its core, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art.
Martial arts means self defense. Self defense is a very big topic, but it has to include choking an attacker into a unconsciousness if need be.
Here are two videos I’ve recently published on this topic…
The first video talks about good vs bad jiu-jitsu schools, the Gracies, the necessity of learning basic striking, clinching, takedowns, and strike defense on the ground.
In the second video (below) I argue that the differences between ‘self defense’ and ‘sport’ jiu-jitsu have largely been exaggerated.
The real magic of jiu-jitsu is in training against resistance and learning to deal with pressure, not learning a set of magical ‘self defense approved’ techniques.
If your interest is in self defense then you should still train at the best BJJ school you can find and, if necessary, supplement the curriculum with a little bit of additional training.
The bottom line is that a A BJJ purple belt training for competition isn’t going to have problems dealing with most unarmed single attackers in the street.
If you don’t have time to watch the videos above but are still interested in the topic of BJJ and self defense then consider subscribing to my podcast. It’s called The Strenuous Life and is available on iTunes, Stitcher, Soundcloud and Google Play.
BJJ self defense is covered in episodes 136 and 139 which can also be listened to in the embedded player HERE
and HERE