Is Jiu Jitsu Good For Self Defense: A Jiu Jitsu Practitioner’s Perspective
Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that has been gaining popularity over the last 3 to 4 decades. As a practitioner of this art, I have come to appreciate the immense benefits that come with it taking part in this sport. One of the most common questions people ask me is, “Is Jiu Jitsu Good For Self Defense?” The answer is yes, and in this article, I will explain is jiu jitsu good for self defense, how long it takes to learn bjj self-defense, and some basic jiu-jitsu moves for self-defense.
Is Jiu Jitsu Good for Self Defense?
Is Jiu Jitsu Good for Self Defense? In my opinion, yes jiu-jitsu at it’s core holds all the principles and concepts to help equip you in a situation where you may need to protect yourself. Jiu-jitsu techniques are designed to help you neutralize an attacker, regardless of their size or strength. By leveraging your opponent’s weight and momentum against them, by doing this you can quickly disable them and escape from danger.
One of the biggest advantages of jiu-jitsu is that it teaches you how to defend yourself in real-world scenarios. Unlike other martial arts that focus only on striking or kicking, jiu-jitsu also includes grappling primarily on the ground. This means that if you’re ever taken to the ground during an attack, you’ll be able to defend yourself and hopefully create a situation where you can escape to safety.
Is Jiu Jitsu a Good Workout?
Yes, jiu-jitsu is an excellent workout. A typical jiu-jitsu class involves a warm-up, drilling techniques, and sparring. During the warm-up, you’ll do exercises that increase your cardiovascular endurance and build strength. Drilling techniques involves practicing moves repeatedly to develop muscle memory and improve technique. Sparring is when you practice your techniques against a live opponent.
Because jiu-jitsu involves so many different movements, it’s an excellent way to improve your overall fitness. You’ll develop strength, flexibility, and endurance, all while learning practical self-defense techniques.
How Long Does It Take to Learn Jiu Jitsu for Self-Defense?
Is Jiu Jitsu good for self defense the right approach when you consider the time it will take to learn the martial art? The amount of time it takes to learn jiu-jitsu or any combat art depends on several factors, including how often you train, your natural ability, and your dedication to the sport. However, most people can learn enough jiu-jitsu techniques to defend themselves within a year or two of consistent training. That’s really not a long time in the grand scheme of life.
It’s important to note that learning jiu-jitsu is an ongoing process. Even experienced practitioners are constantly learning new techniques and refining their skills. So while you can learn enough jiu-jitsu to defend yourself relatively quickly, it’s a lifelong pursuit to master the art.
Basic Jiu-Jitsu Moves for Self Defense
There are several basic jiu-jitsu moves that are particularly effective for self-defense. Here are a few:
Mount Escape: If your attacker is on top of you in the mount position, you can use a basic mount escape to get out from underneath them. This involves bridging your hips and rolling them over, so you end up on top.
Rear Naked Choke: If you’re behind your attacker, you can use a rear naked choke to render them unconscious. This involves wrapping your arms around their neck and applying pressure to their carotid arteries.
Armbar: If your attacker is on top of you and you have one of their arms, you can use an armbar to hyperextend their elbow and force them to submit.
These are just a few examples of the many effective jiu-jitsu techniques for self-defense. By practicing these moves repeatedly, you’ll be on your way to protecting yourself in no time.
So, is Jiu Jitsu good for self defense? The answer is a resounding yes. With its emphasis on technique and leverage over strength, Jiu Jitsu is a highly effective self-defense martial art that can be learned and practiced by people of all ages and sizes. Whether you are looking for a challenging workout, want to learn basic self-defense moves, or are interested in pursuing competitive Jiu Jitsu, this martial art is an excellent choice, so you can take comfort in knowing is jiu jitsu good for self defense.
