Jiu-Jitsu is a Brazilian combat-based self-defense art. It belongs to the category of hand-to-hand combat on the ground. It focuses on dominating the opponent during the fight with various techniques to identify their moves. It is often used to create distance between the grappler and the opponent. Both may or may not be stronger than the opponent but do not know how to control their body.
Background
To know whether Jiu-Jitsu is good for self-defense or not, it is important to note that self-defense is not needed for winning a fight. It is there to protect oneself and getting away to a safer environment.
Jiu-Jitsu originates from real fighting moves and thus, the techniques learned in this sport are much more accessible in real life. The art includes fighting strategies, tactics, and forms which are practical and in no way something too fancy for combat.
Is it Good for Self-Defense?
• The practitioner of Jiu-Jitsu need not be bigger or larger in form as the art does not need any certain body shape. A short, petite person is also as capable in combat as a bigger one. It also focuses on peace and balance of mind in certain difficult situations. It was created keeping people of all ages in mind and thus, anyone can master this martial art form.
• Also, note that it is also viewed as martial art training. Thus, Jiu-Jitsu teaches to handle and defend oneself from a physical attack on the ground involving grappling or a weapon. The practitioner learns how to prepare for the attack before it ever happens. The practical techniques and moves offer learners ways to address the most realistic street attacks or fights.
• When an attack happens, there are only a few options that the victim has in hand. Taking the situation with a calm mind, or fight against the group and escape the attacker’s hold. The first few options indeed do not need any sort of training. But, if someone finds himself in such a situation where the attacker holds them to the ground, Jiu-Jitsu can prove to be a good way to defend oneself.
• Jiu-Jitsu allows the practitioner to take control of the situation. With effective escape techniques and submission holds, there are many options. It also allows the practitioner to get in a habit of resisting the opponent’s fight as it takes the situation to the group reducing the use of hips and legs.
Jiu-Jitsu is only effective in one-to-one combat and simpler fights. If the situation is more intense or consists of more than one opponent, it is not very wise to depend on the techniques learned in Jiu-Jitsu. In that case, the person must prefer other martial art forms. In any case, learning defensive moves is not enough for self-preservation or self-defense. While the knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu is good, one must not depend on it too much. Learning any form of martial art for self-defense is effective only when the learner is comfortable taking control of the fight. You must maintain a balance of mind in situations of concern.
