Is Jiu Jitsu Good for Street Fighting? (A Closer Look)

Jiu-Jitsu (Brazilian and Japanese) is a compelling martial art recognized for its grappling and submission techniques. It is often utilized in mixed martial arts and provides excellent fitness and self-defense advantages. Yet, several individuals have expressed worries about its usefulness in real-world street fights.

Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts in street fighting. It teaches its practitioners several practical fighting methods to handle a fight properly, including grappling submissions, fluid motions, distance management, etc.

Nonetheless, this lovely ground combat sport has a few drawbacks. Therefore, continue reading to find out whether Jiu-Jitsu is helpful in real-life hazardous street combat to defend oneself. Stay tuned!

What Makes Jiu-Jitsu an Effective Self-Defense Technique?

Jiu-Jitsu is considered an effective self-defense method due to several key factors:

Effective Grappling Martial Art

Jiu-Jitsu focuses on using the proper grappling techniques to subdue an opponent using the correct sequence rather than pure strength or force. This is why it is famous among men, women, and even kids.

So, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is well-suited for smaller individuals who may be disadvantaged in a physical altercation. 

Besides, this fighting style can also be used effectively against larger opponents, as long as the jiu-jitsu practitioner knows what they’re doing. 

Jiu-Jitsu Teaches Stand-Up Combat

BJJ practitioners learn to fight from a standing position. As a result, they can manage distance and use proper takedown techniques to bring their opponent to the ground.

Takedowns are an essential part of Brazilian jiu-jitsu. In fact, in tournaments, a successful takedown earns you two points.

The descent Seoi Nage, Harai Goshi, Harai Goshi Gaeshi, double leg, single leg, foot sweep, and arm drag are some of the top takedowns in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.

Effective Grappling Submissions

Most people associate Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu with a martial art centered on takedowns and ground fighting. However, BJJ teaches effective ground fighting techniques. It also introduces several effective grappling submissions to end a fight. 

  • The rear naked choke is one of the most common BJJ submissions. This choke is applied from behind in a street fight and can be very effective. 
  • The armbar is another typical submission used to hyperextend an opponent’s elbow joint.
  • Leg locks and collar chokes are just two of the many submissions that can be used to win a fight. 
  • The Triangle choke is another excellent submission used in Jiu Jitsu and other martial arts. It is a very effective hold that can quickly incapacitate an opponent.

Overall, Jiu-Jitsu is an excellent fighting style to consider whether to learn self-defense techniques or the necessary skill to finish a fight. This is because joint locks and chokeholds can quickly render an opponent immobile. 

Pros of Jiu-Jitsu for Street Fighting

judo or jiu jitsu which one is better

There are numerous benefits of using Jiu-Jitsu for street fighting. 

  • Jiu-Jitsu is a highly adaptable martial art for various situations. 
  • It teaches practitioners how to control their opponents and escape from holds, giving them a significant advantage in self-defense situations.
  • the art of jiu-jitsu helps neutralize an opponent, even if they are larger and stronger than you.
  • Jiu-Jitsu is a relatively risk-free martial art. Because it does not use weapons, you are less likely to be injured than if you were practicing another martial art.
  • Jiu Jitsu art techniques incapacitate an opponent without causing serious injury. This means you can effectively defend yourself without putting yourself or the other party in danger.
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu doesn’t require one to be physically strong or fit to learn it. As a result, it is a good choice for people new to martial arts.
  • BJJ is ideal for situations with no room for error in self-defense. The techniques are effective in real-world problems, from standing up or on the ground.

Cons of Jiu-Jitsu for Street Fighting

While Jiu-Jitsu has many advantages for street fighting, it also has a few disadvantages. 

  • Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes more ground-fighting art, which means you may have issues managing standing combat. This can be a disadvantage for some people.
  • Learning and mastering Jiu-Jitsu takes time. If you are unfamiliar with the techniques, you will most likely be at a disadvantage against a trained opponent. In that case, applying them in a real-world situation can be difficult.
  • Unlike other martial arts, Jiu Jitsu does not teach striking techniques. This can be a disadvantage if you get into a street fight with an experienced striker.
  • Jiu Jitsu may be ineffective against a more extensive and stronger opponent. If your opponent is significantly more robust, using Jiu-Jitsu techniques to defend yourself may be difficult.
  • Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may be ineffective against armed opponents. This can be a disadvantage if you find yourself in street defense against an opponent armed with a knife or gun.

Overall, Jiu Jitsu has some disadvantages when it comes to street fighting. Yet, you can use it effectively in real-world street combat if you are willing to take the time to learn the techniques.

Recommended: Learn the truth about the usefulness of Judo for street fighting! Click here to find out how to defend yourself in dangerous circumstances.

Is Jiu-Jitsu Good for Street Fighting?

Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that originated in Brazil. It is primarily a ground fighting style that entails submitting your opponent through chokeholds and joint locks.

Jiu Jitsu is one of the most effective martial arts for street fights and self-defense. A BJJ fighter can neutralize or quickly take down an attacker of any size or strength.

However, street fights are frequently chaotic and unpredictable, involving multiple opponents and weapons. This means that practitioners must be able to fight in small spaces and adapt their techniques on the fly. 

Conclusion

While Jiu Jitsu is not a miracle cure, it is a practical street fighting and self-defense martial art to defend yourself. But only if you first learn and master the techniques and learn to fight for standing on the ground. 

Otherwise, it is also important to remember that street fights are unpredictable and frequently escalate into a brawl. As a result, it is always a good idea to have a variety of self-defense strategies on hand.

Related: Join the hundreds of martial artists who have found Taekwondo’s strength and efficacy in real-world self-defense scenarios. Click here to learn more about why Taekwondo benefits your self-defense repertoire.