Striking and Throwing in Jiu-jitsu
This post is written by Sensei Mike Hermosillo:
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU PHILOSOPHY FROM THE MASTERS
My BJJ instructors always told me that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was the most complete and effective martial art in the world. I believed that until I started seeing world class Jiu-Jitsu competitors loosing MMA fights. I started to rationalize with myself that maybe it was the best martial art for self-defense. Last week I had a great opportunity to train with Grandmaster Alvaro Barreto and Master Sylvio Behring. Grandmaster Barreto spoke to us after a wonderful and informative seminar and said that “True Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu” is comprised of 4 parts:
- Jiu-Jitsu Self Defense (Goshin Jitsu)
- Sport Jiu-Jitsu (Newaza)
- Judo (Nage Waza)
- Striking(Atemi Waza )
These four elements are crucial and essential for Jiu-Jitsu to be the most effective martial art in the word. Master Barreto also indicated that many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners fail because they focus on just one element: Sports Jiu-Jitsu. As true practitioners of this art we should all continue to try our best to follow Grandmaster Alvaro Barreto’s teachings and implement all four aspects of combat.
I really liked this blog post. I commented on the twitter account that directed me to the blog. So very true what is said here. I just wanted to add some thoughts about world class Jiu Jitsu competitors losing MMA fights. Seeing what Matt Hughes did to Royce Gracie is a good indication as to what’s being illustrated in statement from this blog. I think it’s important to note that Matt is also very familiar with Jiu Jitsu and was able to “counter” if you will the Jiu Jitsu that Royce brought to that fight. I do agree with the blog that I too think with the 4 items listed, Jiu Jitsu is the most complete and effective martial art. I just wanted to point out that having only Jiu Jitsu in the evolving world of MMA will only limit ones skill set. Furthermore, the competition has some element of Jiu Jitsu and can usually defend against a Jiu Jitsu only offense. Again, I appreciate the article, very good stuff!!!!!! Thanks for sharing.
Kavika,
Thanks for chiming in! That’s one of the thinks I really love about the Dojo I train in… it is a lot of Judo, as well as Jiu Jitsu, so you get the good ground game, as well as how to get there. Honestly, we don’t focus much on the striking, but we do put he gloves and headgear on for an hour or so each evening after class… that’s a heck of a lot more than most Judo dojo’s
Sounds like a wonderful place. I love anyone who puts in quality time. I’m far from being great at Judo, Jiu Jitsu or striking. I really enjoy learning and having a good time. I started off years ago with Pedro Sauer and enjoyed every minute. With him gone, I wouldn’t say I have a devotion to any gym (which some people hate when others don’t “choose” a gym) I don’t play favorites and know that there is so much to be learned and love being able to learn from a good quality instructor. Congrats to your gym and please keep the blogs and feeds coming.