The world of mixed martial arts (MMA) has grown and evolved in many ways since it was first recognized as an organized sport with the creation of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993.
With a number of different fighting styles being allowed to be put into play, the UFC created an environment for fighters of all different styles to try their hand in the ring.
One of the most popular fighting styles used in competition is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). Some people may question whether or not BJJ is overrated and we’re here to discuss that.
Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu overrated? No, the martial art of BJJ is not overrated for various reasons and is still used consistently throughout MMA today. It is also useful in several situations outside of competition as well.
BJJ is considered a foundational martial art in the world of competitive fighting.
Meaning that it provides a sufficient base for fighters when it comes to grappling and submissions.
A fighter who has been well trained in the sport of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will have an advantage when taking their opponent to the ground.
The tactics provide a fighter the ability to put their opposition into submission and take the win.
Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Works
BJJ became a new martial art in the year 1925 when the first school opened in Brazil by Geo Omori.
One of the unique characteristics of BJJ is that a student can train in an environment that will simulate a real fight.
But the benefit is that the sport can be executed safely enough at the same time to effectively train students while avoiding injury.
Ex-Navy Seal, Veteran, and Public Motivational Figure Jocko Willink calls the Jiu Jitsu a superpower. Knowing the right moves, knowing the proper strategy and executing them correctly give any fighter an advantage in a competition.
Having the ability to put your challenger in a chokehold after you get them to the ground can quickly end a fight in favor of the fighter who knows BJJ.
Not only is BJJ a popular martial art that continues to bring in new students, but it also provides an environment where people of all walks of life can partake and learn what is called the best martial art in street defense.
So, not only does the fight style help you on the mat in a competition, but it can also benefit any person who ends up in an unwanted position of having to defend themselves.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that is not dependent on strength or power to be effective. BJJ is similar to chess. The fighter has to execute the right move at the right time in order to be effective without having to use a high level of strength.
It actually provides a fighter with the opportunity to beat their opponent even if they are larger and stronger.
The martial art was created to give smaller opponents a chance to take down and submit their challenger
The Differences Between BJJ & Other Martial Arts
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
BJJ is a unique fighting form. Students of any age can take part and learn valuable technique in the world of self-defense.
It also teaches new fighters discipline, which is essential in any martial art forms. But what makes BJJ unique is that the moves do not require any kicking or striking.
The art relies on moves used to get an opponent onto the ground, then submit them using various holds that give the fighter the ability to apply as much pressure as they choose to cause pain or choking.
Once the fighter in submission has had enough, they can choose to tap out and end the fight.
Judo
Judo is the martial art that is the most similar to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
The art also relies on grappling and holds, as opposed to punches and kicks.
With an ability to use personal preference, a fighter must use the element of surprise through meticulous planning.
The art of the takedown is heavily relied upon in Judo, which gives the fighter the chance to put their opponent into various holds in an effort to make them submit.
Check out this article BJJ vs Judo
Taekwondo
Taekwondo is the one martial art in today’s fighting fellowships that is most commonly used.
Having a great benefit when executed properly, taekwondo gives a fighter the ability to cultivate their kicking styles.
It can be difficult to master this art since it focuses mainly on spinning kicks, roundhouse kicks, jumping kicks, side kicks and head-high kicks.
These are challenging to land on a worthy opponent, but a fighter who is learned in this martial art can be a huge threat to their opponent.
Muay Thai
Muay Thai has a special place among fighters in the world of MMA.
It combines the art of grappling while coupling it with dangerous tactical strikes.
Being called the art of eight limbs, Muay Thai can leave an opponent decimated if they are not properly trained to defend themselves against the various skills used to defeat a challenger.
Kicks, punches, elbows, knees, and various holds are all a part of the art form and serve to give a fighter many tools to choose from when fighting.
Boxing
Boxing can be a great fighting strategy in MMA when coupled with some of the other fighting styles that are used in the UFC.
By cultivating various types of punches, a fighter can leave their opponent stunned, giving them the unique opportunity to incorporate their other fighting styles to make a move that gets the other fighter to the ground.
BJJ is great for this. Being the primary fighting style that MMA fighters use for striking, boxing also places tons of importance on footwork as well.
Boxing footwork allows a fighter to close the distance and make their move using a combination of punches to damage their opponent.
Karate
Karate is one of the most common fighting styles used in MMA today and for good reason.
Not only does karate incorporate striking by punching, kicking, elbowing, and use of the knees, it also maintains open-palm techniques.
The palm-heel, knife-hand and spear-hand are all open-palm techniques used in karate.
When executed properly with the right timing, the opponent will have severe difficulty reading their strikes and rhythm.
MMA
With a mix of different fighting styles, a fighter in MMA has the ability to combine abilities that allow them to become a worthy opponent.
BJJ is a huge part of the combination of fighting styles because it’s one of the art forms that relies heavily on the takedown, grapple and chokeholds that cause a fighter to submit.
It can be like the cherry on top of a fight because, in many bouts, it ends up being the fighting styles that allows a fighter to come out victorious.
Check out this article BJJ vs MMA
To conclude on the main point…
BJJ is not overrated. In fact, it is and will always be an important part of the world of MMA.
With a unique style that allows a fighter to submit their opponent, BJJ has been used many times over in professional fights.
The special characteristic of BJJ is that anyone can take part. Learning the discipline through mastering the art form also serves to benefit other areas of life too.
A person’s self-confidence will increase, they will learn to better set goals in their daily life; they become better listeners, their focus becomes better, and self-esteem increases.
These are just some of the ways that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will benefit a person’s everyday life.
Team work and conflict resolution are also key elements in BJJ. Learning to work well with others easily transfers to daily life in such a positive way.
And conflict is an unavoidable aspect of life. BJJ gives us the chance to properly handle these elements of life in a way that will always be seen as worthy.
Check out our article “Jiu Jitsu For Self Defense? Why BJJ Is Great For Self Defense”
