Combining Jiu Jitsu – Past and Present
There are different factions in the BJJ community that focus on specific types of techniques in Jiu Jitsu. There is an older version of Jiu Jitsu that focuses on the self-defense aspect where grapplers primarily train to protect themselves if they get into an altercation on the street. The other side is the newer, more sport oriented style where you train to get better position and finish an opponent who also trains BJJ. There is more variety in techniques used on the sport side as well, but not all are street effective. I think to get the most out of training Jiu Jitsu, it’s important to train in both styles of Jiu Jitsu. The knowledge of how to defend yourself on the street is very invaluable. Learning techniques to negate an attacker could potentially save your life. The knowledge gained from a competition style class can certainly help you on the street as well; specifically in situations where your attacker can also grapple. Sport Jiu Jitsu competition help students learn how to deal with high stress conflict because they go all out against opponents who are doing the same. That type of stress management would certainly help in all aspects of life. Sport style students are learning in an environment that is constantly changing which will help in a fight. Both styles are important to learn how to deal with an attacker and to better yourself in body and mind.
