Other Resources
20 Signs You're a BJJ Addict
BJJ Belt Guide
Read more about cauliflower ears
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Keep your head in the game with our latest trucker hat release. The Case BJJ hat is available in four colors with just the right amount curve on the brim to keep you looking good and feeling comfortable.
]]>What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ, is a martial art that became famous thanks to the Gracie family. Jiu Jitsu is about grappling and ground fighting. As a BJJ practitioner, you'll learn to take your opponent to the ground and submit them. That's what makes this Brazilian martial art so unique.
It's not just for sport; many people train BJJ for self-defense too. It promises techniques that let the smaller guy defeat the bigger, stronger attackers. Pretty cool, right? And when you train, you wear a BJJ Gi, or a rash guard if you're doing No-gi Jiu-Jitsu.
How Does BJJ Work?
Okay, so how does BJJ actually work in a fight? First, you have to know it's not about being super strong. It's about being smart. In BJJ, you use leverage and technique to win.
Let's say you're a BJJ practitioner, and you're up against someone bigger. You use the power of leverage to get them into a bad spot, then use a submission to make them give up. That's the strength of BJJ.
A big part of BJJ is ground fighting. Most BJJ techniques happen when you and your opponent are on the ground. You will use joint locks or chokeholds to make them tap out. That's what's called a submission. It's a way to win without really hurting anyone.
When you spar in BJJ, you're always trying to get into a good position before you make your move. It means you get yourself into a strong position on the ground before you go for the kill.
So, as you can see, BJJ promises us a lot. But does all this make BJJ good for street fighting? Maybe. Let's look at both sides. Does BJJ work in a street fight? Some say yes, others say no. Keep reading to find out more.
7 Reasons Why BJJ Techniques Work In A Street Fight
Let's look at why many people say that BJJ is the best self-defense martial art.
Unlike boxing, BJJ teaches you what to do when someone tries to grab you. In a distance people can't hurt you. But let's say someone grabs your neck or puts you in a headlock. BJJ teaches you what to do. You'll know how to break free, take them to the ground and submit them.
In BJJ, you learn how to take someone down and control them on the ground. People usually don't see this coming, as many will try to strike with you. Taking somebody down and controlling them there is a safe way to stop a fight without hurting anyone. You'll be able to control them until they give up or help arrives.
What if you're smaller than the other guy? BJJ shows you how to defeat bigger guys using smart techniques. You're not trying to out-muscle them. You're outsmarting them. Trust me, I've seen a purple belt submit a white belt who weighs more than twice than him. It's pretty crazy to witness.
A lot of street fights end up on the ground. If you train in BJJ, you'll know what to do down there. You have a big advantage over someone who doesn't know the first thing about ground fighting. They'll be lost on the ground, but you know exactly what to do.
BJJ gives you a lot of tools in your toolbox. I've not witnessed a martial art with as many techniques as BJJ. Here you can attack different parts of the body in many different ways. It's hard for someone to defend against everything you might do. You'll have an answer for everything they are trying to do.
What's the first thing you should do in a street fight? Run away. Don't risk your life, if you can avoid it, leave! But what if you can't? That's where BJJ comes in. Other than Judo, no other martial art shows you what to do if someone grabs you.
Boxing is about knockouts, but BJJ is about control. You can put the other person in a position where they can't move. You'll have the ability to break their limbs if things completely escalate. This way you ensure they can no longer harm you or anybody else.
Are you convinced? Does all this make BJJ perfect for street fights? Well, opinions differ. But these are some strong points in its favor.
5 Reasons Why BJJ Is Not Effective In A Street Fight
Even though BJJ has strong points for self-defense, it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here's why:
Not all BJJ schools are the same. Some might have you rolling on the mat, where punches are ignored. BJJ practice focuses more and more on BJJ competitions and is, therefore, less focused on how to use BJJ for street fighting. That's why you'll learn more and more moves that only work against other BJJ players.
So, if your school doesn't focus on real-world fights, you might be in for a surprise out on the streets.
Sure, moves like the Berimbolo look cool in competition BJJ, but will they help in a street fight? Probably not. Some BJJ moves do not apply to real-life situations. That's also why you see many BJJ moves that are not being used in Mixed Martial Arts fights. You have to know which moves will actually work when it counts.
If it's you against two or more people, BJJ is not the best choice. You could be taking the one guy down and choke him out. But what if his friend decides to kick you in the head? BJJ isn't made for fighting off a whole group. It works best in 1-1 situations.
Therefore, you want to stay on your feet and use boxing or Muay Thai when it comes to having multiple attackers. Of course, here again, if you can, please just run away. Even skilled and trained fighters will struggle with more than one opponent.
BJJ has some takedowns, but not many. The focus is rather on ground control and submissions. So, if you need to get someone on the ground fast, BJJ might not provide you with everything you need.
Because BJJ isn't perfect, you want to mix in some wrestling or judo. BJJ is effective, but it often doesn't work by itself. So, by complementing your BJJ practice with other martial arts training, you'll be ready for anything from the get-go.
So there you have it. BJJ has some awesome techniques, but I don't think it's got everything covered for street fights.
Is BJJ Effective In A Street Fight? My Final Take
I'm a big fan of BJJ. It taught me a lot about how to stay safe and how to handle myself on the streets. Knowing BJJ gives me more peace of mind when I'm out. It definitely gave me the confidence and tools to defend myself.
But I must say, if you ever are in a street fight, you'll want more than just BJJ. Fights start standing up, so you'll need some skills there, like boxing or kickboxing. Adding in wrestling can be super useful for getting someone to the ground.
Is BJJ the best martial art for street fights? Probably not. But I don't know which one is. So, the best answer I can give you is to mix it up. Get yourself some MMA training that combines BJJ, wrestling, and striking. That's your best bet for staying safe.
And let's not forget, the smartest fight is the one you don't get into. So always keep your eyes open and try to stay out of trouble.
Heythem Naji is a psychologist and an MMA enthusiast who writes about health and BJJ on his blog. Heythem's Blog integrates the complexities of mind and body, giving comprehensive, actionable insights by combining professional expertise with a personal narrative. Learn More
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The Warped Lite is available in both youth and adult sizes.
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One of the most important things you can do to be successful at BJJ is to be consistent with your training. This means showing up to class regularly, putting in the work, and making the most of the time you have on the mats. Like most things in life, the more you practice, the better you get. If you can make it to class seven days a week, that’s awesome and you’re well on the way. For many of us, however, a few times a week is the best we can hope for consistently. That’s why it’s also important to remember to stay focused while you’re there. Focused practice for an hour will be more beneficial to you than crappy practice for a longer duration. We have always preferred the expression “Perfect practice makes perfect” over “Practice makes perfect”.
It’s also important to note that it’s difficult, if not impossible, to train if you’re injured. Take care of your body and don’t make an injury worse by training hurt. It often results in more time off the mats. We’re not saying you should skip class any time you get a little ache, but it’s important to know your body and when something is serious enough that it needs rest. Along the same lines, it’s important that you train responsibly and not injure your teammates and training partners. Know how to roll safe and pick partners that know how to do the same.
Remember that BJJ is a complex martial art, and it takes time to develop the skills and techniques needed to be successful. The more you practice, the better you will get, so make sure to put in the time and effort required to make progress.
2. Train with Focus
Continuing the theme above, training with focus is another great way to improve your game. A major key to success in BJJ is to focus on technique over strength. BJJ is a martial art that emphasizes technique, leverage, and timing, rather than brute strength. This means that even smaller or weaker practitioners can be successful if they have good technique. When you are training, focus on perfecting your technique and learning the intricacies of each move, rather than relying solely on your strength.
In addition, when you train, it’s often helpful to focus on an area you want to improve. Come to class with a plan for what you want to achieve. For example, you may want to dedicate a day (or days) to working on your armbar game, or your bottom mount escapes. And if that means starting a roll in bottom mount, then don’t be afraid to do so. That’s one of the ways you get better.
3. Stay relaxed
BJJ can be an intense and physically demanding martial art, but it's important to stay relaxed during training. Tension and stress can hinder your technique and make it harder to execute moves effectively. Focus on your breathing, stay calm and relaxed, and try to approach each training session with a clear and focused mind.
You may have heard the saying “be comfortable being uncomfortable”. That means staying focused and calm, even when a roll isn’t going your way and you’re getting twisted up like a pretzel. Work on the technique to advance your position. Don’t spaz out.
4. Don't be afraid to ask questions
If you're new to BJJ or struggling with a particular technique, don't be afraid to ask questions. Your instructor and training partners are there to help you learn and improve, so take advantage of their knowledge and experience. Ask questions, seek feedback, and take the time to understand each move and technique thoroughly.
This is a topic we cover in our BJJ white belt beginner tips, but it really applies to all levels. Use the resources around you. The BJJ community is great at sharing knowledge and if you train at a quality place, then your teammates will be more than willing to help you with questions you have.
5. Cross-train and supplement your training
This is another topic we touch on in our white belt beginner tips, but once again it applies to the higher ranks too. There are things that you can do outside of active training that will help your jiu jitsu game. For example, you can supplement your training with other activities and exercises. Cross-training in other martial arts or physical activities can help improve your overall fitness, flexibility, and agility, which can all be beneficial for BJJ. Additionally, you may want to consider incorporating strength training, yoga, or other forms of exercise into your routine to help support your BJJ training.
Another resource is the internet and instructional videos. You can learn a lot from a quality video that you can then take back to the mats and apply. It’s even more useful if you have a training partner watch the same video so you can work on the techniques together when you meet up on the mats. If you miss class due to injury or other events then continuing your learning with videos. That way you are always progressing even if you're not physically on the mats.
6. Focus on principles and ideas rather than just memorizing specific moves.
There are thousands (some could argue infinite) positions and techniques in BJJ when you include variations. It is literally impossible to remember every possible move and position especially in a live situation when you may be tired and/or under duress. Instead focus on principles and with time learn to apply specific techniques to those principles. For example instead of remembering every escape and defense from bottom side control focus on the principles like keeping your arms close to your body, framing, and hip movement.
7. Set goals and track your progress
Finally, if you want to be successful at BJJ, it's important to set goals and track your progress. Whether you want to compete in tournaments or simply improve your skills, setting clear goals can help keep you motivated and focused on your training. Additionally, tracking your progress can help you see how far you've come and identify areas where you need to improve. Be sure to set small goals, not just big ones. Yes, you may have a bigger goal of winning your next tournament but this can’t be tracked on a daily or weekly basis. Smaller goals like getting your guard passed less, or making it a minute longer before getting tapped by a certain partner are more noticeable and easier to track.
In conclusion, being successful at BJJ requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and improve. By focusing on technique over strength, staying relaxed, asking questions, cross-training, and setting goals, you can develop the skills and abilities needed to be successful in this exciting martial art. Remember to enjoy the journey, celebrate your successes, and keep pushing yourself to be the best that you can be.
Other Resources
]]>The Phase Rash Guard is also available in youth sizes.
Other Resources
5 reasons to train BJJ.
Learn white belt beginner BJJ tips.
Want to know more about jiu jitsu belts, check out our jiu jitsu belt guide.
Read our picks for the top ten coolest rash guards.
What to expect on your first day of BJJ.
Learn what to wear under your gi.
Other Resources
20 signs you're a BJJ addict.
Learn white belt beginner BJJ tips.
Want to know more about jiu jitsu belts, check out our jiu jitsu belt guide.
Read our picks for the top ten coolest rash guards.
Learn white belt beginner BJJ tips.
Want to know more about jiu jitsu belts, check out our jiu jitsu belt guide.
What to expect on your first day of BJJ.
Learn what to wear under your gi.
Are you a BJJ Addict? We listed 20 ways to tell.
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Approximately 2:00pm – Dual Meet Round #1
Mat 1 - Indiana vs. Drexel
Mat 2 - Rutgers vs. Penn
Mat 3 – Wisconsin vs. Princeton
Mat 4 – Michigan State vs. Binghamton
Approximately 4:00pm – Dual Meet Round #2
Mat 1 - Indiana vs. Binghamton
Mat 2 - Rutgers vs. Drexel
Mat 3 – Wisconsin vs. Penn
Mat 4 – Michigan State vs. Princeton
We had the cameras on hand and we're matside for some pretty awesome matches. It looks like there are some legit wrestlers competing out of the Garden State this year and we're excited to see what the season brings.
If you want more details on this event and other happenings in the NCAA wrestling world, then check out the Breakdown from the Barn podcast.
Check back for link to the full event gallery which will be posted soon.
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Cauliflower ears are not a crime. No they're not. This shirt represents those who think mangled ears are awesome.
All people were created equal, then some learned jiu-jitsu. Not much more to say than that.
All of our jiu jitsu shirts are made with a comfortable 60/40 polyester blend, then finished off with the RJ hem tag. Looks great walking around or when training your jits game at the academy.
Learn white belt beginner BJJ tips.
Want to know more about jiu jitsu belts, check out our jiu jitsu belt guide.
What to expect on your first day of BJJ.
Learn what to wear under your gi.
Are you a BJJ Addict? We listed 20 ways to tell.
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Check out the Breakdown from the Barn podcast for full coverage of Rutgers Wrestling and the entire NCAA Wrestling landscape.
Check back for link to the full event gallery which will be posted soon.
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Other Resources
Read about our top jiu jitsu shirts.
We brought the cameras to capture owners and brothers Andy and Mikey Main doing what they do, providing top level instruction and of course getting in plenty of live training. Bonus for us, we brought the photography gear on a night when Dan Novaes was promoted to black belt. Big congrats to him. Thanks to Andy and Mikey for letting us bring the cameras and thanks to everyone at Pure for their support. We got some sick photos which we'll be sharing in the days ahead.
Learn white belt beginner BJJ tips.
Want to know more about jiu jitsu belts, check out our jiu jitsu belt guide.
Read our picks for the top ten coolest rash guards.
What to expect on your first day of BJJ.
Learn what to wear under your gi.
Are you a BJJ Addict? We listed 20 ways to tell.
Other Resources
20 Signs You're a BJJ addict.
Learn white belt beginner BJJ tips.
Want to know more about jiu jitsu belts, check out our jiu jitsu belt guide.
Read our picks for the top ten coolest rash guards.
A: When we drop new product releases right before the sale.
Yep, we just dropped our latest no gi rash guard and short set, the Return of the Funk. This bold design features seventies retro lettering for a unique throwback look that will add a little more funk to your jits game.
Also available in kids sizes.
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Want to see your home state done next? Leave a comment below or on our Instagram page.
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At Rolljunkie, we're known for dropping unique and creative rash guard designs. That said, there is no doubt the majority of those releases have primarily been in short sleeve. We figured we were way overdue for a long sleeve exclusive.
Long before COVID, the Black Plague devastated Europe and Asia. Humanity somehow managed to survive the most deadly pandemic in history with a little help from the local plague doctors. The Black Plague rash guard features our jiu-jitsu monkey logo decked in plague doctor gear. The back print is a spill over style graphic that covers edge to edge of the back panel. This is one sick looking rash guard - no pun intended.
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