Jiu jitsu is self defence, even when it isn’t.

In a standard jiu jitsu class room you see people of all shapes and sizes learning the art of jiu jitsu. Lots of the time this means learning moves to grapple against another practitioner who also knows how to grapple.

When the art is practiced like this, it is based on the assumption that both parties know jiu jitsu. This is a different practice to when there is a jiu jitsu student who is facing someone that does not know jiu jitsu.

Those who know jiu jitsu are unpredictable in their movements and decisions, which creates for a different response from you as a jiu jitsu practitioner, especially as a woman.

When you learn jiu jitsu for self defence, there are certain principles that ought to be favoured more than others. Here are some of them:

+ Avoid the situation at all costs. Nothing good comes from these situations, and it’s likely that you will get hurt.

+ Awareness – Get comfortable listening to your body, scan your environment.

+ Balance & Base is the foundation of leverage.

+ Understand distance – All the way in or all the way out!

+ Hands up to protect against surprise attacks.

+ Avoid the situation at all costs. Needs to be said one more time.

 

In the video below Coach John discusses these points and more with Higher student Jas Kaur of Fit Kaur and online FB group Brown Girls Rising. We chat about how women can think about self defence so that they have every chance to survive potential encounters with would-be attackers.

Notice how there are no techniques which require force, considering the assumption that this would be attacker is most probably bigger, and faster, and stronger, and more aggressive. We also do not discuss the idea of points or gold medals considering a win in a self defence situation is getting home safely!

Watch it below. And if you would like to learn the original methods of Gracie Jiu Jitsu self defence, please get in touch for your Free Trial!