I'm frequently asked what martial art needs to I contribute to my Self-defense training and my response is simple: JUDO.
If you do not know me I was a Div 1 college wrestler, I have rank in Brazilian Jiujutsu and naturally, I'm a second degree blackbelt in Judo.
Why Judo?
Position
Judo teaches you to stay on your feet, keep your balance versus a much larger and more powerful attacker. Maintaining your balance in a battle in vital to enable you to keep mobile and keep STRIKING (or stabbing, or bludgeoning. and EVEN DRAWING YOUR FIREARM).
On the ground Judo still needs you to combat for a position of supremacy. I will keep in mind that SPORT JUDO allows you to stall to and get returned on your feet-- so for self-defense it is CRITICAL that rather you fight to PIN or SUBMIT << Don't get lazy.</p>
The problem with BJJ is that it motivates you to go to the ground. Forget what "relocations" or take downs you practice-- it's completion outcome and many BJJ fighters utilize those takedowns to enter into ground combating.
Going to the ground on purpose is a HUGE mistake considering that the reality of weapons, numerous attackers or handling much LARGER and STRONGER aggressors will remove most BJJ methods which are developed to deal with someone who is roughly your size or smaller.
Wrestling deals comparable problems. Of all, the most popular takedown is the double leg. Because you're literally THROWING yourself to the ground, this puts you at a drawback. Now, don't get me wrong >> > I have actually done this successfully in the street (sometimes) nevertheless, I am NOT your typical grappler and as I age dealing with younger, more powerful and larger challengers I would face a TON of problems. -- with an excellent Judo base, I can still remain on my feet and do what I need to do.
If your average wrestler or MMA practitioner tried a leg attack in the street versus a bigger, stronger challenger they will get squashed.
Likewise, wrestlers do not have a problem quiting their back on the ground and everybody who has actually ever seen an MMA battle knows this is a bad idea and in the street its 10 times even worse.
NEVER CHOOSE THE GROUND.
We don't roll on mats in the street-- cement, debris, rocks, etc will CHEW YOU UP. When on the ground you're best option is to GET UP as quickly as possible << practice this in your training.</p>
Seriousness
Judo trains you to act with a sense of seriousness. One false move, one misstep will end the match. This trains your mind to move with function and urgency. This is the EXACT method you need to approach self defense.
Wrestling and BJJ, while in some cases https://tricityjudo.com/judo-a-well-rounded-sport/ need seriousness-- typically preach persistence. WAIT for your opponent to make a mistake, create openings-- once again, this occurs in Judo and battling however at a normally FASTER pace than BJJ.
Time in Training
For you self-defense purposes, you DON'T need to be terrific at Judo-- all you require is to build up a good defense which can occur in months, not years. If your first SDTS attack does not do what you require, you have a much better opportunity of keeping your balance, stay on your feet and continue to ESCAPE or cOMBAT.
However what about GI or no GI?
You can grip a t-shirt to perform many Judo methods and you'll be able to STILL preserve your balance ... even if your opponent's naked (hey, I'm not judging-- stuff happens).
Again-- this is everything about SELF DEFENSE.
Keep your balance, and TAKE GROUND.