BJJ for Self Defense Vs BJJ for Competition

[FatherWarrior]

I have recently started training BJJ in Houston. My instructor sometimes says things like, "...that's good for competition, but for self defense..." I am 43 and don't really expect to compete. I am in this more for self defense than for competing. So my question is, is there a significant difference between the way you learn BJJ for self defense verses learning for competition. I am certain that any of the techniques would be helpful in a street fight, but I am wondering if I should change to a school that focuses more on self defense if there is some kind of significant different between the two. 

Thanks,

Eric

[mynewunit]

There are a handful of assumptions that are us spoken. In competition, you opponent know bjj and there is a ref. When you are grappling with someone who knows how what you are doing, and trying to gain advantages and score points. 

The street fight (self defense) situation you aren't trying to gain points, there are no rules, you are involving punches, you want it to be done quick and with no damage. Stopping and avoiding punches might break a few rules that are aimed at preventing arm bar, Ezekiel, and triangles. 

This wouldn't bother me. holding your own toe when taking the mount won't hurt you in a street fight and spare you a leg lock in a competition.

BJJ guys feel free to tell me I am wrong. I am going to move this to the BJJ thread.