On the offensive

[richardn]

I'm no expert in martial arts, in fact the opposite, a bit of boxing is about it. I heard Jocko talking about how good Jiu jitsu is as a form of self defence, when running away is not an option. I would be interested in people's opinion on whether Jiu Jitsu is still the best approach when considering having to protect others. For example, protecting your family from intruders breaking into your home when running away is not an option. I was looking at Krav Maga as another possibility. By the way, I live in the UK, so we aren't allowed guns

[basikx]

I would recommend BJJ for defending yourself and others. I have both of my daughters (8 and 10 years old) in BJJ because I think it's the best thing available right now for a single-aspect fighter. If you've done a bit of boxing you know how to measure distance for punching. In BJJ, you manage that distance to avoid the punch and grapple to reduce the damage you take. Watch these videos of BJJ distance/damage management:

Distance management against striking - www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5TqK1VFAlo
Distance management from the guard - www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0Eo74qbDww

I admit to being biased against striking. I was a 103lbs fast technical wrestler in high school and my philosophy was if I want striking damage I'll pick them up and let the Earth hit them on the way down. Now that I'm 175lbs and middle aged, I don't have "small guy" speed but I still understand leverage. I understand, through BJJ concepts, that I can eliminate strength advantages by moving my opponent into bad positions. The "open elbow" is one of those concepts that pays dividends in all fighting: www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mRsqvRduHY

[dude]

Hi richardn,

Jocko mentioned on the podcast that he considers Krav Maga and other strictly 'self-defense' styles to be good augments to the solid foundation that BJJ and boxing provide. The way I see it (and I'm no expert), everyone needs to know how to throw a punch, and what to do when the fight goes to the ground (as all fights do, sooner or later). That, and just developing a tolerance to pain and injury.

- D

[rkt88edmo]

Apr 17, 2016 12:49:24 GMT -8 richardn said:

I'm no expert in martial arts, in fact the opposite, a bit of boxing is about it. I heard Jocko talking about how good Jiu jitsu is as a form of self defence, when running away is not an option. I would be interested in people's opinion on whether Jiu Jitsu is still the best approach when considering having to protect others. For example, protecting your family from intruders breaking into your home when running away is not an option. I was looking at Krav Maga as another possibility. By the way, I live in the UK, so we aren't allowed guns

When you are talking about protecting others and multiple assailants you need better tactics and a force mulitiplier.  Since you aren't allowed firearms you can consider other tools.  The baseball bat, the machete, the kitchen knife.

You want to stay on your feet striking and staying mobile if you can, but you may not have that luxury, hence the bjj.  A problem with some Krav stuff is the "too deadly to practice at full speed" techniques.  The thing about bjj, boxing, kick boxing, and mma, is that all technique (subject to rules) can be tested full speed full force and is, so you know what works.  Weird "too deadly" and "dim mak" type stuff never seems to live up to the reputation under a challenge against a fully resisting opponent.