When considering martial arts for self-defense, most people lean towards striking arts like Boxing. However, as Coach James Clingerman breaks down in his video reacting to Olympic Boxer Tony Jeffries, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) offers several advantages which make it a more practical tool for personal protection.
The Reality of Striking in Self-Defense
Many self-defense situations involve chaotic, high-stress environments where trading punches can be risky. While Boxing teaches excellent striking skills, it can leave you open to counter-attacks—and there’s always the danger of a lucky punch landing. A blow from an untrained attacker can end a fight, even if you’re the more skilled striker.
Coach Clingerman emphasizes how BJJ mitigates this risk. By taking the fight to the ground and securing a dominant position, you eliminate your opponent’s ability to effectively strike, giving you complete control of the situation.
The Versatility of BJJ
One of the key points raised in the video is how most altercations inevitably end up on the ground, where Boxing and Kickboxing techniques are ineffective. Grappling skills become essential in these situations. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teaches you how to effectively move on the ground and establish dominant positions, giving you the opportunity to escape or end the fight. This makes BJJ ideal for smaller individuals, including women and children, to defend against stronger attackers.
Less Damage, More Control
Another advantage of BJJ is its ability to neutralize an opponent without causing unnecessary harm. Boxing focuses on punches to the head and body, which can result in serious brain injuries and even death. In a self-defense situation, you may not want to risk permanent harm or escalating the situation to deadly force.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, on the other hand, allows you to subdue an aggressor through joint locks and holds, applying only the force necessary to end the altercation. This gives the BJJ student the luxury of restraint in a self-defense situation.
Self-Defense for Children
Tony Jeffries, despite being a Boxer, admits that he has his children training exclusively in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Coach Clingerman agrees with this approach, noting that BJJ is a much safer option for kids compared to striking arts, especially when it comes to brain health and longevity.
BJJ is also a magnificent tool for developing character and discipline in a child. Check out our Kids’ BJJ Program page for more information.
BJJ or Boxing—Why Not Both?
Ultimately, Coach Clingerman and Tony Jeffries both conclude that a well-rounded self-defense strategy includes training in both Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Boxing (or Kickboxing). Striking techniques can help you end a fight quickly, especially in scenarios with multiple attackers.
However, if you must choose one martial art to focus on, Clingerman suggests starting with BJJ, as it provides the most versatile and effective self-defense options. At IBJJA, we believe in building a well-rounded foundation in self-defense and hand-to-hand combat—which is why we offer classes in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Kickboxing, and Judo.
Interested in learning more? Join us for a Free 30-Day Trial at IBJJA and experience the life-changing benefits of martial arts for yourself. Contact us today to get started!
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