Is Jiu-Jitsu like Karate?
No.
In fact, not really at all.
Karate for one, is a striking art (punches, kicks, etc)
Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling art. (Throws, takedowns, chokes, joint locks, etc)
Jiu-Jitsu involves using leverage and physics so a smaller opponent can beat a larger opponent.
Karate involves punches and kicks in the air against……well nobody. In 99% of cases you are not sparring against a resisting opponent.
Unless of course that somebody is a perforated piece of flakeboard, in which case……then yes. 😏
Jiu-Jitsu is the single best self-defense for anybody!
It involves live sparring every single class. (So you are familiar with full contact in a self defense scenario).
It teaches discipline, structure, and humility.
Jiu-Jitsu also involves a lot of mental strength (because it takes so long to learn)….and as a result the camaraderie that it builds is unlike any other.
Now….I like the Karate Kid as much as the next person (Cobra Kai is better IMO tho 🐍 )...but the techniques taught in those 80s movies are just not realistic.
And in fact, more people will probably get more injured trying to pull off those “flashy moves” then if they had just ran away. 🏃♂️
So while I still believe that a lot of benefit can be had from traditional martial arts like Karate or Taekwondo….I don’t believe the ability to defend yourself against a larger opponent is one of them.
Coach David
