By Jeremy Patton
We recently discussed in class the importance of learning self-defense techniques before focusing on high level Jiu-Jitsu. A student asked me to explain the difference.
Self-defense techniques are mainly used against untrained opponents. Novices do strange things that experienced martial artists do not, so different strategies are required to deal with each of them.
For example, one of the most common holds you will see on the playground or street is a headlock. The goal of a headlock is to squeeze the head, punch the face or muscle your opponent to the ground. Instinctively, it feels like it provides a lot of control, but really it leaves you vulnerable to counter-attack.
High level Jiu-Jitsu is more likely used against other martial artists. For example, we do not teach omoplata escapes in self-defense class because an untrained opponent probably does not know what an omoplata is, much less how to execute it.
Both categories of Jiu-Jitsu are important, but it is better to focus on self-defense first, because that is what beginners can use immediately to protect themselves on the street.
Added 5/28/18 – Updated 2/1/25