The Influence of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Mixed Martial Arts

n the recent years one of the greatest changes that has occurred in the world of martial arts is the surfacing of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. This fighting system has transformed and also led to the evolution and explosion of mixed Marital Arts as a sport. Though the exact origin of "MMA" could be argued, no one can deny the fact that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has influenced the rebirth, advancement and improvement of martial arts all over the world.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has exposed a chink in the armor of many fighting systems; it showed what happens if the fight hits the ground. However for martial artists who have engaged in a real street fight, they know in a fight a clinch will happen and ending up on the ground is a reality or a nightmare if you don't know what to do.

BJJ, nevertheless, revealed this weak spot as a main fault in the "I wont go to the ground" mindset that many believed. Still dogmatic styles and trainers disregard the proven weakness in their own way of thinking by offering naive narrow minded approach for self defense by not being prepared if the fight goes to the ground.

The influence of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can not be overlooked especially when it comes to ground fighting. For instance in martial arts like the karate or other striking systems there is no of true system proven for ground fighting. Other traditional Martial Arts like Tae Kwon Do emphasize on kicking, especially the high kicking. This would make the person so exposed to being brought down to the ground. Another interesting fact is many high level Tae Kwon Do black belts come to my school to train for in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. I am not saying these striking styles are weak I am saying however that these black belts are better prepared if their first line of defense is penetrated and they end up on the ground.

Some of the "secret skills" now used in systems like Judo, Japanese Ju-Jitsu, Wing Chun Kung Fu and Kempo incorporate ground techniques or techniques to beat the grappler but they are commonly are a poorly executed, uneducated techniques made up to help the striker believe that he could defend himself if he is taken to the ground.