Unlock the Secret to Unstoppable BJJ: Why Training Other Grappling Arts Is The Ultimate Game Changer

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling martial art that has gained popularity all around the world. It is known for its effective ground fighting techniques that focus on joint locks, chokes, and positional control. However, training in other grappling arts like Sambo, Judo, Catch Wrestling, and Freestyle Wrestling can bring numerous advantages to BJJ practitioners.

Cross-training in different grappling arts can enhance a BJJ practitioner's skill set by exposing them to various techniques, strategies, and styles of grappling. This not only broadens their understanding of grappling but also allows them to identify and exploit openings that may not be apparent to someone who has only trained in BJJ.

Case in point, Sambo is a grappling martial art that originated in Russia. It is known for its emphasis on throws, takedowns, and leg locks. By training Sambo, a BJJ practitioner can develop their takedown skills and learn how to use leg locks effectively, which is an area where BJJ practitioners often lack expertise. Some techniques that BJJ practitioners can learn from Sambo include the Khabib Special, a leg lock set up from a guard pass, or the Russian tie, a grip that allows for better control in the clinch.

Judo is another grappling art that can complement BJJ training. Judo focuses on throws, takedowns, and pins, which can improve a BJJ practitioner's stand-up game and positional control. One example of a technique that a BJJ practitioner can learn from Judo is the osoto-gari. This throw can be used to take down an opponent and land in a dominant position, such as side control or mount. Additionally, the kesa-gatame pin, commonly used in Judo, can be adapted to BJJ to hold an opponent in place and set up submissions.

Catch Wrestling, which originated in the United Kingdom, is another grappling art that can benefit BJJ practitioners. Catch Wrestling emphasizes submission holds, takedowns, and ground control, which are all essential aspects of BJJ. By training in Catch Wrestling, a BJJ practitioner can learn how to use pressure and leverage to control their opponent and improve their submission game. One technique that a BJJ practitioner can learn from Catch Wrestling is the toe hold, a submission hold that can be applied from various positions.

Finally, Freestyle Wrestling, which is an Olympic sport, is a grappling art that emphasizes takedowns and ground control. Freestyle Wrestling can help BJJ practitioners improve their takedown skills and learn how to use pressure to control their opponents on the ground. Techniques like the double-leg takedown and the single-leg takedown can be adapted and have been adapted to BJJ and used to take down opponents, while techniques like the gut wrench and the leg lace can be used to control opponents on the ground.

So it becomes very obvious that cross-training in these grappling arts can help BJJ practitioners develop a well-rounded grappling skill set, expose them to different techniques, and strategies, and provide them with a deeper understanding of grappling. By incorporating techniques from these grappling arts, BJJ practitioners can enhance their takedown skills, positional control, and submission game, and become more versatile and effective on the mat. See you on the mats.