Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fading or would it retain its effectiveness? – UFC Special
In combat sports, especially the mixed martial arts (MMA) and the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), various moves and techniques have become famous. One of these moves is the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This fighting technique
has been used by legends in the MMA division and is still being followed by those who fight for the UFC or the Bellator. Japanese, American, Brazilian, French and MMA fighters belonging to every nationality or region have taken full use of the BJJ.
It is an effective genre of martial arts giving various moves and combination of moves for fighters to use in their fights. In 1993 when the UFC was established as a martial arts promotion organization, Brazilian MMA fighter Royce
Gracie was one of the first fighters to join the UFC. He got initial fame by using his BJJ striking and grappling techniques.
What made BJJ famous were the ground fighting and grappling moves that have been incorporated in the BJJ. No other martial art or combat sport uses such lethal and effective ground skills or grappling techniques, as they are part
of the BJJ.
One major fact resulting in lesser usage of BJJ skills, maybe because fighters are relying more on striking capabilities than their submission moves. It has been observed that heavyweight, welterweight and light heavyweight fighters
focus more on their punches, knee strikes and elbow strikes in order to get a knockout, instead of grappling their opponent for a submission.
Another major reason for the reduction in BJJ techniques is the fact that every other MMA fighter, young or old, is getting his training in BJJ. When Gracie started his MMA career with the UFC in 1993, he was one of the few fighters
in the UFC who learned and used the moves, which are part of the BJJ.
Ground techniques are what really comprise BJJ. The fighters who use BJJ moves do have the ability to put their opponent down. It has been a common observation for many years that taking down an opponent requires patience, time
and the right set of skills. At times striking is not effective as the opponent can dodge the strikes or blocks the punch attacks.
But if the fighter is able to grapple his opponent and then use the take down tactic, only then the BJJ comes into play. Another observation is that fighters today have become more agile and swift. They use the octagon-fighting
ring at the fullest. They keep moving and use their speed as a weapon to strike an attack and to keep themselves from their opponent’s attacks.
BJJ moves are not used to the fullest where fighters take use of speed and kicks. Fighters have also become more inclined towards using their fists to give their opponents a blow on the face. Such tactics also reduce the usage
of BJJ moves, as BJJ moves require firm grip around the opponent’s waist or neck.
Those fighters who use submission moves to win their bouts do use BJJ moves. In such cases, BJJ moves come only when their opponent is too tired to keep standing, and the BJJ submission move becomes the only choice by which the
fighter can win the bout.
Today, fights have become fast-paced as knockouts occur in the first couple of minutes of the first round. One would have the view that fighters will keep using BJJ techniques in their fights but the usage would become a bit less.
Nevertheless, BJJ would remain to be a main grappling technique in fights but strikes and punches would be the main weapon of choice for MMA fighters.
Disclaimer: The ideas expressed in the article are the writer’s own personal views and have nothing to do with bettor.com’s editorial policy
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