[pattyb]

I was wondering how long it would take to learn BASIC jiu jitsu techniques for self defense. Not really worried about belt color but, say for example, is a blue belt considered good enough to use techniques effectively should the need arise.

thanks in advance

[Balto]

Usually a blue belt can beat most untrained opponents in a match. I'd say at that level you have learned most of the basics.

Hopefully though once you get your blue belt, you will love BJJ so much that you want to learn the really subtle advanced stuff too.

[hayliks]

You never finish learning the basics, brown belt and STILL working on the basics

[Balto]

hayliks has a good point, so just to clarify my position somewhat:

When you really think about it, there are a fairly finite number of BJJ techniques that are staples of grappling. We generally call those the basics and most people use them the vast majority of the time, regardless of rank.

At blue belt level, I think you should probably know of all the basics and be able to perform them successfully against an untrained opponent.

However, when I talk about advanced techniques, I mean the subtle details that make the basics work well. When you roll with a black belt, most of the time he just does the same moves you are trying to do to him. The difference is that he understands more of the essence of the basic technique and is thus able to do it better and beat you.

So a lot of what I consider to be advanced technique is merely the basic techniques internalized on a deep level.

[pattyb]

You never finish learning the basics, brown belt and STILL working on the basics


Point well taken ;)

but.........how long did it take you to feel like you could use those "basic techniques" in a real life situation?

[pattyb]

Balto,

Thanks for the detailed explanation. I get it now.

I'm a pretty good golfer and I guess its like working on your grip, aim, set-up (the basics). You never out grow that. I can't wait to start classes.

I appreciate the offer but I don't live in the pittsburgh area.

thanks again!

[lechien]

Originally Posted by pattyb

I was wondering how long it would take to learn BASIC jiu jitsu techniques for self defense. Not really worried about belt color but, say for example, is a blue belt considered good enough to use techniques effectively should the need arise.

thanks in advance

Hard to tell.
I am too focused on BJJ moves used in common sparring training.
I don't think X-guard and de la riva would 'translate' well in a street fight.
On the other hand, I think I could easily apply some basic choke in a self defense situation.

[ratherberolling]

Originally Posted by pattyb

You never finish learning the basics, brown belt and STILL working on the basics


Point well taken ;)

but.........how long did it take you to feel like you could use those "basic techniques" in a real life situation?

Again, I think it depends on the player. From my statistical sample, most of our guys that have been training for 4-6 months can use the techniques. I'm basing this on how they perform against the brand new guys in our gym since that is what I would guage. i.e. most guys like to try and crossface from YOUR guard, buck and push, etc. So if I were betting, I would always go with the guy that has 4 months of grappling without knowing anything about his opponent. I'm guessing I would win that 8 of 10 times.

[alphamale]

Originally Posted by ratherberolling

Again, I think it depends on the player. From my statistical sample, most of our guys that have been training for 4-6 months can use the techniques. I'm basing this on how they perform against the brand new guys in our gym since that is what I would guage. i.e. most guys like to try and crossface from YOUR guard, buck and push, etc. So if I were betting, I would always go with the guy that has 4 months of grappling without knowing anything about his opponent. I'm guessing I would win that 8 of 10 times.

I'd agree with this assessment. I think even if you're just a big fan of the sport and aware of the basic positions and what is an offensive and defense position you're at an advantage to some random guy throwing haymakers. This how ever would only really help against an opponent similar in size/strength etc.

4-6 months of training will mean you can probably defend yourself against a similar sized, untrained attacker (1 on 1) and 'beat' them in a street fight 8-9 time in 10.

From blue belt level you start developing enough technqiue to really compensate for any size/ strength differences between you and an attacker, i'd say by purple you'd be able to defend yourself against an untrained attacker of pretty much any size within reason (if its brock lesnar or something that goes without saying). By brown or black id say unless the other guys is a trained striker and clips you or an excellent wrestler you're going to be fine.

You'll hear a lot of nay sayers say "oh but what if theres 5 guys? you cant take him down then", well newsflash, if 5 guys jump you you're in trouble regardless of discipline. Guys dont line up and attack in sequence so even being a stand up fighter, you're likely to get mobbed and stomped.

Where JJ will help you most though, is being calm and confident in yourself under stress, which in most cases will be enough to help you avoid the fight in the first place, as you have nothing to prove. If a fight does happen, you're prepared and more calm than an untrained guy.

[lechien]

Originally Posted by alphamale

I'd agree with this assessment. I think even if you're just a big fan of the sport and aware of the basic positions and what is an offensive and defense position you're at an advantage to some random guy throwing haymakers. This how ever would only really help against an opponent similar in size/strength etc.

4-6 months of training will mean you can probably defend yourself against a similar sized, untrained attacker (1 on 1) and 'beat' them in a street fight 8-9 time in 10.

From blue belt level you start developing enough technqiue to really compensate for any size/ strength differences between you and an attacker, i'd say by purple you'd be able to defend yourself against an untrained attacker of pretty much any size within reason (if its brock lesnar or something that goes without saying). By brown or black id say unless the other guys is a trained striker and clips you or an excellent wrestler you're going to be fine.

You'll hear a lot of nay sayers say "oh but what if theres 5 guys? you cant take him down then", well newsflash, if 5 guys jump you you're in trouble regardless of discipline. Guys dont line up and attack in sequence so even being a stand up fighter, you're likely to get mobbed and stomped.

Where JJ will help you most though, is being calm and confident in yourself under stress, which in most cases will be enough to help you avoid the fight in the first place, as you have nothing to prove. If a fight does happen, you're prepared and more calm than an untrained guy.

You would need to cross train in MMA to be to apply BJJ from a stand up position in a street fight situation.
BJJ by itself is just not enough.
Be able to do BJJ techniques when someone is striking you is different ball game.
I am only stating the above because I do not want people thinking a BJJ blue belt can choke out anybody on the street.