I get asked this a lot, how does the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu(BJJ) you learn in the class room change when you get into a real streetfight. Well, to that I say it depends on where you train at. Some schools only focus on “sport” BJJ. What that means is flashy moves that only work when the opponent is wearing a gi or it’s in a tournament being watched by a referee.
Here at Ivey League and at all the Team Lloyd Irvin schools the main focus has and always will be self defense. Now, if you trained in basic BJJ or MMA would you be able to defend yourself in a “real” fight? Yes I think so. I mean, for me I was just fine in street fights using the most basic BJJ skills like the bear hug to trip, armlock, rear choke and so on. I didn’t learn that stuff over night but I could the hang of it.
Now, does that mean that you’ll be able to handle yourself in a streetfight in lets say, 2 classes? No of course not. You need at least 6 months of training before you will have an idea of what to do if attacked. (but I will say that 2 classes are better then none!)
So, how do you train for a street fight in the classroom? Well I like to always teach situations that would happen or could happen in a real fight like eye gauging, groin strikes and hair pulling (more so for the girls) and train those skills accordingly. Going over what to do when that stuff happens helps a ton and if your instructor isn’t doing that then shame on him!
With all that said, I hope none of you get into a street brawl because that’s dangerous stuff. But it happens and you should be prepared. Get to work and train!
