Why BJJ is Important for MMA
Why BJJ is important for MMA - The importance of the ground game cannot be overstated when it comes to MMA. A lot of talented fighters have ego issues, and they feel like fighting by direct hits and kicks is the “manly way” in which they should fight. But even though the ground game may not be as dramatic as a one-punch KO of an overhand right – it still has tremendous importance in every MMA match.
This is because of the fact that a lot of the MMA matches end up on the ground. And BJJ is one of the most effective ground-game weapons that you can use in MMA. Coming from the school of the Gracies, a family of martial arts practitioners – BJJ quickly rose to prominence after the win of Royce Gracie in the first UFC event ever. He was physically non-exceptional, but he still managed to choke and armbar everyone one of his (sometimes much bigger) opponents.
So, what can you do in order to improve your ground game? Learn BJJ. Wrestling is also very important in the sense that you will be able to do effective takedowns – and these are worth precious points in the eyes of the judges in MMA matches. And then, if you learn BJJ, you will be able to take full control of the ground game. Your opponent will be like a fish on dry land – powerless to do anything while expending tremendous amounts of energy at the same time.
If you haven’t experienced it by now – it’s not at all comfortable for someone to lay on top of you in side control, or God forbid, mount, while raining down punches on your head. You see, BJJ is a sport that uses only submissions and positional advantages in the duels. But you can combine BJJ with striking, and you will get a devastating weapon in your arsenal for your next MMA fight.
Not to forget about the submissions that you will be able to do once you’re in a dominant position. There are armbars, triangles, arm triangles, rear naked chokes, leg locks, heel hooks – dozens of different submissions that can come to you within the blink of an eye if you can sense that the position is right. And this will win you the battle once the opponent taps out.
Finally, there are some powerful BJJ sweeps that you can utilize when you’re battling your opponent on the ground. This means that even though your opponent has the dominant position for now – you will still be able to use a sweep in order to turn the tables – all within the blink of an eye and with minimal effort – and get top position.
As you see, BJJ can be applied in the fighting game in many different ways. The imagination is your sole limit when it comes to this. Make sure that you’ll have consistent BJJ practice sessions so that you will be able to fully internalize the vast BJJ knowledge that lies within your grasp.
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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a vital component in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA). Although MMA is a blend of various fighting styles, BJJ has cemented itself as essential for any successful fighter. But why is BJJ so important for MMA? This article will explore the fundamental reasons behind its significance.
Firstly, BJJ provides fighters with highly effective submission techniques. In the octagon, fighters need methods to end a fight efficiently. BJJ offers a wide array of chokes, arm locks, and leg locks that can lead to a quick victory. When a fighter is on the ground, BJJ skills can dominate the bout, regardless of the opponent's strengths in other areas like striking or wrestling.
Secondly, BJJ focuses heavily on ground control and positioning. MMA often sees fighters grappling on the mat, and BJJ specialists are adept at maintaining dominant positions. Techniques like guard passing, sweeps, and mount control allow fighters to control their adversaries, making it difficult for them to escape or retaliate. This control is not just physical but also tactical, as it forces opponents to expend energy and makes them more susceptible to submissions.
Moreover, BJJ enhances a fighter's defense capabilities. A well-rounded MMA fighter must be proficient in both offense and defense. BJJ teaches defense against takedowns, submissions, and ground-and-pound attacks. Being able to defend against these can prevent a fighter from losing rounds or getting into a disadvantaged position, thus improving their overall performance in the sport.
In addition to technical skills, BJJ also contributes to a fighter's mental fortitude. The discipline required to excel in BJJ infuses a strong work ethic, patience, and resilience. In the high-pressure world of MMA, these mental attributes are just as critical as physical prowess. They enable fighters to remain calm under pressure, think strategically, and recover from setbacks during a fight.
Lastly, the adaptability of BJJ is another reason for its importance in MMA. BJJ techniques can be modified and employed in various fight scenarios, whether standing or on the ground. This adaptability makes it an invaluable tool for fighters who must constantly adjust their strategies based on their opponent’s style and the flow of the fight.
