Women tend to develop some unusual habits in the interest of staying safe. You might carry keys between your fingers at night, wear your hair loose when walking alone, and keep the cops on speed dial when going out on first dates. Even so, do you feel like you have the strength, focus, and agency necessary to keep yourself safe?
At Hassett’s Jiu-Jitsu Club, our philosophy is a little bit different. We offer classes for all ages and abilities that inspire and empower students of all genders and identities to take their safety into their own hands. But is Jiu-Jitsu good for self-defense?
The answer is an unequivocal YES! We believe that Jiu-Jitsu is the best martial arts for women’s self-defense, and we’ve collected five compelling reasons why. If you’re tired of carrying mace in your purse, keep reading to learn about this engaging, action-packed alternative that will give you back your power!
1. Jiu-Jitsu Is Practical
What is the best martial arts for women’s self-defense? How about the one that’s used in practical situations by law enforcement agents throughout the country? Our police officers and other first responders are frequently put in dangerous situations, and they trust the skills they’ve learned through Jiu-Jitsu to keep the public safe.
One of the main elements of Jiu-Jitsu is control. Students are aware of the best, least confrontational way to subdue a combatant. They have the opportunity to practice skills such as grappling in our safe, supervised classroom environment.
2. Jiu-Jitsu Is Less Violent
A skilled Jiu-Jitsu practitioner knows that the key to successful self-defense isn’t landing the most blows. We train our students to defend against attacks without the need to strike. We recognize that striking can be both scary and dangerous, which means that many female students don’t feel comfortable practicing martial arts.
That is what makes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu one of the best martial arts for self-defense. We teach you how to use the other person’s momentum and strength to your benefit. You will learn how to subdue an attacker without the need to take any violent action.
You will spend your class time focused on concepts like knocking an opponent off balance and taking on a dominant position. Sparring is a major part of the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You’ll have opportunities to hone these skills just in case you need to put them into practice in the real world.
3. You Don’t Need to Be Big
When you walk into Jiu-Jitsu class for the first time, it can feel intimidating. This goes double if you’re short of stature and don’t have much muscle. You might wonder if you’re will have to spar with students who are twice your size!
In real life, the person attacking you will probably be bigger. Someone looking to commit violence will almost always look for a smaller, weaker target. Without training in Jiu-Jitsu, the smaller person will often be at a disadvantage.
What makes Jiu-Jitsu different is the emphasis on grappling. In a grappling situation, the larger, stronger individual doesn’t necessarily have an advantage in a fight. It’s a way to level the playing field and provide women and smaller adults with the ability to hold their own in a self-defense situation.
You will learn to target the softest and most vulnerable parts of the body, which can put even the largest opponent at a disadvantage. Furthermore, you can use Jiu-Jitsu chokes and holds on opponents of all sizes. Once you have mastered these skills, your size becomes irrelevant.
4. Jiu-Jitsu Addresses Reality
In Jiu-Jitsu classes, you’ll be in a controlled environment. If you’re in a situation in which you need to use your self-defense skills, you can’t expect everything to be quite so safe and controlled. We recognize that reality and seek to provide students with practical skills that work in other locations.
For example, you’re unlikely to be wearing your Jiu-Jitsu gi when you’re in an unsafe situation on the street or in your home. You and your combatant will probably be wearing some kind of street clothes. There may be chairs, tables, street lights, or buildings in the way.
We’ll teach you how to use clothing and the environment to your advantage in a physical confrontation. You will develop body awareness, situational awareness, and tools for restraining weapons or other objects.
What’s the best martial art for self-defense? We believe it’s Jiu-Jitsu because it acknowledges the real world.
5. Brain Power Is Real Power
Not every woman feels like her strength lies in physical prowess. In Jiu-Jitsu, we consider the mind a muscle, too. Our goal is to help you hone your brain so the decisions you make while sparring are thoughtful, powerful, and effective.
Even if you don’t begin your study with an excess of mental fortitude, we’ll help you to develop it. Thinking on your feet in dangerous situations is a skill. Through practice, you will learn to act rather than freeze in self-defense situations.
In the classroom setting, you’ll have plenty of successful experiences executing moves and techniques on opponents of all sizes. This positive experience will build your confidence and deepen your skillset. Through practice, problem-solving on your feet will become second nature.
Once you’ve learned perseverance in Jiu-Jitsu class, that power follows you into the real world. Soon, there won’t be a single situation that you can’t handle. You’ll not only grow stronger — you’ll feel stronger.
Is Jiu-Jitsu Good for Self-Defense? YES!
Taking your safety into your own hands can be scary. That’s why building your confidence and competence through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an incredible way to build self-defense skills. Your newfound strength and self-esteem will change the way that you walk through the world.
So, is Jiu-Jitsu good for self-defense? Absolutely!
At Hassett’s Jiu-Jitsu club, we’re willing to prove it. We’re offering a free introductory class to new students interested in learning about the incredible, life-changing benefits of studying Jiu-Jitsu. Schedule your free class today and you’ll be on your way to a safer, more confident future.