Let’s break down jiu jitsu vs boxing:
Both martials arts are extermely popular and effective. Both are great for self defense, but lets take a deeper look at the differences, which one may be better for self defense, and which one may be best for you.
The fact is that a brazilian jiu jitsu practitioner will always win in an altercation between them and a non grappling trained boxer.
Both styles have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, making them each suitable for different situations. Jiu-Jitsu is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on taking an opponent to the ground and submitting them using techniques like chokes and joint locks. This makes it ideal for self-defense situations where there is a risk of being taken to the ground.
Boxing, on the other hand, is a stand-up striking martial art that emphasizes punches and defense. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, making them suitable for different situations.
Related: Which Martial Art Should I Learn First?
Jiu Jitsu vs Boxing
To give more information about Jiu- Jitsu vs Boxing check out this quick infographic below:
How do the rulesets differ for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and Boxing:
Both jiu jitsu and boxing are heavily shaped by their competition ruleset. These rules influence how these martial arts are trained and often influence how effective they would be when used in a real life self defense scenario.
BJJ Ruleset:
The goal in bjj comes down to the below 3 step process:
Take opponent down > control them > submit them
- In bjj controlling the opponent on the ground and eventually submitting him is the goal.
- Strikes are strictly prohibited.
- Once an opponent is on the ground and controlled via a pin (such as mount or side control) you can then work toward a submission
- submissions fall into two categories: 1. Joint Locks 2. Strangulations
- In a competition setting, different organiztions have very different rule sets
- Matches can be timed differently (most are usually 4-7 minutes long). For instance, the IBJJF has time limits for different belt levels. However, some high-level matches have no time limit and can end only in a submission. (its not uncommon for these matches to go behind 30 minutes)
- In common competitions, your opponents are chosen based on sex, age, experience, and belt level
- You are put into a bracket against other competitors and usually in a “round robin format” or single elimination format
- Matches are sectioned off within a certain boundary on the mats (however, the boundary rules are less strict than those found in wrestling)
Boxing Ruleset
Since boxing has been around longer in the modern world as a viewer sport, the boxing ruleset is a bit more strict, complex, and even maybe a bit limiting:
- In boxing, the goal is to knock out the opponent or make them unable to continue the fight
- Each round is scored by the judges individually. If both boxers are still fighting at the end of the fight, the winner is determined by the fighter with the higher score provided by the judges
- Striking is only allowes with a closed first
- There is no other form of striking allows (striking with your head, elbos, knees, legs is prohibited)
- A strike can only be delivered above the waist. Strikes in the back of the head, to the groin, and the kidneys are not allowed.
- Matches are fought in a square standard ring
- Standard ring sizes range is16 to 24 feet (4.9 to 7.3 m) between the ropes, with 2 feet (0.61 m) space around the outside
- Every round lasts 3 minutes with a 1-minute break in between, generally there are 12 rounds in a professional bout
Common Techniques in Jiu Jitsu and Boxing:
| Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | Boxing |
|---|---|
| strangulations (guillotines, triangles, rear naked chokes) | strikes (jabs, cross, hooks uppercuts) |
| joint locks (arm bars, ankle locks, kimuras) | counter punching |
| takedowns (often taken from wrestling, judo) | dodging and weaving |
| pins (mount, side control, knee on belly) | timing your punches |
What Equipment do you need for boxing?
In boxing training and compeition here are some common items you would need:
- regulation padded boxing gloves
- shorts
- mouthguard
- padded hear gear
- boxing specific shoes
- boxing pads for training
- heavy bag
- speed bag
- groin protection
What Equipment do you need for jiu jitsu?
In jiu jitsu training, classes are either trained in the gi (a cloth jacket and pants) or are considered no gi (where you usually wear a rashguard and shorts).
In bjj your experience and rank are signified by a colored belt – for our full guide on the jiu jitsu belts check out our post here.
Aside from clothing some other common equipment you might need for bjj are:
- mouthguard
- head gear (as seen in wrestling)
- knee pads (since you are on your knees often in training)
- ankle or wrist gear (if you have any injuries)
How to Learn BJJ
Check these details, on how to learn bjj:
- include deliberate practice in the training room
- focus on a specific position or position during each training session
- After you learn the basics you should spend a good amount of time live grappling – not just general sparring, but also positional sparring with different positions that are difficult or uncommon. This will help you become more comfortable and familiar with them.
- Competitors too frequently fixate on submissions. Great BJJ technique results from having control over your opponent—moving their body where you please. There is some truth to position over submission
- If you want to excel, focus on comprehension of certain positions— common reactions from specific techniques or posotions, how to espace from common pins like mount or side control, how to enter into your own pins, and most importantly, how to maintain control in these dominant positions
- Drill a new technique or positions frequently then once you learn the basics of it try to include it during live sparring (we recommend attempting these newly learned techniques on someone less experienced than yourself
How to learn boxing
Now, here are some general boxing training tips:
Beginners should be grounded in the four principal methods of putting the body weight into fast motion: (a) Falling Step, (b) Leg Spring, (c) Shoulder Whirl, (d) Upward Surge
- The power line is an important element of punching. When instructors and trainers fail to realize the close relationship between the power line and weight motion, it generally results in subpar punches with little force. So be guided!
- Straight punching with power must be given importance because instructors often emphasize shoulder whirl, leading beginners to believe that they should only punch straight without stepping.
- Teach the falling step (“trigger step”) for straight punching, if not given emphasis then the lef jab will usually be used lightly as an opening tool or “setup” instead of taking advantage of its stunning potential.
- There is a difference between shovel hooks and uppercuts, but beginners are not shown this. Similarly, taking long steps with hooks may open up those hooks into swings. The bob weave should be explained properly to those just starting out.
It is my personal belief that beginners should be taught all types of punches before being instructed in defensive moves, as nearly every defensive move should be accompanied by a simultaneous or delayed counterpunch.
Jiu JItsu for Self Defense
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an effective form of self-defense for a number of reasons.
- It is an excellent martial art for self-defense because it emphasizes practical techniques that can be used in real-world situations.
- It uses the principle of using an opponent’s force against them. So, even a smaller person can defend themselves against a stronger attacker
- Is a great workout and an excellent way to develop coordination, balance, and flexibility.
If you want to achieve optimal fitness levels and learn how to defend yourself, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu should be your go-to activity.
In addition, Some of the coaches have revealed that “BJJ is commonly trained as a sport. However, enforced rules in sparring and drilling can interfere with the frame of mind needed for self-defense situations.”
Being able to “get up” quickly and efficiently is one of the best things Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can teach you when it comes to multiple attackers.
To increase your chances of successfully fending off an attack, get up off the ground as soon as possible – most assailants will have friends with them. So, be careful.
Take note! Use BJJ and wrestling techniques to get back to your feet, then run. Don’t get too caught up with any one attacker: you can lose focus and then their friends will jump in.
Always remember this from our great coach-Rorion Gracie. It says;
“Self-defense is not just a set of techniques, it’s a state of mind that begins with the belief that you are worth defending”
Street Sport BJJ (Comparing BJJ for Self Defense and Sport BJJ)
If you are considering tips for practical self-defense training. You may consider this comprehensive presentation between street sport BJJ and BJJ for self-defense.
| Sport BJJ | BJJ for self-defense. |
| Is designed to be highly effective in a competition setting | BJJ can be modified for self defense and focus on takedowns and control via pinning positions |
| Utilizes many positions where the attacker can be effective from their back such as from full guard or half guard position | can be used to safely and efficiently deescalate an altercation without the need for excessive damage to you or your attacker |
| Should be modified for any self defense situation since many common sport bjj positions can lead playing from less dominant positions and vulnerable to strikes | An ideal form of self-defense for smaller individuals who might otherwise be at a disadvantage in a physical confrontation |
Hence, BJJ is an excellent self-defense system for several key reasons, whether you’re interested in sports or self-defense.
Boxing for Self Defense
Boxing is likely one of the best options for self defense. There’s a reson why boxing.
The two main issues with boxing for self defense are:
- it doesn’t include any grappling whatsoever
- has limited striking (only teaches striking with a closed fist)
- as opposed to muay thai which teaches striking with every part of every limb (fist, elbow, knees and legs)
Boxing is still solid for self defense since itcan teach you the basics of punching, counter punching, combination punching, and defensive maneuvers in striking.
There’s no doubt that learning the basics of boxing is very effective in self defense situations; however, we strongly recommedn including some form of grappling training that’s why MMA (mixed martial arts) has become so popular.
BJJ and Boxing in MMA
Mixed martial arts takes the best from the most effective martials and combines them into one training and fighting sytem.
It takes the effective grappling from wrestling, bjj, judo, and sambo and combines it with the striking found in muay thai, boxing, and kick boxing.
Boxing isone of the core martial arts that every mma practitioner should learn.
Boxing and BJJ are mere components of MMA, which is an entirely different game.
During the first UFC event, every one was blown away by the effictiveness of bjj.
However, when fighters learned to defend against BJJ after the later events, bjj tooks its equal place among the other martials arts that all mma fighters must learn – such as wrestling, boxing, muay thai, and bjj.
Submission specialists in MMA must learn and use many other skills to integrate their BJJ skills in the cage. If a bjj speciialists only relies on his jiu jitsu in the cage they will be sorely disadvantaged.
A skilled mma fighter must be efficient at all common martial arts found in MMA in order to be well rounded and effective from everywher.
There’s no doubt that boxing is a great foundation for bjj. However, when kicks and takedowns can be come into play they can be used very effectively against the standard boxing stance. Range is something that ever boxer needs to be aware of when going into MMA.
Takedowns, elbows, kicks all require a different awarenes that is often not required in standed boxing.
The truth is that – as long as a martial art is modified for cage fighting, it can still be very effective.
Grappling vs Striking
If a grappler and striker were to fight each other, who would come out on top? If you want to win the game, which player should you choose?
Fights are more often than not, rarely won from the clinch; however, whoever controls the clinch has power over what kind of fight it will be.
If a grappler dominates the clinch techniques, he (or she) will likely take the fight to ground combat. However if a striker is in charge of the clinching skillset, there’s less chance of him(or her) letting The bout go to wrestling on flooring.
Grappling and striking are two very different fighting styles that are often used in MMA. It is a close-quarters fighting style that emphasizes taking your opponent to the ground and using submission holds to finish the fight.
on the other hand, striking is more of a traditional fighting style that emphasizes using punches and kicks to wear down your opponent.
So, to answer which is better? between Grappling vs striking? It really depends on what you’re looking for in a fight. If you want a quick knockout, then striking is probably your best bet.
But if you’re looking for a longer, more technical fight, then grappling might be more up your alley.
Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide which style you prefer.
Best Martial Art for Small Guys
So which one would be considered the best martial art for small guys?
There are many martial arts out there, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.
We would have to give this one to Brazilian jiu jitsu. BJJ is made for a smaller practitioner where they can use control, leverages, and submissions against a larger opponent.
However, we strongly recommend still learning a striking martial arts usually in either boxing, kickboxing, or muay thai.
When it comes to finding the best martial art for small guys, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. However, there are a few things to consider that can help you make the best decision for your individual needs.
Think about what you hope to gain from martial arts training. Are you looking for self-defense skills, improved fitness, or something else? Once you have a clear idea of your goals, you can begin to narrow down your options.
If self-defense is your primary concern, then you may want to consider a martial art like Krav Maga or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu that emphasizes practical techniques.
If you’re more interested in the mental and physical benefits of martial arts training, then arts like Karate or Taekwondo may be a better fit.
Ultimately, the best martial art for small guys is the one that meets your individual needs and goals.
Boxing or jiu jitsu?
If you want to learn how to strike effectively, then boxing is probably the right choice for you. But if you’re interested in a more well-rounded martial arts experience, then jiu-jitsu is worth checking out. Try to consider this comparative presentation for boxing vs jiu jitsu.
| Boxing | Jiu-jitsu. |
| · uses punching as its main form of attack, this means that boxers generally have better striking skills. | · relies primarily on grappling and submissions. This means JJ practitioners are more adept at close-quarters combat. |
| · rounds are only three minutes long. Boxers need to be in peak condition to last the full 12 rounds. | · matches can go on for up to 30 minutes or more if submission only. Fighters need to maintain their energy and focus over a much longer period. |
| · points are awarded for clean punches that land on the opponent’s head or body. | · points are given for takedowns, guard passes, and submissions. |
| · boxers must be aggressive and good at counter punching | · jiu-jitsu fighters are strategic |
Is BJJ dangerous?
With proper training and safety precautions, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be enjoyed without fear of serious injury.
BJJ is a martial art that focuses on grappling and is also known for its “ground game”, which can be very dangerous if not properly applied.
Although BJJ can be dangerous, it is still practiced by many people all over the world. The reason why people still practice this martial art is because of its self-defense capabilities and its fitness benefits.
Take heed of this! When practiced correctly, BJJ can be an excellent way to stay in shape and for self-defense.
BJJ and Boxing – Conclusion
BJJ and Boxing are two great martial arts that can provide a lot of benefits. They can help you get in shape, learn self-defense, and even prepare you for a real fight if necessary. However, before you sign up for either of these classes, it’s important to do your research and make sure the studio is reputable.
There are a lot of scams out there, so be sure to ask around and read reviews before making a decision. Once you’ve found good art, be prepared to work hard and have fun! These martial arts can provide some serious fitness benefits as well as teach you how to defend yourself.
Which is better? Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or Boxing? Read more about this topic by simply clicking this site attached.
