Why My Martial Arts Style Is the Best for Me: A Personal Perspective

Often, the question of which martial arts style is the better arises, sparked by an innate desire to compare and find the perfect system. However, the truth is, no singular style can be crowned as the absolute best. The quality and effectiveness of a martial arts style are deeply rooted in the individual practitioner. This article delves into why my own style of Jiu-jitsu Japanese and Brazilian is the best for me, highlighting its unique strengths and why it serves my personal goals and needs.

The Art is the Practitioner

One of the core beliefs in many martial arts communities is that it is not the method, but the man. This means that the effectiveness and success of a martial artist are greatly influenced by their individual capabilities, natural aptitude, and personal development. My appreciation for my own style stems from its ability to align with my unique qualities and objectives as a martial artist. Jiu-jitsu, with its focus on ground fighting and grappling, complements my body type and combat mentality.

Self-Discovery Through Practice

What truly sets my martial arts journey apart is the emphasis on understanding oneself. Jiu-jitsu teaches us to identify our biggest obstacles and work to overcome them, often starting from within. By grappling with our internal challenges, we become better equipped to handle external adversaries. Once we achieve a profound understanding of our strengths and weaknesses, defeating other opponents becomes easier. This self-reflection and personal growth are key components that I have found invaluable as a martial artist.

Personal Fit and Success

The best martial arts style for a person is one that perfectly fits their unique abilities and aspirations. There is no one-size-fits-all solution. For me, Jiu-jitsu aligns perfectly with my physical attributes and training preferences. The techniques flow naturally with my body, enhancing my overall performance. However, it is important to recognize that what works for one individual may not be the ideal choice for another.

Comparative Analysis of Jiu-jitsu

While Jiu-jitsu is a highly effective martial art, it does have some limitations that make it challenging to dominate opponents in certain combat scenarios. Here are some areas where Jiu-jitsu falls short:

Striking: Pure Jiu-jitsu focuses heavily on ground fighting, which means practitioners often struggle when it comes to exchanging strikes. We rely more on takedowns and submissions, which sometimes leaves us in a vulnerable position if the fight goes upright. Grappling and Submission Techniques: Although Jiu-jitsu excels in ground grappling and submissions, it may not be as robust as other styles when it comes to defending against armed opponents. Techniques like disarming and paralyzing tactics, which are common in styles like Taekwondo, are less emphasized in Jiu-jitsu. Takedowns: The takedown training in Jiu-jitsu is often less aggressive compared to Judo. This means that fighters may not develop the same level of balance and ability to throw larger opponents as seen in Judo. As a result, I prefer to work on my opponent's back, using submission holds to tire them out and control the fight, rather than relying on takedowns due to a lack of systematic training in this area. Kicking Techniques: While Jiu-jitsu includes fundamental kicking techniques, it often lacks the advanced and lethal kicks and kickblocks seen in more kicking-focused disciplines like Muay Thai. This discrepancy can make it challenging to use the legs effectively during stand-up sections of a fight, especially if not practiced thoroughly.

While these weaknesses exist, it is crucial to note that many Jiu-jitsu practitioners also engage in cross-training with other martial arts to mitigate these shortcomings. For instance, some Jiu-jitsu experts are highly skilled in striking, grappling, and takedowns due to supplementary training in other forms of martial arts. This diversified approach helps in achieving overall combat proficiency. However, for those who primarily focus on Jiu-jitsu, addressing these weak points often requires intentional cross-training and practice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while Jiu-jitsu falls short in some areas compared to other martial arts, it remains the best style for me due to its alignment with my physical and mental attributes. The key takeaway is to recognize that the best martial arts style is one that suits the individual, not based on mere comparison. Whether you choose Jiu-jitsu, Taekwondo, or any other style, the ultimate success lies in finding the right fit and continually improving oneself.