BJJ and Judo Cross Training
Good Throwers Have the Best Guard Pulls
As someone who has long been fascinated by the art of grappling, I am always intrigued by the idea of cross-training and mixing different styles together. One combination that I have found particularly effective is the pairing of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), two styles that complement each other in unique and exciting ways.
Judo and BJJ are both flowers on the Jujitsu branch of the Grappling family tree. They share many similarities, but also have some distinct differences that can make them effective when mixed together.
Judo is a style of grappling that emphasizes throws and takedowns, while BJJ is focused more on ground fighting and submissions. By combining these two styles, practitioners can develop a more well-rounded and effective grappling game.
One of the main benefits of mixing Judo with BJJ is the way it can help develop greater physical toughness. Judo requires a great deal of strength, endurance, and explosiveness, which can be valuable for BJJ practitioners looking to improve their competitive mindset, conditioning and overall physical fitness.
At the same time, BJJ can be a great choice for those who want to improve their technique and strategy. BJJ is one of the few sports you can play sitting down, which can be invaluable for those who are recovering from an injury or looking to take a more relaxed approach to training.
There are many important techniques and concepts to focus on when mixing Judo with BJJ. For example, Uchi-Mata, a popular Judo throw, can be adapted for use in BJJ by focusing on the kuzushi or off-balance that is needed to execute the technique effectively.
Another important technique to focus on when mixing these two styles is guard pulling, which is a common technique in BJJ that can be adapted to work effectively in Judo as well. Although often used as a form of risk management, when combined with a solid standup game aggressive guard pulls are deadly because the opponent is to worried about your uchi-mata. By combining these two skill sets, practitioners can develop a more well-rounded and versatile grappling game that can be effective in a variety of situations.
Whether you are a fan of Roger Gracie, Yuki Nakai, or Rickson Gracie, or simply a lover of Judo, this cross-training approach can improve your grappling game and become a more well-rounded, effective athlete. By focusing on fundamental skills such as Uchi-Mata, kuzushi, and guard pulling, practitioners can develop a unique and effective grappling style that opponents with less diverse skills will be unable to shut down.
