I have one year to focus on either boxing, wrestling or jiu jitsu. I’m doing it for self defense purposes and knowing that I can handle a situation if shit gets real. I have wide shoulders, a slim waist and very long limbs. My talent is in grappling, I’ve never been taken down when wrestling with my friends and took down people who are 50+ lbs heavier than me via locks and submissions (None of us are trained, though). However, I suck at striking. If I took up grappling I will progress very fast. If I took up boxing I will get used to being hit in the face. Which one should I choose?
Boxing.
Boxing +2, sounds like with boxing rounding you out and giving you a good base across the board that you may fair well. You can progress really fast in your first year as a boxer . And at the end of the year you would have enough skills to ensure that nobody could really hurt you if you just go defensive.
Interesting points. I don’t agree with the following, though.
[quote]Dude623 wrote:
at the end of the year you would have enough skills to ensure that nobody could really hurt you if you just go defensive.[/quote]
[quote]Mina293 wrote:
Interesting points. I don’t agree with the following, though.
[quote]Dude623 wrote:
at the end of the year you would have enough skills to ensure that nobody could really hurt you if you just go defensive.[/quote]
[/quote]
I disagree with this as well, although of the three options you put forward I would lean toward boxing as well.
I also suggest you read/research a bit on the cerebral/legal/moral aspects of self defence. There are an number of “which style?” threads in this board that touch on these questions and could provide a good starting point for your own inquiry. Your brain is always your most valuable tool when “shit gets real” and more importantly when it comes to avoiding shit getting real.
Edit: If nothing else memorize and live by the “3 Stupids”.
1.) Avoid stupid places
2.) Avoid stupid people
3.) Avoid people who are doing stupid things and/or doing stupid things yourself.
The above is misappropriated from another poster on this board, Robert A. I lack his panache, but it’s still good advice.
What batman said.
All 3 of those that you listed are Combat Sports (with the possible exception of BJJ, though at least here in the States most schools focus on sportive application) and thus much of what you learn will be skills which have evolved out of the specific rules and conditions under which these sports take place; none of them are specifically designed or geared towards real world violent encounters.
That said, all 3 will develop very useful attributes and there are certainly skills contained within each sport which are directly applicable to self defense. You just have to be careful not to conflate the sportive application or conditions with real world application and conditions. As long as you keep things in perspective and maintain a self defense/no rules lense through which you view your training though, any of those arts can be great training tools.
[quote]Mina293 wrote:
I have one year to focus on either boxing, wrestling or jiu jitsu. I’m doing it for self defense purposes[/quote]
1 year. This is a random time frame that you have applied yourself?
Or do you feel that you will be placed in a more dangerous situation in the next year?
The self defense element is the most important.
This is not competition - you must select the art most suited for self preservation, not offense.
[quote]Mina293 wrote:
I have wide shoulders, a slim waist and very long limbs. My talent is in grappling, I’ve never been taken down when wrestling with my friends and took down people who are 50+ lbs heavier than me via locks and submissions (None of us are trained, though).
If I took up grappling I will progress very fast.[/quote]
Your body shape is not the a-typical for wrestling, yet you say that grappling is a natural instinct.
This would steer me towards BJJ or Judo. Leverage and weight manipulation are two key capabilities in these sports and long limbs can be useful for some of the more intricate submissions.
Furthermore, I have good store in these Arts for self defense as you are trained in and use the gi - an outfit more bulky than ordinary clothing. This is excellent rehearsal for SD.
[quote]Mina293 wrote:
If I took up boxing I will get used to being hit in the face.[/quote]
Self preservation should be at the core of any martial art.
Withstanding punishment should not be an option.
Don’t be the “hit me” guy.
I feel in the allotted time frame you could learn most in BJJ or Judo.
In one year these sport allow one the greatest opportunity for progression. You are educated as much as you allow yourself to be, the movements are age-old and should you immerse yourself in the sport, you can learn many of them.
There is a less focus on serving your time than there is in the ring or the mat, where the rookie period generally is spent nursing bloody noses or icing your shoulders.
BJJ and Judo are tough sports. But there is a greater comradery than you will find in the others.
I also feel that Boxing and wrestling are sports scored on mastering aggression. Your goal was self defense and I wouldnt select these arts on that criteria.
[quote]Mina293 wrote:
Interesting points. I don’t agree with the following, though.
[quote]Dude623 wrote:
at the end of the year you would have enough skills to ensure that nobody could really hurt you if you just go defensive.[/quote]
[/quote]
I meant that you would have the skill to slip,block or parry what ever initial attack. Then break contact and promptly move out. Generally this can be taught depending on the student in a year.
Also there is a big difference between learning judo katas in a static environment and actually working them in a self defense situation this is a huge difference that takes years of randori to perfect. When I trained as a teen in judo I would train 8 hours per week and then go to wrestling practice for a additional 6-8 hours per week. And I didn’t really feel competent using it in my self defense for several years. And until I started boxing it never really got tied into actual fighting applications.
[quote]Sentoguy wrote:
What batman said.
All 3 of those that you listed are Combat Sports (with the possible exception of BJJ, though at least here in the States most schools focus on sportive application) and thus much of what you learn will be skills which have evolved out of the specific rules and conditions under which these sports take place; none of them are specifically designed or geared towards real world violent encounters.
That said, all 3 will develop very useful attributes and there are certainly skills contained within each sport which are directly applicable to self defense. You just have to be careful not to conflate the sportive application or conditions with real world application and conditions. As long as you keep things in perspective and maintain a self defense/no rules lense through which you view your training though, any of those arts can be great training tools.
[/quote]
Very well stated, I intend to use if you don’t mind.
[quote]Mina293 wrote:
I have one year to focus on either boxing, wrestling or jiu jitsu. I’m doing it for self defense purposes and knowing that I can handle a situation if shit gets real. I have wide shoulders, a slim waist and very long limbs. My talent is in grappling, I’ve never been taken down when wrestling with my friends and took down people who are 50+ lbs heavier than me via locks and submissions (None of us are trained, though). However, I suck at striking. If I took up grappling I will progress very fast. If I took up boxing I will get used to being hit in the face. Which one should I choose?[/quote]
I have boxing (5 years) and BJJ (1 year) experience.
Strictly speaking in terms of self-defense, I’m going to go with BJJ.
When I boxed, I was really big on movement and using the confined space to my advantage. That isn’t something that necessarily transfers to streetfighting because you aren’t necessarily going to be fighting in a ring as much as a street corner, parking lot, bar, backyard, etc. No corners, no ropes. In addition, punching and blocking with gloves as well limits on dirty boxing, tie-ups, and other “gentleman’s” rules of boxing. That is, unless, your coach is going to teach you something more along the line of stand up street fighting. I think these are important, and overlooked points.
[quote]Mina293 wrote:
I have one year to focus on either boxing, wrestling or jiu jitsu. I’m doing it for self defense purposes and knowing that I can handle a situation if shit gets real. I have wide shoulders, a slim waist and very long limbs. My talent is in grappling, I’ve never been taken down when wrestling with my friends and took down people who are 50+ lbs heavier than me via locks and submissions (None of us are trained, though). However, I suck at striking. If I took up grappling I will progress very fast. If I took up boxing I will get used to being hit in the face. Which one should I choose?[/quote]
Boxing gives you the most in the shortest time. It teaches you to hit with speed, power, and - most importantly - in combinations, and also how to shift your weight, slip, move, counter, and step. It doesn’t give you everything in terms of self-defense (weapons, multiple attackers, etc.) but it’s highest on the “bang for your buck” list and teaches the fundamentals better than any other art.
Boxers are a nightmare to tangle with outside of the gym too. I just posted this video in another thread but damn I loved it.
[quote]Dude623 wrote:
[quote]Sentoguy wrote:
What batman said.
All 3 of those that you listed are Combat Sports (with the possible exception of BJJ, though at least here in the States most schools focus on sportive application) and thus much of what you learn will be skills which have evolved out of the specific rules and conditions under which these sports take place; none of them are specifically designed or geared towards real world violent encounters.
That said, all 3 will develop very useful attributes and there are certainly skills contained within each sport which are directly applicable to self defense. You just have to be careful not to conflate the sportive application or conditions with real world application and conditions. As long as you keep things in perspective and maintain a self defense/no rules lense through which you view your training though, any of those arts can be great training tools.
[/quote]
Very well stated, I intend to use if you don’t mind.[/quote]
Thanks. Of course, feel free. 
[quote]alpha_mike wrote:
[quote]Mina293 wrote:
I have one year to focus on either boxing, wrestling or jiu jitsu. I’m doing it for self defense purposes and knowing that I can handle a situation if shit gets real. I have wide shoulders, a slim waist and very long limbs. My talent is in grappling, I’ve never been taken down when wrestling with my friends and took down people who are 50+ lbs heavier than me via locks and submissions (None of us are trained, though). However, I suck at striking. If I took up grappling I will progress very fast. If I took up boxing I will get used to being hit in the face. Which one should I choose?[/quote]
I have boxing (5 years) and BJJ (1 year) experience.
Strictly speaking in terms of self-defense, I’m going to go with BJJ.
When I boxed, I was really big on movement and using the confined space to my advantage. That isn’t something that necessarily transfers to streetfighting because you aren’t necessarily going to be fighting in a ring as much as a street corner, parking lot, bar, backyard, etc. No corners, no ropes. In addition, punching and blocking with gloves as well limits on dirty boxing, tie-ups, and other “gentleman’s” rules of boxing. That is, unless, your coach is going to teach you something more along the line of stand up street fighting. I think these are important, and overlooked points. [/quote]
First, if you are learning old school BJJ that was geared towards very few rules challenge matches, then I might agree that at least many facets of self defense are covered. Even MMA focused BJJ covers at least grappling, remedial striking, and defending against strikes. So in that regard it would cover more things from a self defense standpoint.
That said, since BJJ is geared towards entangling yourself with your opponent (grappling), it can get you into trouble in real self defense as greater entanglement usually means less mobility/more difficult to immediately escape the situation and longer durations of fights. In fact if you watch many of the old school early very few rules MMA fights featuring the Gracies they often make a point to drag the fight on and essentially just outlast their opponents. This is fine and clearly worked out well for them when it was a one on one fight with some rules (though admittedly few) and in a controlled environment. But, add in weapons, multiple opponents or unfriendly environments and such an increase in timeframe and entanglement can get you in big trouble.
So again, not saying that BJJ isn’t a useful skill set or doesn’t teach some useful skills, but you really need to be careful not to buy into the hype or into believing that semi realistic training is the same as real fighting.
If you are interested in self defense, why limit your training to simply 1 art? If I were you, I would join a gym that offers all of the disciplines that compromise mixed martial arts such as: boxing, muay thai, wrestling, judo, and bjj. If you do this, you can concentrate more on your striking and still train grappling.
If you only want to pick up one martial art for self defense, I would go with boxing. I’ve trained in boxing, muay thai, wrestling, judo, and bjj, and in my opinion, I agree wholeheartedly with fightingirish’s comments. Boxing gives you the most in the shortest time. You’ll learn footwork, slips, head movement, and correct punching technique at a quicker pace than any of the other fighting arts. If I had to list the order of the arts that I picked up the fastest it would be:
-
Boxing
-
Muay Thai
-
BJJ
-
Wrestling
-
Judo
Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing.
My reasoning and I’ve stated this before, is that hitting someone with your hands is as natural as breathing when you get into a fight or flight situation. Regardless of what degree of skill you display.
Although the upper limits of required technical skill of all martial arts extend as far as the practitioner continues to invest their body, boxing starts at the bottom of the spectrum in regard to skill needed to learn.
Basically, the novice athlete with low coordination and technical skill can adapt quicker to the study of boxing than to that of Muay Thai which now utilises more limbs to attack and defend. The study of BJJ requires yet more innate or learned coordination and technical skill at even a beginner level. Look at it as a continuum of skill that begins at different thresholds, in which boxing starts first but in which all arts meet at the far end.
Now, this is the important part: Because the technical skill required to be a novice boxer is less than that of a novice grappler, a novice boxer is better and sooner prepared to deal instant hurt compared to his colleague practicing grappling.
My theory is not in a journal. It’s anecdotal. Use it, don’t use it.
I’m thankful for all of your helpful replies. The majority of posters said boxing and explained why it’s better for my situation. The ones who decided on another art explained why boxing is not better for my situation. Boxing it is. I just bought a pair of fight monkey leather boxing gloves and got a membership in a boxing gym that also has a complete strength training facility with dumbbells that go up to 200 lbs. 2 boxing sessions with a trainer a week, each lasting 90 minutes, and 2 other sessions hitting the heavy bag on my own. Also, shadowboxing here and there, footwork practice…this is gonna be fun! Lifting will be scheduled around the boxing sessions. Again, thank you members for helping me make this decision.
[quote]Pigeonkak wrote:
Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing. Boxing.
My reasoning and I’ve stated this before, is that hitting someone with your hands is as natural as breathing when you get into a fight or flight situation. Regardless of what degree of skill you display.
Although the upper limits of required technical skill of all martial arts extend as far as the practitioner continues to invest their body, boxing starts at the bottom of the spectrum in regard to skill needed to learn.
Basically, the novice athlete with low coordination and technical skill can adapt quicker to the study of boxing than to that of Muay Thai which now utilises more limbs to attack and defend. The study of BJJ requires yet more innate or learned coordination and technical skill at even a beginner level. Look at it as a continuum of skill that begins at different thresholds, in which boxing starts first but in which all arts meet at the far end.
Now, this is the important part: Because the technical skill required to be a novice boxer is less than that of a novice grappler, a novice boxer is better and sooner prepared to deal instant hurt compared to his colleague practicing grappling.
My theory is not in a journal. It’s anecdotal. Use it, don’t use it.[/quote]
Great way of putting things.
As stated in the above comments, any of those three styles will serve as a nice base for SD training. Most places will teach from a sport perspective but with a few adjustments they will be fine. There are other fairly accessible styles that would also meet a basic SD need such as muay thai, JKD, Judo, Krav Maga and other reality based systems. Will a certain style meet your needs…talk with the instructor and some students, explain your desires and get their input. In my area, there is a judo gym that I would suggest for self defense over the local BJJ gyms. Why??? Both places have excellent sport training but the judo place also offers a separate class for applying the style to SD/combat. The BJJ gyms do not.
I will add: don’t just look at the style but the complete gym. Is the place you would train at somewhere 1) you can get to fairly easily, 2) offers classes at times good for your schedule and 3) has an environment (and people) you will enjoy training in for the next 12 months? You will progress by regular training. If the gym doesn’t meet those 3 items, it could be the “best style” from the “greatest teacher” but won’t do you much good if you never get there.
[quote]mixicus wrote:
As stated in the above comments, any of those three styles will serve as a nice base for SD training. Most places will teach from a sport perspective but with a few adjustments they will be fine. There are other fairly accessible styles that would also meet a basic SD need such as muay thai, JKD, Judo, Krav Maga and other reality based systems. Will a certain style meet your needs…talk with the instructor and some students, explain your desires and get their input. In my area, there is a judo gym that I would suggest for self defense over the local BJJ gyms. Why??? Both places have excellent sport training but the judo place also offers a separate class for applying the style to SD/combat. The BJJ gyms do not.
I will add: don’t just look at the style but the complete gym. Is the place you would train at somewhere 1) you can get to fairly easily, 2) offers classes at times good for your schedule and 3) has an environment (and people) you will enjoy training in for the next 12 months? You will progress by regular training. If the gym doesn’t meet those 3 items, it could be the “best style” from the “greatest teacher” but won’t do you much good if you never get there.[/quote]
Good points about the importance of proximity, scheduling, and a friendly (yet tough and honest) training environment.
Regarding other unnamed styles, if the OP had listed a RMA (Reality Martial Art) like Krav, LSM, DCM, etc…and had the specific goal of self defense, then that should be first on his list of places to check out. I realize that some RMA’s don’t teach things like striking or grappling as well as specialized systems like Boxing, but those arts are still going to teach things like legal/moral considerations of combat, verbal, postural, and cerebral self defense skills, weapons defense and deployment, strategies for dealing with multiple opponents; all things that are absolutely relevant and important when talking about real world application/self defense and will not be addressed at all in a combat sport (because they are totally irrelevant). They will also at least teach things like striking and grappling skills to enough of an extent to where one could handle most people they might encounter on the street.
Some of course do these things better than others (just as some teach striking and grappling better than others), but the majority should at least teach them to some extent.
[quote]Sentoguy wrote:
[quote]mixicus wrote:
As stated in the above comments, any of those three styles will serve as a nice base for SD training. Most places will teach from a sport perspective but with a few adjustments they will be fine. There are other fairly accessible styles that would also meet a basic SD need such as muay thai, JKD, Judo, Krav Maga and other reality based systems. Will a certain style meet your needs…talk with the instructor and some students, explain your desires and get their input. In my area, there is a judo gym that I would suggest for self defense over the local BJJ gyms. Why??? Both places have excellent sport training but the judo place also offers a separate class for applying the style to SD/combat. The BJJ gyms do not.
I will add: don’t just look at the style but the complete gym. Is the place you would train at somewhere 1) you can get to fairly easily, 2) offers classes at times good for your schedule and 3) has an environment (and people) you will enjoy training in for the next 12 months? You will progress by regular training. If the gym doesn’t meet those 3 items, it could be the “best style” from the “greatest teacher” but won’t do you much good if you never get there.[/quote]
Good points about the importance of proximity, scheduling, and a friendly (yet tough and honest) training environment.
Regarding other unnamed styles, if the OP had listed a RMA (Reality Martial Art) like Krav, LSM, DCM, etc…and had the specific goal of self defense, then that should be first on his list of places to check out. I realize that some RMA’s don’t teach things like striking or grappling as well as specialized systems like Boxing, but those arts are still going to teach things like legal/moral considerations of combat, verbal, postural, and cerebral self defense skills, weapons defense and deployment, strategies for dealing with multiple opponents; all things that are absolutely relevant and important when talking about real world application/self defense and will not be addressed at all in a combat sport (because they are totally irrelevant). They will also at least teach things like striking and grappling skills to enough of an extent to where one could handle most people they might encounter on the street.
Some of course do these things better than others (just as some teach striking and grappling better than others), but the majority should at least teach them to some extent.
[/quote]
Krav Maga Schools are shit where I live. False confidence for single moms basically. I don’t even know about the others, but they’re not as appealing as boxing or wrestling at all.