Gracie Barra Self-Defense Techniques Anyone Can Use
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and the Gracie Barra curriculum, are centered on teaching self-defense techniques. From day one, students begin learning the fundamentals and self-defense remains a common thread throughout every student’s journey.
In fact, of all the benefits that students get from BJJ, self-defense techniques are among the most applicable to real life. They can benefit everyone simply because we don’t know when they will be needed—walking to your car late at night, in a crowd, in the hallways at school, or even on the job.
BJJ-based self-defense techniques are being taught to police forces around the country including Wilmington, North Carolina. Each officer receives at least four hours of jiu-jitsu instruction as part of standard training. One female officer said she is now “100% more confident” in her uniform despite being half the size of her peers and has even used some of the techniques in the field. Learn more about the Wilmington PD program.
But what is so special about the Gracie Barra approach to self-defense? The answer is best summarized by Gracie Barra black belt Mark Mullen: “The Gracie Barra Curriculum includes self-defense techniques that address specific situations that are common in real-life situations. The techniques are tested and proven over time by thousands of jiu-jitsu students and a student learning jiu-jitsu for self-defense can be confident that the techniques are valid and really work against a fully resisting opponent.” Click here to read the rest of Mark’s insights.
We know the value of Gracie Barra’s self-defense techniques, but the question now is, which ones can the average person utilize in the event of a confrontation or attack? Here are just some of them.
Double Leg Takedown
Most physical altercations begin with both you and the aggressor standing. It is vital that you keep a safe distance from the other person, however, if they continue to threaten your personal space, you may consider a Double Leg Takedown. It is demonstrated here.
Escape from Bear Hug
The reality is being grabbed from behind is a common way for aggressors to attack. If you are ever grabbed around the waist from behind, the technique shown here can be an effective way to escape and get away.
Push Kick + Double Leg Takedown
A variation to help keep distance from an attacker is the push kick as they walk toward you (careful not to leave your foot on their leg as they may attempt to trap it). If they continue to approach, a Double leg takedown would be a feasible next step, as seen in this video.
Body Lock Takedown
This takedown can be very effective to take an aggressor off their feet and onto their back. As Mark says, “If you can learn only one takedown in jiu-jitsu it should be this one.” Grab them firmly around the waist, keeping you safe from strikes, and ensure you step behind them, which is key to using your body to take them off-balance. See it demonstrated in this video.
Block and Dodge + Double Leg Takedown
The last variation applies to altercations in which your aggressor is attempting to strike you. BJJ focuses more on avoiding strikes than throwing them, so here is a useful way to block them while moving in to take the person off their feet with a Double leg takedown.
Come in and train with us at Gracie Barra Jacksonville to start learning these and many more ways to protect yourself. You never know when you will need them! We offer Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes for all levels starting from ages 4 and up. Sign up for a free trial class today!