The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post

Byron Quick · September 15, 1999, 05:15 AM

Skorzeny,

"Lastly, I personally think that if one had to learn one martial art for civilian self-defense, the "best" one is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Vale Tudo (the "anything goes" version of BJJ)."

"I agree that BJJ is not the be-all, end-all of martial arts and that it is not the "ultimate" martial art good for all situations, but I tend to believe that it is the most effective one-on-one, unarmed combat system that truly requires (and takes advantage of) superior skill than brute strength"

Skorzeny,

I have only seen BJJ in UFC videos and would agree with you on the second quote.

I've been in a lot of fights, unfortunately. My first truly serious fight was at fifteen when I was attacked by an adult. Choked him unconscious with a jujutsu choke.

However, most of the serious fights I have seen or participated in didn't have the luxury of one on one or unarmed. The caveat that it is the best one on one and unarmed is a very, very serious flaw.

When I am in situations where I think fighting may occur I bring armed friends. I bring weapons to brunch. Catching me alone and unarmed outside of the dojo is going to be quite a trick. I don't really care who defeats me in a dojo or with what as long as I learn something.

I've fought four opponents successfully on two occasions- real fights not dojo. I've fought eight successfully but that was a special case: they were unarmed, I had a three foot sawed off shovel handle and made a preemptive strike. I would have been stomped real good in those three fights with BJJ.

While I agree that BJJ is probably supreme in one on one with a disarmed opponent, I cannot agree with your suggestion that it is the best for the average person. Based on the fights I have been in and the fights I have seen, BJJ is a recipe for disaster for the fight on the street. Basically if someone takes my friend down with BJJ, I'm going to kick their head in.

September 15, 1999, 05:15 AM	#30
Byron Quick Staff In Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Waynesboro, Georgia, USA Posts: 2,361	Skorzeny, "Lastly, I personally think that if one had to learn one martial art for civilian self-defense, the "best" one is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Vale Tudo (the "anything goes" version of BJJ)." "I agree that BJJ is not the be-all, end-all of martial arts and that it is not the "ultimate" martial art good for all situations, but I tend to believe that it is the most effective one-on-one, unarmed combat system that truly requires (and takes advantage of) superior skill than brute strength" Skorzeny, I have only seen BJJ in UFC videos and would agree with you on the second quote. I've been in a lot of fights, unfortunately. My first truly serious fight was at fifteen when I was attacked by an adult. Choked him unconscious with a jujutsu choke. However, most of the serious fights I have seen or participated in didn't have the luxury of one on one or unarmed. The caveat that it is the best one on one and unarmed is a very, very serious flaw. When I am in situations where I think fighting may occur I bring armed friends. I bring weapons to brunch. Catching me alone and unarmed outside of the dojo is going to be quite a trick. I don't really care who defeats me in a dojo or with what as long as I learn something. I've fought four opponents successfully on two occasions- real fights not dojo. I've fought eight successfully but that was a special case: they were unarmed, I had a three foot sawed off shovel handle and made a preemptive strike. I would have been stomped real good in those three fights with BJJ. While I agree that BJJ is probably supreme in one on one with a disarmed opponent, I cannot agree with your suggestion that it is the best for the average person. Based on the fights I have been in and the fights I have seen, BJJ is a recipe for disaster for the fight on the street. Basically if someone takes my friend down with BJJ, I'm going to kick their head in.