Cross Training - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)

Fundamentally, Judo is enough to develop a person as a fighter and as an athlete. That said, it is important to find ways to expand your abilities. Fighting in something you are not comfortable will teach you about your habits and weaknesses. So even as a Sensei in Judo, I would always encourage my students to find other sports and martial arts to train in. Just do not get injured! Nor neglect your Judo training. If you are going to cross train, be smart!

This blog will be first in a series of blogs that will explore different sports and martial arts to cross train in. Which ones to do and why. This is a started list and will be added to and explored over time.

When tempted to fight fire with fire, remember that the Fire Department usually uses water.

-- Anonymous

Why?

Maybe the most obvious option given its direct lineage with Judo, similar techniques, and popularity. In general training in Gi/No-Gi BJJ will help you develop your ground game (ne-waza). Rolling with BJJ players will help you develop your ground game, which might not have much focus in Judo class.

Advantages

Ground Game

Stress testing ground techniques and movements. Comfort and proficiency comes from frequent practice and repetition.

(Some) Standing Techniques

Judo throws can be used in BJJ, and their use are a great way to test your skills. BJJ still has leg grabs and similar. So this will be an opportunity to use different set of techniques and defenses.

Different Rules

Learning how to win within the rules is a key advanced skill needed for any martial arts or sport. So by simply learning how to play the rules teaches you how to be strategic and tactical. For example, knowing how bad a back take is compared to Judo changes your game.

Disadvantages

Allows Stalling

BJJ rules are much more willing to allow stalling. As a Judoka, you will not have 30 seconds to setup a complex spider guard choke. Instead Judoka need to focus on quick, fast, progressive action. Get your dominate position, and execute technique - quickly.

Scared of Remaining Standing

Problem will be that many BJJ only players are scared of the stand up game. and so will just pull guard or butt scoot… This can hamper the ability for Judoka to train.

Additional Submissions

It is important to know other techniques. Just be careful not to depend on the in Judo. And keep in mind the reason many of them do not exist in Judo is because they are not safe and have high rate of injuries.

Banned Techniques

There are some "allowed" techniques in BJJ which are just very dangerous. Understand them, understand the defense, and do not use them!