4 Self-Defense Techniques Every Person Should Know
Everyone should learn proper self-defense techniques to protect themselves in any situation.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is historically a self-defense system for all ages and body types. Gustavo Machado is a BJJ Academy ready to teach anyone the fundamentals. Continue reading to discover four essential defense techniques every person should learn and know.
Situational Awareness/Mental Conditioning
It is essential to begin Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu by understanding situational awareness and mental conditioning. You must recognize and anticipate your opponent’s next move while understanding your surroundings. This requires great concentration and focus, which can be harnessed with mental conditioning. Any activity based in strategy requires a clear headspace to achieve positive results. By actively conditioning one’s mind to not overreact or give in to emotions, one will become stronger in mind and body collectively, thus creating an upperhand in self-defense.
Distance Management/Reactionary Gap
A reactionary gap not only creates a greater distance from the opponent, but allows enough time to defend and respond to attacks. Proper distance management is crucial for escaping bad positions. Shrimping is one of the most essential and basic BJJ techniques to help you escape and neutralize an opponent’s attack. This technique essentially teaches you how to scoot across the mat on your back without being vulnerable to attacks.
Defense of a Punch or Strike
Various moves are taught within BJJ to learn how to defend punches or strikes while on the ground. One of the important aspects is distance management. Circling back to our previous point, dictating the amount of distance between you and your opponent will enable you to counterattack and apply closed guards. Another common technique for beginners is the scissor sweep. All fundamentals are taught in our introductory course for all skill levels at Gustavo Machado Academy.
Defense of a Grab or Takedown
Gripping is another essential technique in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Properly knowing where and how to grip will grant leverage against opponents and help you escape certain attacks or positions. Part of learning how to grip is learning how to defend it. Much of BJJ takes place on the ground, so it’s important to understand both open and closed guards, and how to effectively escape them. The next step is not only escaping these moves on the ground, but then taking the top position by subduing your opponent.
At Gustavo Machado, we offer classes to teach the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and equip you with the proper tools to become a master. Students aged 13 and older can learn and master the fundamentals of BJJ including how to take an opponent to the ground, gain a dominant position, and submission techniques. Learn more about our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, or contact us to enroll today.
