I'm often asked what martial art must I add to my Self Defense training and my answer is simple: JUDO.
If you do not know me I was a Div 1 collegiate wrestler, I have rank in Brazilian Jiujutsu and naturally, I'm a second degree blackbelt in Judo.
So why Judo?
Position
Judo teaches you to remain on your feet, keep your balance versus a much larger and stronger enemy. Preserving your balance in a battle in vital to allow you to keep mobile and keep STRIKING (or stabbing, or bludgeoning. and EVEN DRAWING YOUR FIREARM).
On the ground Judo still requires you to fight for a position of dominance. I will keep in mind that SPORT JUDO permits you to stall to and get returned on your feet-- so for self defense it is CRITICAL that instead you combat to PIN or SUBMIT << Don't get lazy.</p>
The problem with BJJ is that it encourages you to go to the ground. Forget what "moves" or take downs you practice-- it's the end outcome and lots of BJJ fighters utilize those takedowns to enter into ground battling.
Going to the ground on purpose is a HUGE mistake given that the truth of weapons, numerous aggressors or dealing with much LARGER and STRONGER assaulters will eliminate most BJJ techniques which are designed to deal with somebody who is roughly your size or smaller.
Battling offers similar problems. Of all, the most popular takedown is the double leg. Because you're actually THROWING yourself to the ground, this puts you at a drawback. Now, don't get me wrong >> > I have done this effectively in the street (lot of times) however, I am NOT your average grappler and as I grow older facing more youthful, stronger and larger challengers I would face a TON of problems. -- with a great Judo base, I can still stay on my feet and do what I need to do.
If your average wrestler or MMA professional attempted a leg attack in the street against a bigger, https://tricityjudo.com/gracie-and-brazilian-jiu-jitsus-evolution-from-judo/ stronger challenger they will get crushed.
Likewise, wrestlers don't have an issue quiting their back on the ground and everyone who has actually ever seen an MMA battle understands this is a bad concept and in the street its 10 times worse.
NEVER CHOOSE THE GROUND.
We do not roll on mats in the street-- cement, debris, rocks, etc will CHEW YOU UP. When on the ground you're best option is to GET UP as quick as possible << practice this in your training.</p>
Urgency
Judo trains you to act with a sense of urgency. One false move, one mistake will end the match. This trains your mind to move with purpose and seriousness. This is the EXACT method you require to approach self-defense.
Wrestling and BJJ, while often need seriousness-- usually preach perseverance. AWAIT your challenger to make a mistake, create openings-- once again, this takes place in Judo and battling however at a typically FASTER rate than BJJ.
Time in Training
For you self-defense functions, you DON'T need to be great at Judo-- all you need is to build up a great defense which can happen in months, not years. If your first SDTS attack does not do what you need, you have a much better chance of keeping your balance, remain on your feet and continue to ESCAPE or cOMBAT.
However what about GI or no GI?
You can grip a t-shirt to carry out lots of Judo strategies and you'll be able to STILL maintain your balance ... even if your aggressor's naked (hey, I'm not judging-- stuff occurs).
Once again-- this is everything about SELF DEFENSE.
Keep your balance, and TAKE GROUND.