I understand your points, as this is exactly how I trained people before. It seems to me that there were two reasons for going without striking. One is the safety issue, and the second was because sport jiu-jitsu is much more popular than vale tudo. Training with a gi is very valuable, but the handles are very different than without the gi.
Now, let's say we believe that the best way to train is to start without punching to develop an understanding of grappling. That is logical, but if we are practicing techniques that we wouldn't do if striking was added, then we are practicing "bad" habits.
Look at it this way. Should we have everyone just do wrestling for 6 or 8 months without adding any submissions? No, because people would use escapes that are dangerous when armbars are available. They would get used to pushing someone off the mount, turning their back, etc. Same with training without punching. People will get bad habits that can only be truly pointed out by someone throwing in some shots.
I think this is the best way to go, and we will do it with the gi on also. Let's try this with all the students for 6 months and then look at the results. If the students are not grappling well, we can always go back.
Debate is very important in JKDU, and it is great that we can always ask questions. Thanks Shelton!
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"If you want to learn how to fight, you must practice fighting against someone who is fighting back!" Burton Richardson
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