I think you're right - the BJJ classes should be pretty injury free PROVIDED there's no idiots around. The better BJJ students don't always spar like a tourney, they are relaxed, and never crank anything on.
Also, pure BJJ clubs tend to have a more relaxed style than BJJ/MMA clubs as wrestlers/MMA and even judo guys often have a more aggressive attitude towards grappling. Not a problem IF they know what they're doing. I'm lucky in that I train in a club where there's a good relaxed bunch of guys. We've told the odd idiot that it's not for him, and we've taught the beginners to try to relax and flow through the moves.
I think the main culprit is ego. You show me a guy who wants to prove he's the greatest, and I'll show you a guy that'll cause injuries, and never learn as fast as the others. If I'm trying to focus on my armbar escapes, then I let guys armbar me - how else can we learn....
I'd say to give BJJ a go, but go to a few classes & watch how frantic the grappling is before deciding.
Hope this helps! |