BJJ and Multiple attackers?

[T-Rex]

How does a Bjj stylist defend himself against multiple attackers? I have only seen bjj stylists against only one opponent. I am currently studying the art and would like more insight on the style. thanks.

[John Bennett]

BJJ is the best style for fighting multiple opponents.

Here's why:

In BJJ class one is taught that you would be a fool or lunatic to think that you can fight more than one person at a time. Thus, BJJ teaches that you should run like hell to the nearest exit if you get jumped by more than one guy. Maybe drilling one guy with an elbow to clear a path on the way out.

Other less effective styles teach that you should stop, engage the attackers, and try to out-box them, or chop-sockey them like Steven Segal.

When I see these other styles demonstrate this ability under near-realistic circumstances I'll switch to their strategy. Until then I'll stick with the BJJ strategy which I know to be effective.


"If you ain't running, it's because you are being held, in which case you are grappling".

[duchman]

I disagree John,

Here's why:

First off the last place you want to be is being unarmed streetfight against multiple attackers.
The best way to fight multiple attackers is being armed and dangerous.


The standing grappling part of a multiple attacker street fight if they are unarmed. IMHO
They will hold you most of the time (upperbody)
I think judo/sambo/wrestling/bjj with standup grappling can be used more effective than just ground grappling

[John Bennett]

"The best way to fight multiple attackers is being armed and dangerous. "

That goes without saying.

---

Dutch please understand that BJJ is NOT JUST ground-fighting. That is a common misconception.

BJJ is a complete martial art that includes punches, kicks, throws, knees, elbows, headbutts, and ground grappling.

[duchman]

John,
the modern sport bjj, is just grappling

[Martial Artist]

Dutchman,are we talking about Sport Jiu-Jitsu or self defense? Self Defense Jiu-Jitsu has just what John said.Sport doesnt let you kick or punch but there is more to jiujitsu than just sprt. When you stated about being armed and dangerous this reminded me of an article.


Many years ago, Helio was vacationing on the farm of a good friend of his. Sitting out on the veranda of the house, the discussion invariably turned to the issue of the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu and, in this instance, its effectiveness versus weaponry as a means of self-defense. Helio's good friend was adamant that "Jiu-Jitsu is good, but I'd rather have a gun." His friend's position was why worry about learning a martial art like Jiu-Jitsu when all he needed was a gun to defend himself.

Helio tried to reason with his friend, but with no success. The discussion turned to a different topic and Helio discreetly asked his wife to go to his room and get his handgun and bring it to him without letting anyone see it. She brought the gun to Helio and he slipped it under his shirt. Helio then again raised the issue of Jiu-Jitsu versus a gun with his friend. Helio told his friend, "If you think guns are so effective, let's face off and you can show me how you would handle yourself. Pretend you have your gun and I will show you what I would do."

When they faced off, the man pulled an imaginary gun from his waist and pointed his finger at Helio. Helio pulled out his real gun and leveled it at the man and said, "I like to have a gun and the knowledge of Jiu-Jitsu."

Helio explained to his friend that if you believe that all you need to defend yourself is a gun, then you better have a gun on you all the time and be able to use it. He also reminded his friend that if you carry a gun, you better be prepared for the consequence of having to shoot someone. He then pointed out the impracticality of having a gun at the beach, when you are grocery shopping, having a quiet dinner with some friends, or at any time when you are not expecting danger. He explained that the issue was not to argue the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu versus a gun, but that unlike a weapon, Jiu-Jitsu is something that you carry in your mind all the time.

[duchman]

MA,
that's mexican judo that helio used, not bjj

[blown383]

LOL! Mexican judo....I haven't heard that one in a while.

[Mr. Miyagi]

Nothing is really ideal for multiple attackers but at least with bjj you know that you can dispose of guys one at a time. What cracks me up most is arts that have failed miserably against a single attacker claiming they can fend off multiple attackers.

[Shimora]

I once saw a really tall BJJ guy, he looked like a basketball player. He was attacked by a street gang and he managed to hold all seven gang members in his closed guard until the police arriived.

[Oberleutnant]

Shimora: I bet that was wiseguy

[Bau13]

hehehe....

I can picture it now.....
The cops arrive ...they see this really tall guy with 7 guys wrapped between his legs....

damn thats funny!

[Rob B]

The street is about surviving not winning. A few rules to street fighting:

1)Use BJJ as a last resort not a first option.

2)Learn how to wrestle to avoid takedowns

3)Learn a hard style striking art (boxing or Thai)

4)learn Kali/Escrima and carry a baton if your really worried.

5)Stay on your feet, keep mobile at all costs and make an exit the second an opening occurs.