judo or ju-jitsu?

[seanyseanybean]

Hi

I am 20 y/o, 5'8, 140ibs.
I am looking for a grappling art to train, for mostly fun, and self defence, and to fill the gap that my main art (tang soo do) is lacking. the only options i have are Judo and kempo Ju-jitsu. I live in th english countryside.

which would you suggest and why?

is there sparring in KJJ?

Here is the judo class' site, does it look any good?

http://www.wgcjudo.org.uk/index.shtml

There is a JKD class fairly near which teaches JKD/BJJ/Kali, but i think that i wont get as much out of it as i am only interested in 1/3 of the training.

Thanks in advance for any help...

[JkD187]

Not to sound like a basher but tsd is lacking in more areas then one.If i were you id go to the jkd school (not trying to toot my own horn)you will learn how to fight standup/clinch/ground/weapons and you will get in great shape and learn real self defense.

[seanyseanybean]

fair enough, your entitled to your opinion and i'm an open minded guy.

Please could you explain as to what you think TSD is lacking that i would gain in JKD other than grappling and weapons?

[JkD187]

As Far as stand up goes you will most likely learn the muay thai clinch and how to effectivly throw knees and elbows from there.Also as part of the bjj curriculim you will also learn takedowns.Alot of good jkd schools have a strong emphasis on western boxing and low shin kicks as well.Tsd is a great art as well...however i suggest you go to each and give em all a try and see which one fits your needs the best.The above stated in a basic describtion of a good jkd school and what they will most likey teach.If you go in there and they are teaching alot of bs looking stuff i suggest you dont even waste your time.Happy huntings brother .

[seanyseanybean]

Thanks for the reply.

to be honest i'm pretty happy with my stand up. i use boxing punches (though ive never trained in it) as i find them way more effective, and i condition my shins for leg kicks by throwing them at my free standing bag, as i have seen how effective they can be.

I really like the principles of TSD free fighting with stuff like, flowing with the momentum of kicks and blocks, and the use of the side kick to the ribs, the deception of trying to get around an opponents guard. We also train knees and elbows. So i dont feel i need a differant stand up.

[Hardball]

From what I know about Kempo jujitsu it relies on a lot of pressure point manipulation and may be a good course to take. Judo is rugged and you will take a lot of hard falls but you will learn a lot of throws. Advanced judo {Brown belt and above} is awesome with a lot of foot throws, sweeps,chokes and other useful techniques.

As for which class to take I would suggest a trial visit at both dojos. After doing trial visits is should be no doubt which school you want to join.


Footnote: A lot of people cannot handle judo because of the throwing. A lot of judoka have bad shoulders from taking all of the falls. Judo hip throws hurt like hell but the rewards are good.

Me personally, I would take judo, since you are already trained in one striking art. Judo is awesome.

[seanyseanybean]

thanks for the reply hardball, it was very helpfull.

Anyone else?

[blitz]

Heh to be honest ill go for the jkd class :P

[seanyseanybean]

okay fair enough, why JKD? considering my position?

[BoarSpear]

if you are lucky enough to find JJJ then i would say GO FOR IT !!!

Its tough finding a good school no matter the style

go have a look see, If they will let you participate in a class even better.

judo is basically JJJ without the strikes...the flow of strikes that lead up to the throw are helpful... if its a good school and you "fit" that would be my recommendation. The ability to throw (and survive being thrown) is a HUGE part of fighting. In Mongolian Wrestling we try to unroot the opponent on first contact...people who are fighting gravity have a hard time fighting you too

[seanyseanybean]

thanks boarspear,

my only reservation is that i heard that you dont spar in KJJ/JJJ, though i could be wrong?

[JkD187]

thanks boarspear,

my only reservation is that i heard that you dont spar in KJJ/JJJ, though i could be wrong?

It really depends on the school....but every judo school has randori and most jkd guys spar alot also which is the main reason i basically said it.Id rather be able to throw punches and toss somebody then practice one and two step sparring and pray it works.

[seanyseanybean]

It really depends on the school....but every judo school has randori and most jkd guys spar alot also which is the main reason i basically said it.Id rather be able to throw punches and toss somebody then practice one and two step sparring and pray it works.

do you mean JJJ/KJJ does 1 and 2 step sparring?

[JkD187]

do you mean JJJ/KJJ does 1 and 2 step sparring?

Alot of schools do.....some dont it all depends......you should just go and check it out.

[pstevens]

First of all, Judo is NOT JJJ without the strikes. JJJ has many styles, very few of which resemble Judo. Personally speaking, Judo is better, as it stresses "live" sparring, and in some cases, newaza (ground grappling). In contrast, most, if not all, JJJ teaches pre-arranged techniques with little "live" sparring.

I tend to agree with JkD187... If you're truly interested in a complete training program, why not go with JKD. I know you feel like you're confident in your punching, but thinking you know boxing and actually knowing boxing, are two completely different things. I have trained with several people who come from JKD backgrounds and they are well-versed in many areas of martial arts, including MT, BJJ, Boxing and Filipino arts. I seriously doubt you will cover such a range of knowledge with TSD and Judo or JJJ.