There is such a wide range of techniques that are carried out in this extraordinary Martial art.

Many people refer to Jiu Jitsu as being the original Mixed Martial Art as it forms the basis of several others such as Judo, Karate and Aikido.

Judo is the throwing aspect of Jiu Jitsu moves that was extracted so that the throws could be practiced more safely in a competitive arena.

Karate was the striking aspect that was extracted so the striking elements of Jiu Jitsu could be practiced as a separate entity.

Aikido is the joint manipulating techniques where these flowing techniques are used to great effect, oftentimes taking advantage of the limited range of motion of a person’s joints to control their movement.

Some of the more traditional Styles of Jiu Jitsu will also include weapons such as “The Sword”

It is such a wide range of Jiu Jitsu moves that keeps it all so very interesting

The Throws consist of such techniques as The Hip Throw, this is a basic technique from which so many others are based.

Striking, Pressure Points, Ground Defense (Grappling), Take-Downs, Submissions, Escape Techniques, Weapons defense.

Styles have evolved in different directions, each concentrating on slightly different aspects from the next.

Jiu Jitsu moves often take advantage of such factors as Leverage, Momentum and Anatomy to gain a distinct advantage over your opponent.

There are so many variations on Jiu Jitsu Throws, some take advantage of the attackers momentum, some take advantage of momentum generated by the thrower, others require good leverage and others may require good mechanical technique. It is knowledge and practice of such areas that allows people to take on much larger and stronger opponents.

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Jiu Jitsu forms the basis of Judo (Throwing Techniques), Karate (Striking Techniques) and Aikido (Joint Manipulation).Judo is one of the Arts that was extracted from Jiu Jitsu, so throws could be practiced safely in a sporting type arena. The Judo throws shown above are the same as the throws used in Jiu Jitsu.It is such variety that makes such a great Art for us to be involved in, the Jiu-Jitsu Throws are just one element that is very dynamic and attracts much attention.

One of my Jiu-Jitsu students asked – “Why are we punching like this, with snap, concentrating on speed and withdrawing the punch as quickly as we throw it out, why aren’t we punching and applying all the theories to increase the effect of a strike, like Time on Target and overloading for example”.

It’s a good question!

Firstly, if we do not punch with speed, then the target has gone or the opponent can easily block the strike.

We need to punch fast and in combinations, setting up our power strikes. Our fast strikes will open up the targets and then our Power Strikes can do the damage. Practice your combinations in strikes of 3 or more, making your Power strike the final strike of the combination.

My Boxing days taught many very effective punching techniques and lots of opportunity to practice. Those hours of punching on Punch bags, speed balls, floor - ceiling balls, focus pads with great trainers helped to drill home the importance of good technique.

To become comfortable in striking well, it takes lots of practice. Effective punching is not natural to most people, the more you practice, the more comfortable it begins to feel.

So many people look really awkward in their punching technique, especially those who are new to fighting arts.

A Power strike as a lone strike is very difficult to disguise and often comes very telegraphed, however, when mixed in with a flurry of fast, distracting strikes, we have a far greater chance of getting it through to our intended target.

Concentrate on the mechanics of a strike, with speed and good movement of the body. Really feel comfortable and feel where the power is being generated from the movement of the hips and shoulders.

Power comes with speed, you can add the other factors that will add even more zap, such as:

• Time-on-target
• Overloading
• Targeting weak and sensitive areas
• Aiming through the target

Add these later when you are already feeling comfortable in your striking technique. This way your punching power and effectiveness will become phenomenal.

As always –

Train Hard – Train Smart - Fightwize

Many of my posts and articles are ended with the phrase “Train Hard - Train Smart - Fightwize” and it is a statment that I really believe in. It should be obvious to most but let me explain anyway -

 Train Hard

In Combat Sports, there is no substitute for hard work when training to maximize your results in any area. It needs you to Train Hard whether you are looking to increase stamina and endurance, increase cardio fitness, gain muscle, lose fat, increase flexibility and so on.

Train Smart

Not all exercises are equal, some are far more effective than others so put some thought and research into finding the right type of exercise that is required to meet your intended goals. For example, if you are looking to burn fat and your method of exercise is to stand in front of a mirror doing a few Bicep Curls and Tricep Kick Backs - “It aint gonna happen”. However. exercises like Body Squats, Squat Jumps, Push Presses, Wall Balls and exercises that incorporate the large muscles in the body or multiple sets of muscles at the same time will use many calories and help you tu burn that unwanted fat away.

The main point is - Think about the exercises you do, find out what exercises are most effective to help acheive your intended goals safely.

Fightwize

Whatever form of Combat you are involved in, use your brain throughout your training and the actual event. The right training will help in you make intelligent actions, reactions and responses.

 Train Hard - Train Smart - Fightwize

We have written many articles related to Jiu Jitsu, Self Defense and Combat Fitness. You will find many links to such articles here: