How to Block Jujitsu

Jujitsu, both Brazilian and traditional Japanese style, is a martial art based on takedowns, throws, locks, holds and ground-fighting. Both Japanese and Brazilian jujitsu arguably have more in common with Western-style wrestling than they do with most martial arts. Most martial arts are based on stand-up, striking techniques and involve the exchange of blows between two fighters who are squared off on their feet. However, a good stand-up striker can lose his advantage if he is taken down by a skilled jujitsu practitioner. Therefore, blocking jujitsu is largely a matter of keeping your feet on the ground.

Instructions

    • 1

      Develop strong, wide fighting stances. Having a broader stance makes it harder for you to be knocked off balance and taken down to the ground. You can strengthen your fighting stances such as the forward stance and the horse stance by devoting part of your workout to remaining in your stances for several minutes until you feel a burn in your muscles.

    • 2

      Work on your footwork. Like a strong stance, good footwork can help you to remain on your feet. With good footwork you can reposition yourself to avoid sweeps, trips and other takedowns that can result in putting you in the last place you want to be against a jujitsu fighter: on the ground.

    • 3

      Strike first, strike fast and strike decisively. By landing the first blow, you can neutralize or reduce the threat presented by jujitsu fighters. Jujitsu training offers very little in the way of stand-up striking, such as kicks or punches. Therefore, it's best to press your attack immediately while you hold the advantage of being on your feet. If you can deliver a knockout blow quickly, you can effectively block a jujitsu fighter before he can get a hold of you.

    • 4

      Work to increase your flexibility. Jujitsu, particularly the Brazilian version, employs a number of arm bars, joint locks and other painful holds. Developing increased flexibility can allow you to give in to these holds to a degree and buy you enough time to deliver a strike or launch a counterattack against your opponent.