Is Wrestling Good for BJJ?By Coder| August 31, 2023 Wrestling When it comes to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), there is often a debate about whether wrestling can be beneficial or not. While BJJ and wrestling are two distinct martial arts, there are several ways in which wrestling can complement and enhance one’s BJJ game. The Overlapping Skills Both BJJ and wrestling share some common fundamental skills, such as takedowns, control positions, and ground grappling techniques. Wrestlers are known for their exceptional takedown abilities, which can be invaluable for a BJJ practitioner in competitions or self-defense scenarios. Furthermore, wrestlers are accustomed to intense training regimes that focus on building strength, endurance, and explosiveness. These physical attributes can greatly benefit BJJ practitioners as they provide a solid foundation for executing techniques effectively and with precision. Takedowns and Control One of the main advantages of incorporating wrestling into your BJJ training is the ability to improve your takedown game. Wrestlers are experts at closing the distance quickly and efficiently, which can give a BJJ practitioner an edge when it comes to initiating a ground fight or defending against an opponent’s takedown attempts. In addition to takedowns, wrestlers excel at controlling their opponents on the ground. Their knowledge of body positioning, weight distribution, and pressure can help a BJJ practitioner improve their top control game significantly. By incorporating wrestling techniques into their repertoire, a BJJ practitioner can become more dominant in the top position and better able to dictate the pace of the fight. Adaptability The adaptability that comes with incorporating wrestling into your BJJ training is another significant advantage. Wrestling teaches you how to react quickly to your opponent’s movements and adjust your strategy accordingly. This adaptability can be invaluable in competitions or real-life self-defense situations where you need to think on your feet and make split-second decisions. Building Mental Toughness Wrestling is an incredibly demanding sport that requires mental toughness and resilience. The rigorous training, intense competition, and constant physical exertion can push wrestlers to their limits both physically and mentally. By incorporating wrestling into your BJJ training, you can develop mental fortitude and a never-give-up attitude that will serve you well on and off the mats. Wrestling pushes you to overcome challenges, embrace discomfort, and persevere through difficult situations. These qualities are highly transferable to BJJ, where resilience and mental strength are essential for success. The Bottom Line While BJJ and wrestling are distinct martial arts, there is undeniable value in incorporating wrestling into your BJJ training. The overlapping skills, takedowns, control techniques, adaptability, and mental toughness gained from wrestling can greatly enhance your BJJ game. If you have the opportunity to train both disciplines simultaneously or cross-train with wrestlers, seize it. The combination of BJJ and wrestling can make you a more well-rounded martial artist with a diverse skill set that can take your game to new heights. Better takedowns Improved control positions Increased adaptability Mental toughness So next time someone asks if wrestling is good for BJJ, confidently answer with a resounding “yes!” Embrace the benefits of incorporating wrestling into your training regimen and watch as your BJJ game reaches new levels of excellence.
