It’s no secret that many Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu students aren’t particularly good at wrestling. Some even go as far as never adding wrestling to their training schedule – which is a grave mistake. And an enormous shame, because learning how to wrestle would improve their Jiu-Jitsu by tenfold.
Wrestling is one of the most rewarding martial arts in the world. It provides many opportunities for fun competitions while teaching you values that will stick with you for the rest of your life, like discipline, hard work, and perseverance.
In order to get the most out of your training, there are certain basics you need to understand. Your understanding of these concepts will make your time on the mat a lot more productive.
However, sometimes you will have to adapt wrestling to your BJJ game.
A Strategic Move by JT Torres: Embracing Wrestling at Essential BJJ Academy
In a recent podcast episode, JT Torres, a 4th Degree Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Black Belt and 2x ADCC Champion, shares his rationale behind incorporating a full-time wrestling coach into his academy, Essential BJJ. Torres believes that a solid wrestling foundation significantly enhances the effectiveness of Jiu-Jitsu training, both for competitive and self-defense purposes.
The Fusion of Wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu: A Competitive Edge
Torres emphasizes the competitive necessity of understanding wrestling in Jiu-Jitsu, stating,
“If you want to compete, you have to be comfortable on your two feet.” He points out the obvious yet often overlooked fact that Jiu-Jitsu matches start standing. Hence, being proficient in takedowns is crucial, regardless of whether one is a guard player or a top passer. “You should understand how to wrestle or how to play a bit of Judo to get your partner down to the mat in a safe and efficient manner,” he asserts.
Wrestling for Self-Defense: A Practical Approach
From a self-defense perspective, Torres highlights the importance of being comfortable with takedowns. “If you’re in a self-defense type situation, God forbid you have to protect yourself… I don’t expect anybody to have to pull guard,” he says, underscoring the practicality of wrestling in real-world scenarios.
A Holistic Training Philosophy: More than Just Ground Techniques
“Having takedowns as a part of any Jiu-Jitsu program is valuable,” Torres remarks, reflecting on the positive impact this integration has had on his academy. He notes the significant improvements in his students’ performance, from kids to adults, attributing their success to the dual focus on both ground techniques and takedowns.
The Surprising Gap in Jiu-Jitsu Training
Torres expresses surprise at how many academies neglect takedown training, despite all Jiu-Jitsu competitions beginning with standing positions. He believes that the lack of emphasis on wrestling in training is a missed opportunity for skill development and confidence building.
Setting a Trend in Modern Jiu-Jitsu
Reflecting on his own success, Torres hints at having influenced the Jiu-Jitsu community’s growing interest in wrestling. “Maybe I helped set the trend,” he suggests, referring to his victories at ADCC where wrestling played a pivotal role. “Takedowns were a big part of my game working up towards those two World titles.”
Embracing a Comprehensive Martial Arts Education
JT Torres’ decision to hire a full-time wrestling coach at his academy showcases a forward-thinking approach in martial arts training. It highlights the necessity of a well-rounded skill set that goes beyond the traditional Jiu-Jitsu curriculum, blending the art of ground fighting with the essential techniques of wrestling for both competition and real-life self-defense scenarios.
A big part of JT Torres’ upcoming ADCC 2024 camp will be at the BJJ & Beach Camp in Cyprus, which offers an unparalleled experience, merging elite jiu-jitsu instruction with the splendid climate and picturesque beaches of the Mediterranean. This exceptional camp is designed to provide all these at a cost-effective rate.
This season, the camp is elevating its offerings with Jonathan “JT” Torres, a 2-time ADCC World Champion, leading twelve 2-hour NO-GI sessions. Participants will immerse themselves in a week-long adventure of jiu-jitsu training, morning yoga, and an array of watersports along the stunning shores of Protaras in Cyprus.
