Jiu-jitsu today, as it’s most commonly taught and talked about, doesn’t include striking. This is contrary to how jiu-jitsu was developed and intended by Grandmasters Helio and Carlos Sr. Today, the idea of self-defense still lives in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, and it is one of the main tenants that separates how Rener and Ryron teach. Someone who has practiced jiu-jitsu in any form will have a better chance of survival during a real life altercation than someone with no training; however, the advantage will not be as great as one might think once the rules are torn up and strikes are being thrown. One of the first sequences of techniques taught by Rener and Ryron to beginning students is a punch block sequence from the guard. If you’ve only trained in the sport jiu-jitsu universe, you could be a black belt and have never trained for this type of situation. Rener and Ryron are going to show us survival techniques for dealing with someone who is looking to do you harm with their fists while they are in your guard.
- Issue 44