LogFAQs > #978616323

Zareth posted...

Kind of like Steven Seagal's martial art that requires someone to attack you in a very specific way for it to work at all

Aikido
The difference is, people generally don't take that seriously and especially Seagal's version of it (I have seen videos where it does have some merit and good techniques for actual situations) while as BJJ is considered one of the best and most "practical" martial arts. And frankly in an actual self defense scenario, Aikido would probably be slightly less useless than BJJ since at least it's prioritizing avoiding attacks and creating distance so you can run away.

ParanoidObsessive posted...

This kind of makes him the asshole, though.

It'd be like entering a greco-roman wrestling tournament and refusing to assume the clinch position. Sure, you might be technically right that it would never happen in a "real fight", but you're still a prick.

In greco-roman wrestling, if you just stood there as the guy grabbed onto you, he'd have plenty of techniques to take you down to the mat.
It's genuinely difficult for me to think of another martial art where you can go "Luigi wins by doing nothing" and it actually works. Try it in Judo and they have all sorts of throws and takedowns to put you on the mat. Try it in karate and you're a punching bag.

ForteEXE3850 posted...

FYI MMA has proven most established forms of traditional martial arts don't actually work in a real fight.

"Real Fight" being, a fight where the opponent is uncooperative, and not restricting themselves to the same fighting style as you.

ForteEXE3850 posted...

MMA fighters train in multiple fighting styles, than apply the parts that work. That's the point.

Although a lot of that does end up being grappling.

Ironically it's the MMA mindset that's propelled BJJ to such heights of arrogance. MMA is not a real fight. The whole reason BJJ and other grappling arts thrive in MMA is because the rules protect their weaknesses and give them an unfair advantage. You can shoot in on someone with your head lowered to tackle them to the ground w/ the back of your neck and head totally exposed and the other guy can't make you pay for it b/c the rules won't let him.
I agree training in multiple styles is best, and every (legitimate) martial art has things to offer. I'm clowning on BJJ, but it does have its place in self-defense. From the perspective of, "if you end up on the ground, we're going to teach you to not panic and some techniques to get out of a grapple and back to your feet", it's great. When people actually think intentionally going to the ground and grappling in a street fight is a good idea, it's a fucking problem. You absolutely do not want that, then you lose the ability to maneuver and flee, the ability to protect yourself from other attackers, and even your situational awareness of your surroundings.