Why Jiu Jitsu is One of the Best Self-Defense Martial Arts

Why Jiu Jitsu is One of the Best Self-Defense Martial Arts

When it comes to real-world self-defense, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is one of the most effective martial arts you can learn. Unlike striking-based arts, Jiu Jitsu focuses on controlling an attacker, escaping dangerous positions, and using leverage to neutralize threats—making it ideal for people of all sizes and strengths.

At Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, Las Vegas, we teach practical self-defense techniques that can help you protect yourself in any situation. Here are five of the best Jiu Jitsu self-defense moves that anyone can learn and apply in real life.

1. The Base & Posture Awareness (Foundation of Self-Defense)

Before learning submissions or escapes, understanding base and posture is crucial.

✔️ Strong Base: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and weight evenly distributed to avoid being pushed over.

✔️ Good Posture: Keep your head up and hands in front to protect yourself and maintain balance.

By improving your base and posture, you’ll be less likely to be taken down or caught off guard in an altercation.

2. The Hip Escape (Shrimping) – Escape from a Bad Position

If you’re pinned on the ground, the hip escape (also called “shrimping”) is your best way to regain control.

✔️ Step 1: Bridge up by pushing off your feet to create space.

✔️ Step 2: Move your hips away from your opponent while posting on your shoulder.

✔️ Step 3: Get to a safer position or return to your feet.

The hip escape is used in 99% of Jiu Jitsu self-defense situations, whether you’re escaping from underneath someone or repositioning yourself.

3. The Technical Stand-Up – Get Back to Your Feet Safely

If you’re knocked down or taken to the ground, you never want to stand up recklessly. The technical stand-up allows you to get up while maintaining distance and protecting yourself.

✔️ Step 1: Post one hand on the ground while keeping your other hand up for protection.

✔️ Step 2: Shift your weight onto one foot and lift your hips off the ground.

✔️ Step 3: Step back into a strong stance, keeping your hands up and maintaining a safe distance.

This technique ensures that you don’t expose yourself to kicks, punches, or further attacks when trying to stand up.

4. The Guillotine Choke – Stop an Attacker Who Rushes You

The guillotine choke is a powerful front choke that can stop an opponent who aggressively rushes in.

✔️ Step 1: Wrap your arm around the attacker’s neck and lock your hands together.

✔️ Step 2: Sit back and bring your legs into a guard position to control their movement.

✔️ Step 3: Apply upward pressure with your arms while squeezing your elbows together to choke them.

This technique works well against opponents who try to grab or tackle you.

5. The Armbar – Defend Against Someone On Top Of You

The armbar is one of Jiu Jitsu’s most effective joint locks, allowing you to neutralize an attacker without striking them.

✔️ Step 1: Control the attacker’s arm and secure their wrist.

✔️ Step 2: Position your legs across their chest, with one leg over their head.

✔️ Step 3: Extend your hips while pulling their arm straight to apply pressure.

This move is highly effective for self-defense because it works even against stronger opponents.

6. The Arm Drag – Control an Attacker & Get Behind Them

The arm drag is an effective self-defense move to redirect an opponent’s energy and take their back—a dominant position.

✔️ Step 1: Grab the attacker’s wrist with one hand while reaching across their tricep with your other hand.

✔️ Step 2: Pull their arm across your body while stepping diagonally past them.

✔️ Step 3: Secure control from behind or use the opportunity to escape.

The arm drag is useful for avoiding direct confrontation and neutralizing an opponent’s attack.

7. The Triangle Choke – Defend Yourself From Your Back

The triangle choke is one of the most effective chokes in Jiu Jitsu and works even when you’re on your back.

✔️ Step 1: Control one of your opponent’s arms while bringing your legs around their neck.

✔️ Step 2: Lock your legs in a triangle shape, trapping their head and one arm.

✔️ Step 3: Squeeze your knees together and pull down on their head to cut off circulation and force a tap or unconsciousness.

The triangle choke is useful in self-defense situations when an attacker is inside your guard, allowing you to neutralize them quickly.

Why Train Jiu Jitsu for Self-Defense in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas is a busy city, and knowing how to protect yourself is an invaluable skill. At Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, we focus on real-world self-defense applications, helping students feel confident and prepared for any situation.

Try a Free Self-Defense Class Today!

📍 Train at Potential Jiu Jitsu in Spring Valley, Las Vegas at 9640 W Tropicana Ave Suite 120 Las Vegas, NV 89147

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