Can I Teach Myself Brazilian Jujitsu?

Question

I am trained amateur boxer and I am extremely interested in learning BJJ. I haven't been able to find anywhere in my area that teaches it. Is it possible to teach myself? If so what books and or videos would you recomend?

Answer 1

You can watch videos and learn the techniques and language but you can never actually. Learn how to do it unless you have a partner.
And having someone lay there while you try holds on them is not training. find a friend who wants to learn as well and train with them. But keep in mind a lot of the submisions Chokes and arm/leg locks are very dangerous and can be life threatening so I would advise against it.

13+ years of Judo training. Judo is actualy derived from Jujitsu so most of the submissions are the same

Answer 2

I doubt you’ll get many replies from legatimate BJJ black belts, it’s not like there is a large pool of them. Brazilian Jujitsu is the most difficult, frustraiting style I’ve taken. I can over power most guys (I’m 6’4” and 255) but I use allot of energy and I end up tiring out, technique trumps size and power every time (this is the exact reason Brazilian Jujitsu was invented). Keep at it, a proficient Brazilian Jujitsu prectitioner makes most other styles look weak by comparison in a real fight situation. Remember you’re not learning some cheesy McDojo style, BJJ is seriously difficult which is why it takes over 1 year just to get your first belt. If you have someone to train with on the side, go over basic techniques, it will help you to make progress faster. Try and relax when you roll and just enjoy it.

Answer 3

I've been involved in MMA for about 20 years. You can't teach yourself Jujitsu. You can learn the basics from a book or video, but you will never be more than a beginner this way. You don't say where you live, but I bet if you keep looking, you'll find someone who teaches Brazilian Jujitsu. Check out the local Dojo's. If you can locate someone in your area who teaches any of the martial arts, (Karate, Judo) they will be able to steer you in the right direction. Good Luck and keep persevering.

Answer 4

Unfortunately, books and videos aren't much better than refference material to those who already learned the fundamentals of the discipline in a formal class setting.

So I would say No.

plus, you need to train with others that're learning to do the techniques as well, s that you can learn to execute or apply them correctly and safely to an opponent, because if you happen to injure an opponent in the street, even if it's not a serious injury; you could be get b**ch slapped by a lawsuit from a punk lookin' to make a quick buck at your expense.

because I have heard of instances where this has happened, and the judge has ruled in the plaintiff's favor, even if the plaintiff was the aggressor in the situation.

So studying it in a class setting would be more beneficial.

Answer 5

You can learn about it on your own, but without training partners, you'll never get to actually practice. Imagine training as a boxer without sparring or getting in the ring... it'd be impossible.

If you can't find a BJJ school, look for Sambo or some other form of submission grappling. Judo is also a good alternative. The advantage of Judo is that the schools are less likely to be money grubbing (many are non-profit clubs), and they're usually easy to find. Good luck.

Answer 6

I learn alot from videos because I don't have as many days at the dojo as I would like. It is going to be hard though without some practice. Maybe you can work out with some friends and go over the moves.

Another option is to enroll in Judo if you can find that. It is not as focused on grappling but any good Judo school should have some grappling work.

Or maybe you can find a saturday class and just travel to it. One day a week you could still learn somethings.

Answer 7

its gonna be very hard to teach yourself one u need a partner and two you need a professional to show you the proper technique behind it

also the eyes are blind to themself in other words you executing the moves will not be able to see what you are doing wrong as if you have a teacher

but i guess it would be better than not doing anything at all....as for books or videos i'd go with anything made by the gracies...obviously

good luck

Answer 8

You probably can, but i think it is better if you take some classes with trained bjj professionals. They'll give you a better understanding of the techniques. You'll also have people to spar with.

Answer 9

gracie videos. But you really need to practice the moves live on someone else, that is the only way you will get good at them.

Answer 10

yeah and in your spare time you could get a video and a book on brain surgery and become a brain surgeon.