BJJ Combatives vs BJJ for Sport

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be taught and used in different ways, from BJJ competitions to MMA and self-defense.

BJJ will also vary depending on where you train, and how your dojo provides training for the martial art. In this article, we'll look at the main differences between BJJ combative vs BJJ for sport - with an emphasis on the training we provide at UMF Academy.

What is BJJ combatives 

BJJ combative, also known as self-defense Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, focuses on preparing martial artists for real-world self-defense situations. It emphasizes practical techniques for defending against various threats such as strikes, chokes, and knives. This is how we do things at UMF Academy - we focus on students learning how to perfect the martial art, with an emphasis on real-world scenarios.

What's involved in BJJ combative?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu combative training emphasizes techniques for self-defense in various situations, including:

• Defense against strikes: BJJ combative teaches techniques to defend against strikes, which are not allowed in BJJ competitions or general sparring.
• Striking and Takedowns: BJJ combative uses punches and takedown techniques for self-defense in addition to standard grappling methods.
• Scenarios with multiple attackers: BJJ combative teaches how to fight back when facing multiple attackers.
• Defense against weapons: BJJ combative teaches students how to react to and disarm attackers with weapons.

Emphasis on real-life scenarios: BJJ combative students regularly practice common real-life attack scenarios to create muscle memory and quick decision-making skills.

What is BJJ for sport?

BJJ for sport, also known as competition Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, focuses on Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a sport. It emphasizes techniques beneficial in martial art matches and competitions and is often associated with the rules of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation, as well as the training provider.

What's involved in BJJ for sport?

BJJ for sport emphasizes techniques and strategies for one-on-one Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu matchups, including: 

• The regulations of the IBFFJ: Knowing the rules and guidelines of the IBFFJ is crucial when competing in tournaments.
• Positional Dominance: BJJ for sport emphasizes the techniques to achieve and maintain positions that increase points and secure submissions.
• Techniques specifically for competitions: BJJ for sport teaches techniques such as guard pulls, sweeps, and submission chains that are more useful in BJJ competitions. 
• Strategic fighting: BJJ for sport emphasizes studying opponents and creating match-up-specific game plans with the martial arts trainer.
• Time management: Students learn to use techniques efficiently to increase their score within the time limit.

So, what's the difference?

It's clear that the two are very different. And yet, when people think about Brazilian Jui-Jitsu, they will likely not realise the difference until they begin training at a dojo and experience the kind of training that is being provided. 

BJJ combative focuses on practical techniques for real-world self-defence situations. It prepares the martial artist for defending against various threats, such as strikes, chokes, or even more serious attacks. BJJ combative emphasizes scenarios with multiple attackers and defence against weapons, and students are regularly confronted with common real-life attack scenarios to practice self-defence. In contrast, BJJ for sport, is based on improving skills that benefit students in constructed martial art matches and competitions.

While both styles have their eligibility, the choice ultimately depends on the individual student's goals and what they want to focus their martial arts on. If you're someone that wants to learn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu purely for competitions and sparring in the dojo, go with a training provider that provides BJJ for sport. If, however, you want to truly understand Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, its history, and how to effectively use the martial art in real-world situations, work with a trainer who specialises in BJJ for combative. 

Training with UMF Academy

Here at UMF Academy, we specialise in delivering Brazilian Jiu Jitsu combative. For us, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu combatives is more than just a sport or a method of promoting physical fitness. It's more than a martial art; it's a way to change your life; ultimately, a way of life.

Philosophy at UMF is direct: if attacked, you will need to finish the situation decisively. UMF trains you how to comprehend punches, kicks, how to close distance & work from the clinch or on the ground.

UMF BJJ Combatives aims is to be combative rather than tournament orientated and so unlike most Brazilian Jiu-jitsu schools, UMF offers classes that are very proven effective as well as tournament specific.

Ready to get started? Book your first free trial class with UMF Academy today.