Sport v.s. Self-Defense Jiu-Jitsu
With the root of Martial Arts being to defend yourself in a violent encounter, the art of Jiu-Jitsu was developed to address these everyday situations and has practical, real-life applicable techniques. While it is fun to explore the sport-oriented positions in Jiu-Jitsu, we must never forget the self-defense fundamentals. They could save your life someday.
The techniques learned in GB1 are focused on Self-Defense and foundational Jiu-Jitsu. The GB2 and GB3 techniques concentrate on the sport where your opponent is more likely to know the counter to your move. Start with a strong foundation, mastering the GB1 techniques. As you progress through the ranks and move into the GB2 and GB3 classes, you can start to narrow your focus on the sport techniques tailored to your game. The more you dedicate yourself to your own goal in BJJ and specialize in these techniques, the better you'll get.
Training for sport can still provide benefits in a self-defense scenario. A blue belt can be more effective in a street fight than someone who has no experience. Master Liberi shares some stories where Jiu-Jitsu helped in a real-world scenario:
"I had to defend three friends from a kidnapping attempt where the aggressor was with a firearm, and I managed to subdue him and immobilize him until the police arrived and arrested him. A blue belt student managed to fend off six security guards at a nightclub who mistook him for a stalker while with his fiancée. Another striking case was that of a student, also a blue belt, who was attacked by a stranger while running in the woods and knocked him out."
However, one can argue that not every technique can easily apply in a self-defense situation, i.e., lapel guard, inverted guard, and so forth, but Master Liberi shares that "...you never know when an opportunity may arise in self-defense."
Regardless of sport vs. self-defense, Master Liberi believes that practitioners should practice the full GB curriculum offered. Technical knowledge provides a sense of security and helps practitioners stay safe and calm when facing an aggressor. As Bruce Lee said,
"Strong is the person who wins without fighting even though he has the power to win fighting," so be prepared and train hard.
We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to sit down with Master Liberi. He is spoken of so highly throughout our community. GB Online recently completed a series of blogs in honor of Master Liberi’s promotion and here are just a few of the things that other great professors and masters had to say:
"He embraced and dedicated himself to the vision of Master Carlinhos and Gracie Barra. But in addition to this work, he also has a fundamental role at the front of GB Wear Brazil and GB Brazil. So he is a person who has influenced a lot of people to be better; he has always sought to bring talents closer to him; he has always valued team spirit and given growth opportunities to his students."
Professor Marco Joca
"For me, he was always a Master, and he is what we think of Gracie Barra. A correct person with integrity and a fantastic character who always tries to help others. He always does everything with dedication and goodwill for Gracie Barra and to help everyone on our team. I admire him, and I take great pride in being part of the same team as him."
Master Frederico Pimentel
"He is a correct person, honest, and is present at all Gracie Barra events. I have great affection and friendship for him. He has been doing an extraordinary job for our Gracie Barra, being a person who all professors and masters always consult. I have great admiration for him."
Grandmaster Maurício Robbe
Stay tuned for upcoming CompNet Tournaments in your region.
Blog Written by Mark Mullen - Gracie Barra Black Belt
