Is BJJ Bad For Self-Defense?
Hey everyone, I recently started training MMA at a UFC Gym. I’ve been doing striking classes (Boxing/Kickboxing) and really enjoying it. I wanted to add BJJ/no‑gi to round out my skills because I don’t want to be a pure striker. but my dad is strongly against it. His arguments are basically:
- BJJ Is Only For Cages
- he says it only works in MMA, not real fights. Because it’s in a cage (which he calls a tight space) Meaning it’s automatically easier for a BJJ guy to close distance on a striker.
- Open Space Argument
- he thinks grapplers get destroyed in open space, Cause it’s hard for them to close distance and
- Kickboxing Is Basically MMA
- he believes kickboxing already covers everything I need, Why? Because he says "MMA is mixed martial arts, Kickboxing is boxing plus kicks so therefore it’s mixed. Kickboxing is literally MMA”
I’m not trying to be a pure BJJ guy, I just want to be well‑rounded and know how to defend myself if someone grabs me, clinches, or takes me down.
For context:
• I’m not trying to compete
• I’m not trying to “roll around” in a street fight
• I just want the basics: takedown defense, escapes, clinch control, etc.
My questions:
- Is he right about BJJ for self‑defense?
- How to explain BJJ to parents who only understand striking?
- Is judo or wrestling better as a compromise?
Any advice from people who’ve trained both striking and grappling would help a lot. I want to approach this respectfully and with good information.
Thanks.