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Top 10 Biggest Myths About Jiu-Jitsu – Debunked!
- Austin Jones
- 4 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Top 10 Biggest Myths About Jiu-Jitsu – Debunked!
Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that has captured the hearts and minds of countless practitioners worldwide, both as a sport and a form of self-defense. But with its growing popularity, several myths and misconceptions have managed to stick around. In this blog post, we’re tackling the top 10 biggest myths about Jiu-Jitsu and setting the record straight!
1. You Have to Be Super Athletic to Succeed
Myth: You need to be in top physical shape to make it in Jiu-Jitsu.
Reality: Jiu-Jitsu is far more about technique, leverage, and timing than brute strength or athleticism. While being fit can certainly help, it’s not a requirement. You’ll see people of all body types and athletic abilities thrive by focusing on skill development and smart strategy.
2. Jiu-Jitsu Is Just for Men
Myth: Jiu-Jitsu is a male-dominated sport, and it’s not for women.
Reality: Women are taking the sport by storm, with world-class competitors like Gabi Garcia, Mackenzie Dern, and Michelle Nicolini leading the charge. Jiu-Jitsu is for everyone—regardless of gender. The martial art’s adaptability makes it an excellent fit for anyone looking to improve their fitness, self-defense skills, or even compete at the highest levels.
3. Jiu-Jitsu Is All About Submissions
Myth: Jiu-Jitsu is only about locking people into submissions.
Reality: While submissions are an integral part of Jiu-Jitsu, the art also places a huge emphasis on positional control, sweeps, escapes, and transitions. The goal isn’t just to submit your opponent—it’s about dominating positions and controlling the fight from start to finish.
4. It Takes Years to Get Good
Myth: You’ll need years of practice before you’re any good at Jiu-Jitsu.
Reality: While it takes time to reach the highest levels (i.e., black belt), you can definitely see rapid improvement in your first few months of training. Many practitioners feel a significant increase in their ability to handle real-world situations or improve fitness quickly. Progress can be measured in weeks and months, not just years!
5. You Can’t Win Unless You’re a Black Belt
Myth: Only black belts can win competitions.
Reality: Tournaments are divided by belt rank, and competitors of all levels have a chance to win. In fact, lower belts often face off in intense competitions, and it’s not uncommon for a blue or purple belt to defeat higher-ranked opponents through superior technique and strategy.
6. Jiu-Jitsu Is Only Useful for Ground Fighting
Myth: Jiu-Jitsu is just for the ground—if you're standing, you’re out of luck.
Reality: While Jiu-Jitsu is renowned for its grappling and ground game, its principles of leverage, control, and timing are valuable in stand-up fighting as well. Many MMA fighters use Jiu-Jitsu to control opponents in clinch situations or to take them down and dominate on the mat.
7. You Have to Be a Small Person to Succeed
Myth: Jiu-Jitsu only works for smaller individuals to beat larger opponents.
Reality: While Jiu-Jitsu is effective for smaller practitioners using leverage against larger opponents, it is far from exclusive to them. Jiu-Jitsu is beneficial for all body types, teaching techniques that can be adapted for different sizes and strengths. Big, strong guys can benefit from it just as much as smaller individuals!
8. Jiu-Jitsu Is Only for Young People
Myth: Jiu-Jitsu is a sport for young people, and older individuals should stay away.
Reality: Jiu-Jitsu is for people of all ages. In fact, many practitioners start in their 30s, 40s, or even 50s and go on to have incredibly successful careers in the sport. With proper instruction and a focus on technique over sheer athleticism, older practitioners can excel and enjoy the physical benefits of Jiu-Jitsu, including flexibility, strength, and mental clarity.
9. Jiu-Jitsu Requires You to Roll Hard Every Time
Myth: You need to spar with full intensity in every class to get better.
Reality: While rolling hard has its benefits, it’s not the only way to improve. Many practitioners focus on technical drilling and controlled sparring, where the emphasis is placed on learning proper form and technique rather than going all-out. A mix of light rolling and hard sparring is ideal for long-term growth.
10. Jiu-Jitsu Is Only a Self-Defense Art
Myth: Jiu-Jitsu is solely for self-defense situations.
Reality: Jiu-Jitsu is not only a self-defense system, but also a highly competitive sport. It’s evolved over time into a complex and dynamic combat system with a heavy focus on tournaments, especially in the world of MMA. While it’s great for self-defense, Jiu-Jitsu also offers a rich competitive scene where athletes refine their skills in grappling-based combat.
FIGHT.TV Breaks It Down
Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most dynamic and inclusive martial arts in the world. Yet, these myths have persisted and may deter people from trying it out. In reality, Jiu-Jitsu is accessible to people of all body types, fitness levels, and ages. It’s a sport and a self-defense system that values technique, strategy, and continuous learning.
If you’ve been put off by any of these misconceptions, it’s time to set the record straight and give Jiu-Jitsu a try. Whether for fitness, self-defense, or competition, there’s a place for everyone on the mats. Now, get rolling!