BJJ and Neutral Position

[ЦАР]

So, I'm thinking about starting training in BJJ, but come out of wrestling. I am definitely interested in the grappling aspect--that is, the ground game--but would hope to work on stand-up as well, just to stay sharp.

From what I read on the boards, it sounds like BJJ doesn't emphasize stand-up grappling (by which I mean takedowns)...Is this true for gi and no-gi alike?

I'm WELL beyond high school age, and wonder how I can sharpen both games (okay, I have no jits ground game to speak of, but you get my drift)--not really for competition, but just to keep active. Plus, I always liked to wrestle from the neutral position.

Just wondering--thanks for comments in advance!

 

[Jimmy Cerra]

So, I'm thinking about starting training in BJJ, but come out of wrestling. I am definitely interested in the grappling aspect--that is, the ground game--but would hope to work on stand-up as well, just to stay sharp.

From what I read on the boards, it sounds like BJJ doesn't emphasize stand-up grappling (by which I mean takedowns)...Is this true for gi and no-gi alike?

I'm WELL beyond high school age, and wonder how I can sharpen both games (okay, I have no jits ground game to speak of, but you get my drift)--not really for competition, but just to keep active. Plus, I always liked to wrestle from the neutral position.

Just wondering--thanks for comments in advance!

It depends on the school. I know of many BJJ places that train 85% groundwork and 15% takedowns. I know of many other BJJ places which train about 50% takedowns and 50% groundwork, and many others that are in between those two. (Data from my personal log.) Generally no-gi places tend to go over takedowns more than gi places, but I've seen some no-gi places that fall in the first category and some gi places that fall in the second. You can probably find a place that suits you through research on google or by talking to the instructors of some school with your needs.

 

[ЦАР]

It depends on the school. I know of many BJJ places that train 85% groundwork and 15% takedowns. I know of many other BJJ places which train about 50% takedowns and 50% groundwork, and many others that are in between those two. (Data from my personal log.) Generally no-gi places tend to go over takedowns more than gi places, but I've seen some no-gi places that fall in the first category and some gi places that fall in the second. You can probably find a place that suits you through research on google or by talking to the instructors of some school with your needs.

Thanks for the comment. Even some takedowns would be helpful, since I think that would help me to work from my stronger point. Obviously, the other issue is that at some point I would need to stop capitalizing on my strong points and learn the new discipline! No need to stick to what's easier for me! I just want to re-gain some of that stand-up/neutral skill. IT's been 10+ years!

 

[Hammer Time]

go for it bro you'll love it regardless. wit ur wrestling background you'll find urself in a new world with subs and all i say go for it

 

[ЦАР]

go for it bro you'll love it regardless. wit ur wrestling background you'll find urself in a new world with subs and all i say go for it

I'm totally jazzed to start no matter what...for now, I'm sitting out a herniated disk...its been four weeks, but today is the first day without kinks or pain. Maybe one more week to do some core-strength work and cardio and I'll sign up for a free lesson and the go for it! Thanks for the encouragement.

 

[Big Eck]

It definitely depends on the school. My school focuses a lot more on the ground and guard game, but I've taken intros with guys like Mike Monaco who stress a lot of stand-up, so much so that the class resembles more of a wrestling class with submissions than actual jiu jitsu.