Q. It looks a lot just like wrestling around.. is it practical for combat?

A. The vast majority of fights end up clinching and then go to the ground. Think of playground fights as a kid. If you watch a boxing match, how many times does the ref have to break up clinches? If there were no ref, all those situations would most likely end on the ground. In the UFC, a event which included all martial arts and fights with rules that did not inhibit any style from doing well, grappling has been proven the most influential factor in a fight. Striking arts are also indispensable, however it was about 4 or 5 years until a kickboxer Maurice Smith won a match. The first striker to win. However, he trained and used grappling in his fight which he used to survive the initial onslaught. His opponent gassed, and then he won a convincing decision.

Q. But I don't want to go to the ground in a fight or situation.

It is always better to be able to never have to go to the ground. But it is not always possible. Especially if you don't want to end up on the ground, the best thing you could do is train grappling so you can better defend takedowns. If a good grappler has a hard time getting you down, how much more will an untrained person have trouble in doing so?

Q. Does sport training actually help self defense?

A. Sport training has many benefits. In itself, it is very exciting and enjoyable. But it is also great for combat. It offers realistic training in a safe, controlled environment. Although most street attacks will differ to a certain extent from sport moves, it is still beneficial to train sport for self defense. A lot of concepts involved in defending street and sport attacks are the same. For instance, if you are used to dealing with highly refined and high percentage leg tackles like a double leg or single leg, then you should be able to deal with a common poorly executed tackle as seen in a fight situation. The same holds true for a common headlock and other such moves.

Q. Is jiu jitsu good for women or is it just for men?

A. It is great for women. Especially a if a woman was forced to the ground. A women with knowledge in jiu jitsu will undoubtably be a tougher target for an attacker.