Seeing Jiu-Jitsu through the Boxing Lens

I have been using this explantion alot in class lately so I figured I might as well blog it. Even if your not a boxer, kick boxer or whatever, I think this still makes good sense. In boxing you basicly learn how to stand, move, defend and attack. Other facters also become very important like timing, speed, accuracy... One of the most important weapons you have in boxing is your jab. Unless you develope a good jab it is going to be very difficult to land good punches, hooks and uppercuts. You need to keep jabbing and working your opponent all the time. If I were to spar with a beginner I could probably use only my jab and do some good damage but as my opponents get better, my jab won't do as much damage. Does this mean I should stop jabing? Of course not. As I said earlier, I need that jab to set up my other strikes. I will use my jab to set up a good punch or hook. In jiu-jitsu we should also have moves that are like our jab in boxing. For instanse, if I tend to use armbars alot, I should keep training that armbar and make it better and better. Learn different angles and ways to set it up.

Eventually my armbar becomes like a jab in boxing. I am using it all the time to attack my opponent. Whether it lands or not I am attacking with it constantly. When rolling with beginners I would probably sink in alot of armbars but as the opponents get better, I will have more difficulty. Does this mean I should stop working for armbars? Of course not. I should be using my armbar to set up omoplatas and triangles! Combinations are so important in jiu-jitsu. An armbar, omoplata, triangle works just like a jab, punch, hook. A good jab sets up the punch just like a good armbar sets up the omoplata. Get them defending one and move to the other. You might prefer to work a certain lapel choke as your jab or a kimura. It doesn't matter. The important thing is that your jab attack is a move that you feel comfortable with and tend to use alot all ready. Keep drilling it and make it better. Try different set ups and variations from all positions. Then begin building combinations that work well with your jab attack.

Another important thing to think about is accuracy. In boxing, if you are off by a centimeter, you still completely missed. It is the same in jiu-jitsu. A centimeter can make all the difference in a sweep, escape or tap. If your hips are off by an inch you will miss with your attack. Details, timing and accuracy are just as important in jiu-jitsu as they are in boxing!