cingred

As with most martial arts (BJJ included, in the modern day) the root combat art was a complete style in its own context, IE, Ju-Jutsu contained both throwing and locking techniques. To allow the style to move forward, it had to become an ART to be accepted. Competition is the best way to grow a style. But you will lose the essence of a combat style when you attach rules to it. BJJ is going through the same kind of change now - there are the Gracies which stick to their root style and refuse to support the competition styles that are becoming popular. Again, learning advanced competition techniques in BJJ are good for the person that is competing and interested in being a high-level competition BJJ black belt. I am a believer that a teacher should have enough knowledge of the past, present and future to offer the student his choice - training, combat or competition.

Forgive me, but I like to refer to usage of techiniques in the context of MMA - I really only have that to compare to....call me a traditional guy that loves and trains in a lot of MMA. Anyway, Lyoto Machida uses sweeps in the context of MMA very well. He uses the inside and outside forward leg trips very well and understands the timing - which really is all that you need to practice to use them effectively. Silat, which is included in JKD, emphasizes many inside trips and unbalancing techniques that can be used effectively against someone that is moving. Or in the clinch. There are quite few effective techniques that could be used in if they were practiced or drilled with a live partner coming at you with a variety of attacks or in free-sparring. I always say that if you can land a leg kick, a sweep is always an option.

Hello everyone!!! Just now getting back into Shotokan after a TEN year absence!!! I have studied all kinds of martial arts in my 14 year career, attaining quite a few colored belts along the way, but never that coveted Black Belt. I am going to attain that Shotokan belt first!! BJJ next. Anyway, wanted to say hello and this forum looks like a great place to stay up to date and have some intelligent conversation. Oss!!!!