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cross sounds like he's trained in a similar system to me Do the initials JBW mean anything to you, cross? If you can read the warning signs and the fight is definitely on, you must strike first. The opening you choose will depend on how close you are to the opponent, and how confined the overall space is. If you are a middle distance away and the space is not too confined, take a big step to the right to get off their tracks, and throw a low inside leg kick with the left, just above the ankle. This has the potential both to topple a poorly balanced opponent and make it difficult for them to stand and move once balance is regained. Then, a strike with the right hand. Even if you miss, being off the opponent's tracks means you have some time to re-adjust. If you're close, a right elbow into the side of the jaw, or maybe cheekbones. Their head will snap nicely into the path of your left knee, the force of which you can multiply by slamming them downward with greater acceleration than gravity.

I understand why you would tell him not to throw the first strike, but I'm not sure I'd agree. If he lets the bully throw the first strike and gets knocked down, which is a real possibility, he could be literally or effectively out before he engages his training, and that's too late. All the axe kicks, hook kicks and katas won't help him if he's allowed himself to get pinned by someone much bigger and stronger. Obviously I don't know what he's taught or what the sensei might be willing to teach him if asked, but what I've been trained to do (in a course designed for adults) is to see the warning signs - aggressive language, "big-dogging", ie: chest and chin out, showing who the bigger dog is, and respond by creating a "fence" with the hands, not a guard or anything aggressive, just a way of indicating where one's personal space is, if the attacker hits that once, back away and try to talk him out of it, if he hits it again, ask a question while subtly "loading up" the dominant side, then when his brain is engaged to deal with the question, smash him and don't stop until the threat is removed. It might be worth asking the school what he's allowed to do in self defence and if they have specific rules about what situations he's allowed to do that in. I would be surprised if they tell you he has to let the bully strike first if he's being threatened.

I started both BJJ and shoot about a month ago, lessons twice a week, and I'm wondering how long it took you more experienced guys to become balanced, co-ordinated, and familiar with the techniques you were taught? I'm referring to things like: (shoot) * being able to throw a good round kick and hit the target with force, then bring the leg back into your fighting stance * striking with the correct part of your foot every time when front-kicking * learning the range at which you can use your various strikes * keeping your left hand up when you throw a right cross (and vice versa for left jab) * maintaining a good stance that doesn't deteriorate after a few minutes sparring (BJJ) * keeping your guard lock-tight * staying balanced and not falling back prematurely when you push off the chest from the mount and spin for the armbar (I hope I was specific enough for you experienced BJJ guys) I'm being very specific, but the general idea should be pretty much universal. My instructor always tells us it's more important to get the general motion of the technique first, then worry about "nuts, bolts and balance vectors" later, which is tough for a perfectionist like me; I want to be able to believe that I'll get it right in the relatively near future. Is this something I should be able to expect to have achieved by now?

It's among the most practical styles for self-defence, although I'm biased It helps if the school has a specific focus on reality-based training, eg: how to take advantage of the opportunities presented by a drunk's right haymaker, how to read the warning signs that a fight is about to start and get in first, your legal obligations, etc. To generalise, I think you're more likely to be taught that while learning shootboxing at an MMA school than a Wing Chun school.

As has been said, Judo is superior for standing grappling and throws - taking him down, or submitting him when you're both standing. What if he catches you unprepared, you go to ground, and you start fighting with him in the mount? BJJ can get you out of that one. Not sure about Judo. Having said that I wouldn't use only BJJ for self-defence if I had the choice (and I do, luckily ), I'd do some form of stand-up too. If you must do only one form and cannot suppliment it with another, I'd say probably Judo, but either one will be somewhat helpful.

Helio Gracie is 93 and is still rolling. Even if he'd started at your age, that'd be 70 years. I'm 24 and just started myself, and the range of ages in my beginners' class is about 18-40 with most around 20-25 (to my estimate).