Does this sound like a good plan?

[NightOwl]

Hi everyone!

I have been out of MA for a little while now but am itching to get back in! I had a brief 2.5 month stint in WingChun, and about 2 months boxing/striking at a Stright Blast Gym (which I had to quit due to college). I am fairly happy with my striking (I am not planning on going pro boxing or trying to out-stike the reincarnation of bruce lee anytime soon) and of course I want to check up and stay in shape with that, but I really have been wanting to due some grappling. I will have a chance to take BJJ for the summer (by far not enough time to master it, I know) and after that will be spending a year studying in Japan. I was thinking that while I was there I would either continue BJJ or take up Judo. I'm 6', about 130lbs, and am not too strong by any streatch of the imagination...would one of these arts fit me better (in general, I know that having the right or wrong instructor/gym can make all the difference). To add a little further more: I would like to be able to learn how to graple against a larger/stronger opponent, would both of these possibly help me with that? My grappling (beyond clinching and not knowing what to do from there) needs alot of work, and both of these have their good points (Judo with standing, BJJ with ground), I just don't know if I will be able to do both.

[AikiGuy]

It sounds like you know which type of fighting you want to do. You sound really eager to get into some grappling. One of the biggest factors in choosing a style is picking something you will enjoy. If you want to grapple, then grapple.

I am an instructor of Goshin Jutsu, which is actually two styles taught simultaneously: (Karate and Aikijutsu). I love the Aikijutsu but I really got into the arts to learn Karate. And doing what I enjoy has kept me going for many years.

If you really like grappling, take the Jujutsu (BJJ). Judo has some grappling applications too but it is really more throws and takedowns than anything. I say try to enjoy the arts as much as possible. If you ever decide to go into competition or tournaments, then it may be helpful to take several styles to become well-rounded. Actually, that is helpful even for a street fight, class sparring, or anything else. But if competition is not in your near future, there is no rush (unless you frequent violence-prone areas for some reason). BJJ has a lot of locks and pins similar to wrestling but many of them are initiated from standing. As long as you are ready for a good workout and don't have any injuries, you will learn a lot. And your strength and conditioning will increase as you practice so don't worry about that. Good luck and let us know what you pick.

[bushido_man96]

I would always like to try judo, to learn the throws. However, the benefits of BJJ can be seen in the MMA events. Flip a coin, and go with it!

[NightOwl]

I found a BJJ place near the school I will be studying at, and the college itself has a judo club. I guess the main thing will be to wait until I can check both places out. I have an opportunity to do some BJJ for january, so I'll work with that for the month and during the summer.

[bushido_man96]

Sounds cool, NightOwl. Let us know how it goes!