Cross training BJJ as a supplement to Goju Ryu

[glockmeister]

BJJ, in my opinion is one of those arts that you can cross train with just about anything and it will help. certainly it wouldn't hurt. except maybe in wrestling where fighting from your back is not really an option and staying off your back is key.

[tallgeese]

I agree wholeheartedly, cross training in it will help just about anything. I think it even compliments wrestling skills if one is past a competitive phase with wrestling where getting used to being on ones back would prove detrimental.

I've worked with wrestlers a bit in the past few years to get more comfortable with double and single legs and such. The two work together well.

[bushido_man96]

I have found that the little bit that I have done here recently has been very helpful. I'd love to get to do it on a more regular basis, because I have never been a good ground fighter.

[arcelt]

I absolutely agree that cross training BJJ with Goju will be beneficial. In fact, I can't imagine any MA that can't be supplemented with a solid grasp of ground fighting...I wish I had more of it myself.

[wildman1717]

BJJ, in my opinion is one of those arts that you can cross train with just about anything and it will help. certainly it wouldn't hurt. except maybe in wrestling where fighting from your back is not really an option and staying off your back is key.

I agree also.

[JAKEHE3078]

Definalty go for it. It will only help you in the long run and give you another range option in a fight.

I take a slightly differnt apprach that JusticeZero to these things, respectfully, it's only my opinion. You've got a pretty good feel for Go-Ju by now as a purple belt, enought that you should understand the main concepts and principles of what you're doing. Once you've got some mat time under you, start interfacing the two. Figure out how you can best utilize the ground work into you overall gameplan for conflict resolution. It'll take some time, and you'll need to develop skill in the ground game first, but you'll find that the two should compliment each other pretty well.

I wholeheartedly agree with this. I have done Shotokan for the last 26 years, and have done BJJ since 2006 so I guess that makes 4 years now. If you learned Karate first believe it or not it really helps with BJJ, especially when it comes to positioning of the hips, and mechanics of driving from the mat, even posting. Trust me learning one will not interfere with what you learn in another, they are two different beasts. I don’t think I have ever thrown a reverse punch in BJJ, just like I have never tried to submit an opponent in karate with a Kimura. Just remember the uses are for two very different ranges and you’ll be fine.