The Best Skills for MMA: Jiu-Jitsu, Wrestling, or Judo?

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a diverse and dynamic sport that incorporates a wide range of combat techniques from various disciplines. When it comes to choosing the best skills for MMA, three of the most prominent are Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo. Each of these combat sports offers unique advantages and techniques. This article will delve into the merits of each style, highlighting why some fighters may prefer one over the others.

An Overview of Jiu-Jitsu

Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. One of the distinct characteristics of Jiu-Jitsu is its emphasis on taking an opponent to the ground and maintaining control. Unlike other disciplines where fighters aim to finish the fight standing up, Jiu-Jitsu practitioners focus on submissions and control from the ground. This makes it highly effective in the MMA ring, especially since the majority of matches often end with one fighter having the other pinned to the mat.

According to numerous proficiency tests and real-world application, one of the strongest points of Jiu-Jitsu is its ability to finish fights from the back. Many fighters find that once they achieve a back control position, they can employ dangerous techniques like the rear-naked choke, making it difficult for their opponents to escape. Additionally, Jiu-Jitsu incorporates various techniques from wrestling and judo, which can be advantageous in an MMA setting by providing a well-rounded skill set.

The Dominance of Wrestling in MMA

Wrestling is another highly popular and effective technique in MMA, despite its less frequent visibility compared to Jiu-Jitsu. When discussing the best skills, wrestling stands out for its prowess in the standing phase of the fight. Wrestling teaches fighters how to dominate in the clinch, take down opponents, and control them from standing positions. This discipline is excellent for managing the fight from the feet up, often leading to takedowns and controlling the pace of the match.

According to Isaiah Pablos, wrestling is a master of the fighting range. Wrestlers are not only skilled in taking down their opponents but also in maintaining control to force the fight back to the feet. This ability to dictate the fight’s progression is crucial in MMA, as fighters must adapt to various fighting styles and environments. Wrestling’s emphasis on takedowns and ground control complements its effectiveness in the standing phase, making it a highly versatile martial art in MMA.

Is Judo a Viable Option for MMA?

Judo is another discipline that has gained significant popularity in MMA, primarily due to the effectiveness of its throws and grappling strategies. Judo practitioners are trained in a variety of techniques, including throws, pins, and submissions. While judo focuses on controlling the opponent from the top position, it also provides excellent training in the mat work necessary for successful submissions.

When comparing Judo to other martial arts, one can see that it excel in throwing and locking techniques, making it a formidable style in an unarmed combat context. However, the ground game is crucial in MMA, where most fights end up on the mat. Judo, despite its strengths, sometimes lacks the comprehensive ground skills that are critical for finishing fights in the modern MMA ring.

No Single Best Discipline: A Comprehensive Approach

It is important to note that no single discipline is the ultimate best for MMA. The top fighters in the sport often have a combination of skills from different martial arts, which they synthesize to create a unique fighting style. Successfully transitioning between different fighting conditions requires a versatile and well-rounded approach.

The renowned MMA fighter Conor McGregor, for example, has a diverse background that includes Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and boxing, among others. This amalgamation of skills allows him to win fights in various ways. Similarly, many current and past champions have backgrounds in multiple disciplines, suggesting that the most successful fighters are those who can adapt and integrate various techniques.

Furthermore, many modern fighters, such as Israel Lawrence, have a significant background in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). This popularity can be attributed to the effectiveness of BJJ in MMA, but it should not overshadow the importance of developing a well-rounded skill set. Effective fighters typically master the standing techniques and transitions to the ground, combined with the ability to finish the fight from any position.

Conclusion

Choosing the best skill for MMA is not an easy task, as each discipline has advantages and disadvantages. Jiu-Jitsu, wrestling, and judo all have unique benefits that can be valuable in an MMA setting. The dominance of wrestling and the popularity of BJJ demonstrate the importance of versatility and adaptability. While each discipline has its strengths, the most successful fighters often combine skills from multiple martial arts to win fights and achieve victory.

Keywords: MMA skills, Jiu-jitsu, wrestling, judo, MMA fighting techniques

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Isaiah Pablos answer to Which one performs better in MMA BJJ or wrestling Isaiah Pablos answer to Why is wrestling so much more widely used in MMA than Judo What are its advantages over Judo Out of the three you mentioned wrestling. All three are great but the wrestler is the master of the fighting range in which he or she has the most influence to dictate whether the fight will be standing or on the ground