Wrestling vs Judo: Which Pairing with BJJ is Best for You?

The choice between Wrestling and BJJ or Judo and BJJ largely depends on your personal goals, preferences, and the type of grappling you intend to practice. Let’s explore the advantages and considerations of each combination.

Wrestling and BJJ

Advantages:

Takedown Proficiency: Wrestling provides strong takedown skills, allowing you to dictate the pace and position of the fight. Control and Pressure: Wrestlers often excel at controlling opponents on the ground, making it easier to transition to submissions. Conditioning: Wrestlers typically have excellent cardio and physical conditioning, which can be advantageous in grappling scenarios.

Considerations:

Submissions: While wrestling focuses more on control, BJJ emphasizes submissions. A wrestler must adapt to the submission game to be fully effective.

Judo and BJJ

Advantages:

Throws: Judo provides effective throwing techniques that can lead directly to advantageous positions on the ground. Tactical Ground Game: Judo practitioners often have a good understanding of how to transition from the standing position to the ground, especially from throws. Balance and Grip Fighting: Judo emphasizes balance and grip fighting, which can be beneficial in both standing and ground scenarios.

Considerations:

Ground Control: While judo has ground techniques, it may not focus as heavily on ground control as wrestling. Judo practitioners might need to work more on their BJJ ground game.

Conclusion

Wrestling and BJJ is often favored for pure grappling sports like MMA due to the strong control and takedown skills. On the other hand, Judo and BJJ can be advantageous for those who appreciate throws and dynamic transitions from standing to ground.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your basic preferences and self-efficacy. Mixing the techniques of both wrestling and judo can greatly enhance your BJJ skills. However, Wrestling is generally more versatile and provides a broader base of control and takedown techniques, which can be incredibly beneficial in BJJ.

Starting with Judo and eventually moving into BJJ, as I did, can offer a strong foundation in throws and transitions. In my experience, good wrestlers, especially those who have trained extensively in wrestling, have an enormous advantage in BJJ. Wrestling teaches you how to use your opponent's weight to your advantage.