As MMA has continued to grow in popularity, the traditional martial art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become an increasingly important part of the sport, with many of the top fighters having a deep background in the art. However, as the sport has grown, so has the need for innovations to keep it fresh and exciting for both competitors and spectators. One such innovation is American Combat Jiu Jitsu. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what exactly American Combat Jiu Jitsu is, how it differs from traditional BJJ, and what the future may hold for this exciting new form of the martial art.
What is American Combat Jiu Jitsu?
At its simplest, American Combat Jiu Jitsu (ACJJ) can be described as a hybrid of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and traditional wrestling. It emphasizes the use of control and submission techniques to neutralize opponents and attain victory through the use of strikes. While ACJJ retains many of the foundational principles of BJJ, such as leverage and pressure, it adapts them to be usable in a no gi format, resulting in a more dynamic and fast-paced game. It is this combination of BJJ’s intricate grappling techniques with the addition of strategic striking that sets ACJJ apart from other martial arts.
History of American Combat Jiu Jitsu
American Combat Jiu Jitsu emerged from wider developments in the world of MMA and grappling, with the sport’s increasing popularity creating opportunities for new styles. The first official American Combat Jiu Jitsu event was held in California in 2017, the brainchild of Eddie Bravo, founder of the 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu system. Since then, the sport has continued to grow, with a number of high-profile events taking place and numerous fighters adopting it as part of their training. While it is still relatively new, many believe that ACJJ has the potential to become a permanent fixture in the world of combat sports.
How Does American Combat Jiu Jitsu Differ from Traditional BJJ?
ACJJ incorporates many of the same core principles of BJJ, such as leverage, positional control, and submission techniques. However, it differs in several key ways. Firstly, there is much greater emphasis on striking, with competitors allowed to use open-handed strikes to the face, as well as strikes to the body. This means that fighters must be able to defend against these strikes as well as executing their own techniques. In addition, the no gi format means that competitors must learn to use their grips and control in different ways, with a greater emphasis on clinching and underhooking. Finally, there are some additional rules specific to ACJJ, such as the ‘slap’ guard pass, where instead of using a knee slice pass, competitors slap the opponent’s thigh before passing the guard.
What Are the Benefits of Practicing American Combat Jiu Jitsu?
One of the main benefits of ACJJ is that it teaches practitioners how to deal with strikes, something that is not always emphasized in traditional BJJ. As striking is such a key component of MMA and other combat sports, this means that someone who has trained in ACJJ will be better prepared for competition. Additionally, ACJJ is highly effective for self-defense, as it teaches techniques that can be used to neutralize an attacker quickly and effectively. Finally, ACJJ is a great workout, incorporating both strength and cardio components that can help improve overall fitness.
Who Can Benefit from Training in American Combat Jiu Jitsu?
Anyone who is interested in combat sports and martial arts can benefit from training in ACJJ. As an evolving sport, there is lots of potential for creativity and innovation, meaning that practitioners can continue to learn and improve, regardless of their level of experience. Additionally, ACJJ is great for those who may not be as interested in the traditional gi-based techniques of BJJ, as no gi allows for greater movement and flexibility.
What Does the Future Hold for American Combat Jiu Jitsu?
As a relatively new sport, there is still much potential for growth and development in ACJJ. Its emphasis on striking and self-defense means that it has the potential to attract a broad range of practitioners, from those interested in MMA to those looking for more practical self-defense training. Additionally, as more and more fighters begin to adopt ACJJ into their training, the techniques and strategies involved will continue to evolve and improve. It is likely that we will see more and more high-profile events featuring ACJJ in the coming years, as well as increased interest from fans and spectators.
Conclusion
In conclusion, American Combat Jiu Jitsu is an exciting and innovative martial art that combines the best of BJJ with strategic striking. As the sport continues to grow and evolve, we can expect to see more and more practitioners adopting it as part of their training, as well as increased interest from fans and spectators. Whether you are looking to improve your striking or want to learn effective self-defense techniques, American Combat Jiu Jitsu has much to offer. So why not give it a try and see what all the fuss is about?
