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Should you learn wrestling to improve your Jiu-Jitsu?

Writer's picture: Aiden BalfourAiden Balfour


Is It Worth Learning Wrestling for BJJ?

Yes, learning wrestling can be highly beneficial for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) practitioners, especially for no-gi grappling. Here's why:


1. Takedowns and Takedown Defense

In BJJ, especially no-gi, the ability to control standing exchanges is crucial. Wrestling emphasizes takedowns (e.g., single-leg, double-leg), and learning these techniques can give you a significant advantage over opponents who lack a strong stand-up game. In competition, scoring takedowns gives you points and puts you in a dominant position.


2. Top Control and Pressure

Wrestling teaches strong positional control and top pressure, which can be a game-changer in BJJ. Wrestlers are known for their ability to maintain dominant positions like side control or mount and apply heavy pressure, which makes it difficult for opponents to escape.


3. Scrambling Ability

Wrestlers excel at scrambling—transitional moments when neither opponent has clear control. This skill is useful in BJJ when you're trying to recover from a bad position or escape submissions.


4. Conditioning

Wrestling is known for its demanding pace and physical conditioning. Integrating wrestling training can help improve your cardio and make you more resistant to fatigue during long matches or training sessions.


5. Wrestling Up from Bottom Position

In BJJ, especially when playing from guard, being able to wrestle up from a bottom position into a takedown or dominant top position can be a significant advantage. Wrestling teaches explosiveness and effective entries for stand-ups from the ground. When opponents try to pass or control your guard, using wrestling techniques like a single-leg or sit-up sweep can help you transition to top control, instead of relying solely on sweeps or submissions.


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