MMA or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? When a new student comes through my door, I always ask him why he wants to train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. Oftentimes the answer is something like "I was watching the UFC and..."

In this month's article and the following month's, I would like to talk about the differences and similarities between jiu-jitsu training and mixed martial arts training. Knowing this will help you get the most out of your training.

The MMA Option

Carlos Valente (second from left)
says there are several factors to
consider when choosing
between BJJ and MMA (below).

When you make the decision to seek out a martial arts school, the first thing you want to figure out is what you would like to get out of your training and time investment. You have to determine if you are interested in self-defense, fitness, fun or a career in fighting. A moderate percentage of new students start off with the idea that they want to train in mixed martial arts. Before they step onto the mat, they should ask themselves, "Is my body up for the punishment?"

Nowadays, mixed martial artists learn a combination of skills, and the idea is to be the better-prepared athlete and/or have the more physically able body in order to win. The training can be damaging to your body and requires a high-degree of physical prowess. If you are looking for that type of challenge, then this is your sport. It doesn't get any more intense than a real mixed martial arts competition.

Here are a couple of other things to keep in mind. You probably won't be doing mixed martial arts past your early 40s. Furthermore, to be a successful mixed martial artist, you should be starting at a very young age or have a strong base in the martial arts.

The BJJ Option

For everyone else, you may want to consider the benefits of training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. One of the beauties of jiu-jitsu is that anyone of almost any age can be a practitioner.

Learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a very long process, but it is also very rewarding. In life, the most rewarding things are often the ones that require the greatest time commitment. Jiu-jitsu is something that you can take with you late into your life.

Jiu-jitsu training is also a lot more forgiving on your body, allowing you to practice the sport daily and show up to work the next day in one piece!

That's not to say that mixed martial artists can skip learning Brazilian jiu-jitsu. BJJ is still the cornerstone of most mixed martial artist's training.

Next Up

In next month's article, we will discuss how you determine when you are proficient enough in jiu-jitsu to start training in mixed martial arts.

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The Valente Academy

Name: Carlos "Cao" Valente
Occupation: Owner of Valente Academy, which is franchised throughout the world. There are five locations in San Diego, 21 affiliates in other states, 10 in Mexico and eight in Europe.
Headquarters: 9888-G Carmel Mountain Rd., San Diego, CA 92129
Phone: (858) 538-8688
Web Site: www.valenteacademy.com