Over the years, Brazilian Jiu Jisu has faced the same criticism again and again. This is that BJJ doesn’t work against multiple attackers. However, is this criticism founded or even relevant anymore? Here, we shall unpack this critique and see if it’s valid in the most neutral way possible. Of course, BJJ isn’t a silver bullet when it comes to fighting however it’s certainly got a lot of answers. Nonetheless, is anything actually a perfect system against multiple attackers? Read on for more information.
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BJJ doesn’t work against multiple attackers
Let’s face it, BJJ isn’t designed for beating multiple opponents. This critique isn’t just aimed at BJJ either, as it happens you could say the same about all of the grappling martial arts. Therefore, wrestling, Sambo, and Judo are included under this umbrella. Basically, BJJ is excellent in a one vs one situation and is up there with the best martial arts. However, it’s still got its flaws against multiple enemies.
For example, imagine getting somebody’s back in BJJ. This is the best position in all of fighting. Now, their friend walks up behind you and stomps or kicks your head and renders you unconscious. In fact, most positions in BJJ have this issue…no matter how dominant they are in a one vs. one situation.
This means that it’s not wise to try and use BJJ with multiple people around. Ex-UFC champion Mike Bisping who is a brown belt in BJJ has spoken about this too, arguing that BJJ simply isn’t good or ideal to be used with several enemies around because you’re open to getting your head kicked or your body jumped on.
Why this doesn’t mean BJJ is useless
Whilst this is a definite problem with BJJ, it doesn’t mean it’s useless. Imagine mastering all of the martial arts in the world, only to be shot dead from range. Does this mean all of the martial arts are useless? No. Instead, it means that you got beaten by someone relying on their advantage on you. In this case, it’s multiple attackers.
In fact, this can apply to many martial arts and isn’t exclusive to BJJ or grappling. Even other martial arts will struggle against multiple attackers as it’s a massive advantage and is unfair. Although fights are often unfair, this shouldn’t diminish the qualities of BJJ.
What martial arts are good against multiple attackers?
Perhaps the best martial art to learn against multiple enemies is boxing or kickboxing. The reason for this is that it’s done whilst standing and the idea is not to go to the floor. Even still, you would have to have elite level striking to be able to fend off more than one opponent.
With this said, boxing would be much more effective against two or three opponents compared to BJJ. After this number though, even an elite boxer would struggle and probably lose the fight. With this said though, if you’re truly obsessed with the threat of multiple attackers, it’s probably best to learn boxing which will be your best chance of survival.
Could BJJ beat two opponents?
Whilst there are some videos floating online of a BJJ black belt beating two or more white belts in BJJ sparring, the reality is that this doesn’t involve strikes which changes everything. Even the greatest ever would struggle against two untrained attackers if it went to the floor. Imagine someone taking one opponent down and holding them in mount. Now, the other attacker could simply kick the BJJ practitioner in the head.
In short, BJJ simply isn’t designed for more than one opponent and is best suited for a one vs. one scenario. Because of this, your best bet isn’t to rely on your BJJ against multiple attackers. Instead, there’s something else that you can use which is…
If you’re against multiple attackers…run
That’s right. The same applies to an attacker with a weapon. No matter how good you are against one opponent, the odds are forever against you against more opponents. Therefore, your best bet of safety is to simply run and be grateful that you’re still alive. Whilst keyboard warriors may criticize for running, the reality is that it’s a very safe option and you should have no shame in this if you’re outnumbered.
It’s not like it would ever be a fair fight in the first place. Remember, the point of martial arts isn’t to be the best fighter in the world…instead it’s to grow as a person and improve self defense. So, ask yourself the question why would you choose to fight against more than one person? Even if you couldn’t run and were trapped, then using BJJ would be foolish no matter how good you are.
If you’re that concerned about self defense, learn another martial art
Many people claim that learning two or more martial arts will significantly boost your chance of success in a street fight. The reason for this is that you’ll be much more rounded with fewer holes in your game. An example of this would be if you only relied on your BJJ in a fight. Against an opponent who couldn’t stop takedowns, this would be a great approach.
But what if they could stop them? This is where a striking martial art would complement BJJ nicely. Again, something like boxing, kickboxing or Muay Thai would be ideal. You wouldn’t have to master these arts either, but spending a few months learning the fundamentals and getting a vague grasp is better than nothing and gives you a plan B.
Conclusion
Overall, BJJ is not suited to fighting multiple attackers. Whilst this can be said for most martial arts, it’s particularly valid for BJJ which just isn’t made for fighting more than one opponent and would be a foolish decision to try to do so in a real fight.
This doesn’t mean that BJJ is pointless though. Instead, it’s just measuring it against its biggest weakness and shows how important a disadvantage can be when fighting others.
