One of the most baffling statements made by Jiu-Jitsu instructors to prospective students is the notion that if they wish to acquire fighting skills, they should either "enroll in an MMA school" or hear the discouraging words, "We don't offer that here." Some unscrupulous instructors even go so far as to advertise that they teach self-defense.
Upon witnessing classic UFC or PRIDE fights, individuals often assume that all Jiu-Jitsu schools impart combat abilities. However, upon enrolling, they quickly discover that this assumption doesn't hold true. As a result, many students leave after just a few months of instruction, feeling deceived.
It's essential to recognize that not every Jiu-Jitsu student aspires to become a competitive medalist. The average student simply seeks to engage in a martial art that equips them with effective self-defense skills. Regrettably, even Jiu-Jitsu academies associated with the prestigious Gracie name tend to prioritize competition over practical combat training.
If this trend persists, Jiu-Jitsu, once renowned for its practicality through the Gracie legacy, could devolve into merely a sport, akin to the path that Judo has taken.
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