You can dismiss martial arts styles like Tae Kwon Do and most forms of karate right away; They just aren’t effective when it comes to defending yourself in the real world. Spinning, high-flying kicks may look good in Hollywood movies and in the dojo, but try using any of them on the street and you’ll find yourself on your back in a pool of your own blood before you find out what hit you.

When it comes to self defense in real life, the style of MMA combining Muay Thai and Western-style boxing has proven to be the best for standing up, while Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (aka Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu) has proven be the best overall and when on the ground. With over 90% of real life fights ending on the ground, it is clear that the opponent who is the best at ground fights will ultimately have the upper hand.

During your life, there can definitely be some situations where you would rather try to stand on your feet and rely on your MMA punching skills, such as taking on multiple opponents in a bar. However, seasoned Gracie Jiu-Jitsu practitioners such as Jean Jacques Machado and Chad LeBrun of The Lab Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Fredericksburg, VA, have shown that Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is the most effective fighting style against multiple attackers and even armed assailants. .

Think about what is truly most essential when it comes to being prepared for self-defense on the street, whether you are in Fredericksburg, Virginia or on the back streets of Bogota, Colombia. First, you must achieve control of your opponent and eliminate the threat as quickly as possible. Second, you need to be able to do this against an assailant of any size and possibly someone who is physically stronger than you. This is what makes Gracie Jiu-Jitsu the best martial art for real life self defense. At elite martial arts schools like The Lab in Fredericksburg, VA, you’ll learn how to quickly and efficiently defeat any would-be attacker anywhere, and to spread the threat with as little effort as possible.

Gracie Jiu-Jitsu will not only teach you the basic techniques you need, but will also help you learn the strategies you need for successful self-defense in real life and help you build muscle memory so that you can react instinctively in an instant when you’re in danger . You may not face threats of physical violence or robbery every day, but you never know when one is going to arrive, so be prepared to the best of your ability. Even a couple of classes a week at one of the best schools in the country could make the difference between life and death or save a loved one, so why wait?