Should You Train in BJJ (Brazillian jiu-jitsu) or Karate?
1. Do you prefer striking or grappling?
✅ Yes, I prefer striking → Karate teaches powerful punches, kicks, and defensive movements.
❌ No, I prefer grappling → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses on ground-based submissions and holds.
2. Do you feel comfortable being in close physical contact with others for long periods?
❌ Yes → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about body-to-body contact, locks, and holds—often with sweaty training partners.
✅ No → Karate allows sparring and self-defense training without excessive grappling.
3. Are you looking for a martial art that is suitable for all ages, including kids?
✅ Yes → Karate offers structured training for kids, teens, and adults.
❌ No → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more commonly practiced by adults.
4. Would you rather stay on your feet or fight on the ground?
✅ Yes, I’d rather stay on my feet → Karate emphasizes standing strikes, movement, and self-defense.
❌ No, I don’t mind fighting on the ground → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on takedowns and submissions.
5. Are you more interested in real-world self-defense than sport competition?
✅ Yes → Karate focuses on practical defense techniques for real-life situations.
❌ No, I prefer sport competition → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more sport-oriented, focusing on winning matches.
6. Do you want to learn how to defend yourself against multiple attackers?
✅ Yes → Karate teaches strategies for handling multiple threats at once.
❌ No → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more effective in one-on-one grappling scenarios.
7. Are you comfortable putting your joints at risk for submissions and locks?
❌ Yes → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu includes submissions that target the joints, which can cause injury.
✅ No → Karate avoids dangerous joint locks and emphasizes safe training.
8. Do you want a traditional martial art with structure, philosophy, and discipline?
✅ Yes → Karate offers a rich history, structured belt progression, and discipline.
❌ No → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu may be more informal, focusing on techniques over tradition.
9. Do you want to train in an art where you can practice techniques solo?
✅ Yes → Karate allows solo practice through katas and drills.
❌ No → Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu requires a partner for most training exercises.