In a recent conversation, jiu jitsu black belt Robert Drysdale compared the simplicity and efficiency of wrestling with the increasing sophistication of jiu jitsu techniques. While jiu jitsu offers more dimensions and layers of complexity compared to wrestling, Drysdale argues this has led the art astray from practical application.
Drysdale states, “I think people are starting to think jiu itsu is like an iPhone, right? That the new iPhone is better than the old one.” He argues we should judge techniques by “how efficient they are, right? Not by how popular, how cool.”
Much like the reliable mechanics of an AK-47 rifle, Drysdale believes jiu jitsu should focus on simple, efficient techniques rather than sophisticated moves that look impressive but often fail in real bouts.
He said: “You want a jiu-jitsu that’s an AK-47 because there’s less parts to break.”
As evidence, Drysdale points out that “you have white belts and blue belts trying to add all these gadgets to their jujitsu, and they don’t have a foundation.” Young students neglect core skills like shrimping and basic guard retention, instead rushing to learn advanced techniques like berimbolos. Drysdale explains, “they’re not even trying to shrimp. They’re letting their opponent pass their guard.”
In contrast, Drysdale notes wrestlers drill a small set of fundamental techniques repeatedly. This simplicity and constant repetition allow them to truly master the core skills. Like boxers throwing the same basic punches over and over, wrestlers don’t need an ever-expanding repertoire of moves to succeed.
He said: “I’m not a wrestler, I’ve never wrestled. Butt I’ve seen people train. I mean they have like four things they practice, like five. It’s like boxers, the same as boxers. They have like six punches they practice over and over and that’s it.”
In jiu jitsu today, Drysdale argues “there’s not enough emphasis on anything for them to learn anything. They’re just going through these moves and not really absorb anything.” With so much information and so many techniques coming at them from social media and instructionals, beginner jiu jitsu students never properly learn any technique.
The sophistication of modern jiu jitsu has drawn practitioners away from practical application. As Drysdale states, “we’re not only distancing ourselves from the reality of combat, it’s getting harder and harder for people to learn jiu-jitsu because they are overwhelmed by so much information.”
By returning to the simple foundation of core techniques, repeatedly drilled, jiu jitsu can retain its effectiveness as a martial art. The fancy techniques and Instagram-worthy moves will emerge naturally once that foundation is set.
