Pose yourself this question. In a theoretical sparring match of you against yourself, who would win? Top position you or bottom position you?
With the profound wrestling base in northeast Pennsylvania the pervasiveness of high-level wrestlers venturing into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is becoming norm. Any BJJ practitioner when sparring with a good wrestler will quickly be acquainted with the idea they are in for a long day. Despite a wrestler’s unfamiliarity with submissions, the wrestler’s base, ability to scramble, mental toughness and willingness to apply pressure to an opponent can be problematic to deal with. Most Jiu-Jitsu practitioners start rolling on the ground and often pull guard from the knees to begin training. They have little experience with standing grip fights, ties, and the various ranges of standing grappling. This inexperience can lead to rapid fatigue if forced into a stand-up battle with a good wrestler OR if while attempting to pull guard from the knees being bull rushed into cross body control.
Know Thy Enemy
While the wrestler isn’t our enemy the adage does apply. Studying and practicing wrestling will provide you with two great benefits; the first of which should be blatantly obvious: Takedowns. Return to the question that opened this articled; which of the “YOUS” would win? I would wager that for 99% of people the ‘”TOP” you would emerge victorious 99% of the time.; The heart of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is based on the theory of positional hierarchy for good reason; there is a distinct advantage to being in top positions! Takedowns get you there.
The second immediate benefit from wrestling is a superior ability to scrambling. Scrambles win position and top position is most desirable! Far too many BJJ practitioners are habituated to conceding top position from a scramble, granting to battle from their guard or half-guard. While the guard is undeniably the position most closely associated with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; TOP is still more desirable! Fighting from top mount is better than fighting from bottom guard!
It is my firm belief that if Jiu-Jitsu is the brains of grappling then wrestling is its “heart”; despite what the brain knows the “heart” often controls you and the heart wants top position! Listen to your heart; a day of wrestling a week may just give you that competitive edge you desire.
