Thoughts on judo's effectiveness for self-defense

[Slothrop]

My nephew wants to get into some kind of martial art. He's eight. Probably a really good age to be getting into one. His dad wants it to be something actually useful. There's a judo dojo not far away.

[Vic-JofreBRASIL]

It´s good for self-defense. But not the best IMO. Tell your nephew to do Boxing.

[Matt Ldn]

I'd probably just get him to go boxing in all fairness. If he feels like he needs more get him to do a few months on his TDD and he'll be sweet.

[oli]

Fuck judo

Take him to boxing or Thai boxing/kickboxing

[boranbkk]

Muay Thai (Thai Boxing is not Kickboxing)

Why limit yourself to just two fists, add some elbows and knees to the melee with a sprinkling of brutal low kicks, maximum damage!

[cat_funt]

Judo is very effective, you get a throw on the concrete they are not getting up.

[Punisher73]

I would say for a kid, Judo would be the best option to start. Inherently kids grapple with each other when fighting. It is easier to defend yourself and then justify yourself using that than punching the kid out.

[(PimpThaSystem)]

Seriously Judo in a street fight can be lethal. Plus you learn to use an attackers clothes against them which also good for street fighting.

[Koa]

Judo is an incredible first martial art to learn because of the type of balance, and grappling strength takes time to develop in any discipline. At the very least he might stick with it a while and practice staying on his feet against guys on his own level, develops confidence and shit. But I did it as a kid and loved the shit out of it, if he picks it up well he will be able to out grapple most kids within a year given some kids are freaks.

[codeman99998]

For an 8 year old I would definitely recommend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The only thing an 8 year old would ever need to use martial arts for is to defend himself from bullies (if an adult attacks him no amount of training will help) and BJJ allows him to control the bully and negotiate with him.

My gym has a kids program that teaches kids to 1) Talk 2) Tell 3) Tackle. The kids learn to defend themselves from bullies without having to punch or kick. They can control the bully and apply a submission move, negotiate with the bully until he has calmed down, and hopefully avoid getting into too much trouble in school as they never punched or kicked the other kid. No parent really wants their kid to get into fights in school, right? BJJ allows for the kid to not have to. If a bully starts crap with some 8 yr old who trains boxing perhaps the 8yr old boxer KOs the other kid and gets suspended from school... no one wants that, right?

That said, Judo is really good too. I wouldn't recommend Muy Thai or boxing or any striking art though.

[Slothrop]

Great insight and advice, guys. Appreciate it.

[boranbkk]

Originally Posted by codeman99998

For an 8 year old I would definitely recommend Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. The only thing an 8 year old would ever need to use martial arts for is to defend himself from bullies (if an adult attacks him no amount of training will help) and BJJ allows him to control the bully and negotiate with him.

My gym has a kids program that teaches kids to 1) Talk 2) Tell 3) Tackle. The kids learn to defend themselves from bullies without having to punch or kick. They can control the bully and apply a submission move, negotiate with the bully until he has calmed down, and hopefully avoid getting into too much trouble in school as they never punched or kicked the other kid. No parent really wants their kid to get into fights in school, right? BJJ allows for the kid to not have to. If a bully starts crap with some 8 yr old who trains boxing perhaps the 8yr old boxer KOs the other kid and gets suspended from school... no one wants that, right?

That said, Judo is really good too. I wouldn't recommend Muy Thai or boxing or any striking art though.

That's a good post seems like your tying to do good things with the little guys , and after abit of thought your reasons are good and the sensible side of me agrees. Although, I think a parent's choice should also refelct the temperament and natural physical abilities of the kid as well.

I think to cast aside MT & Boxing is out of hand. It's just as valid an option as BJJ, Judo or anything else, depends on the what Dad's looking for and what the ethos of the gym is like. They do emphasis discipline, self control and fairness in MT gyms as well you know.....

Muay Thai & Boxing aren't just about dishing it out, they're also about knowing how to take it, you don't want your little man crumbling into a shaking pile of wailing meat after one punch on the nose.

[Squire]

I think it would combine well with boxing or kickboxing for a person smart enough to know when to use striking/throws in a fight

[Matt Ldn]

boran is on to something I've found more discipline in boxing gyms especially (Sharkys in Leeds) than I saw in Jiu Jitsu or Karate. To be honest any is good especially one with some practical element. Karate is a largely ridiculed martial art on here but I had a few mates at school who were black belts and fucking beasts.

As long as hes doing a legit martial art from a decent instructor he'll get something out of it. I agree about the whole judo/bjj holds/control aspect preferable to not get in a trouble. But it only works in a one on one conflict. Not to mention that if you're worried about KOing people just body shot or leg kick.

[rusty nails]

in terms of keeping you safe judo might be the best there is for the street. he might not be able to win the fight but neither will the other guy.
a good judoka can get that safe clinch and stall all day if they like. then when your getting bored and wondering how to hit them BOOM.. your on your back.