BJJ for self-defense is not the same thing as sport BJJ. And that distinction matters more than most people realize.
As Scott Sullivan puts it: "When you're trying to learn jiu jitsu to fight someone who's bigger than you, maybe drunk, maybe on drugs, trying to pound your face into hamburger on the ground, that calls for a different set of skills than if you're training for going against another jiu jitsu guy doing some kind of fancy jiu jitsu moves."
Two completely different training methods. Two completely different goals.
Here's why BJJ is still the best martial art for self-defense, even over striking arts.
It's battle-tested. Every technique gets proven against resisting opponents on the mats. It's not theory. You get the choke, the guy taps, you know it works. Scott calls it a "scientific proving ground" -- hypotheses tested, verified or rejected.
Most fights hit the ground. A punch or two, the guys lock up, and they fall. Once you're on the ground, that's the jiu jitsu player's world. If he knows ground fighting and you don't, you're done.
You control the damage. This is HUGE. BJJ gives you a full spectrum of force. You can just hold a guy down and control him. You can apply a joint lock with just enough pressure to negotiate. Or you can go all the way to chokes and breaks if the situation demands it. Try doing that with an elbow to the face -- that's one answer for every situation, and it's not always the right one.
Smaller people can win. The techniques are based on leverage and positioning, not strength. A trained 150-pound grappler can control and submit a larger untrained attacker. If you don't believe it, go roll with a purple belt half your size and see what happens.
For the full breakdown of self-defense martial arts, check out our complete guide to the best martial art for self-defense. Get the full course in the How To Win A Street Fight bundle.