Judo in self defense

How can you use Judo to defend yourself?

Is Judo an effective martial art for self defense?

Judo is a grappling sport and closing the distance is very important to be able to use the techniques you learn. Against a skilled striker (think boxing and muay thai), you may sustain some real damage before you can grab hold your opponent. Once you do however, the advantage is with you.

Although many in the grappling world know the benefits of ground fighting, you don’t want to be on the ground in a self defense setting when you may encounter multiple opponents. Even if you were to take someone’s back and be in perfect strangle position, a third person can come kick you in the head while your arms are occupied around person 1’s neck. You are also on the ground so you won’t be quick to maneuver.

Closing the distance against a skilled opponent takes a bit of practice. But if you look at Judo training over all, you are used to anticipating hands coming to you (gripping) so your hand eye coordination will most likely be sharp. Especially against the looping right since this is almost the same as your opponent coming for that overhand (how many times have you drilled that hand to bicep or ippon seoi nage?)

Another reason why judo can be very effective in self defense is the fact that you are used to having someone put their hands on you full throttle. Randori is usually 100%. Many non-judo civilians have never been in this high stakes high intensity situation where they have to control another body. Therefore, advantage Judo.