Ryan Hall Explains Why MMA Is “Better” Than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Ryan Hall recently shared his views on sport Jiu-Jitsu and MMA, explaining why he ultimately chose to pursue fighting rather than remain solely on the grappling circuit. Speaking on Matt Serra’s podcast, Hall said his goal was always to become a complete martial artist rather than specialize in one discipline: I wanted to be a […]

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Ryan Hall, a prominent figure in both BJJ and MMA, recently shared his perspective on why MMA, in his view, is "better" than Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He clarified that his statement isn't a criticism of BJJ itself, but rather an observation about the inherent limitations and potential for stagnation within BJJ when practiced in isolation from the broader context of fighting.

Hall emphasized that BJJ, while a highly effective martial art, can become a "game" with its own rules and meta, which may not always translate effectively to real-world self-defense or the demands of mixed martial arts. He argued that the absence of strikes in traditional BJJ training can lead practitioners to develop habits and positions that would be highly vulnerable in a striking environment. This perspective highlights the importance of understanding BJJ techniques within a complete fighting system.

He suggested that BJJ practitioners who aspire to be well-rounded fighters or to truly test the efficacy of their techniques should consider integrating striking and wrestling into their training. For Hall, MMA provides the ultimate crucible for martial arts, forcing practitioners to adapt and refine their BJJ skills against a more comprehensive threat. This integration, he believes, leads to a more robust and adaptable form of jiu-jitsu, making the practitioner more effective overall.