Most Dangerous Jiu Jitsu Techniques
1. Kani Basami (Scissor Takedown)
At first glance, the Kani Basami might sound like a fancy sushi roll, but it’s actually a judo technique used to take down an opponent by scissoring their legs. While highly effective, it’s also incredibly dangerous.
What is it? A leaping move where the attacker traps an opponent’s leg and uses a scissor motion to bring them down.
Why is it banned? Originally used in sport Judo, this move caused so many catastrophic leg breaks that it was outlawed. It’s difficult to execute safely, even with controlled variations.
Gym Policy: At Sydney West Martial Arts and most other gyms, this move is banned unless explicitly agreed upon by both partners before training.
2. Tanoshi (Head-on-Front-Side Takedown)
This is another takedown originating in Judo, often executed from a body lock position. While it seems straightforward, improper execution can lead to severe knee injuries.
What is it? A trip where the attacker steps behind the opponent’s leg and pulls them backward, often collapsing onto the side of the knee.
Why is it banned? The lunging motion and body weight transfer can cause knee hyperextensions or tears when opponents can’t release their leg in time.
Safe Variation: The move can be done safely if the attacker’s head is positioned on the opponent’s back (instead of the front) and if proper alignment is maintained.
3. Jumping Guard
This one might surprise many grapplers because it seems harmless, but jumping guard is a major contributor to injuries in training and competition.
What is it? The attacker jumps up and wraps their legs around the opponent’s torso, dropping into closed guard.
Why is it banned? If the opponent isn’t prepared, they may collapse forward, leading to catastrophic hyperextensions of the knees. The risk is especially high when beginners attempt this technique without proper weight distribution.
Gym Policy: Jumping to closed guard is banned to prevent injuries and keep training partners safe.
Final Thoughts
While these techniques may appear exciting, their risks far outweigh their benefits in a training setting. Most reputable gyms, including Sydney West Martial Arts, prohibit these moves to ensure the safety of all practitioners.
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