Krav is a much "harder" system as it is structured around more striking and doing direct damage to your opponent than JiuJitsu is. So it would be a decision to be made on what particular self-defense application you were personally looking for. Krav with the "destroy your attacker through overwhelming force" approach, or, JiuJitsu with the "manipulate your attackers force and actions against him and allow him to 'destroy' himself" approach.
I have training in the Old Japanese system of JuJutsu which is a straight-up combat system, and am currently involved in Krav because it suits the "Combined Martial Systems" approach I have to self-defense. You will probably be able to learn the Krav system faster, but there is a lot of the JiuJitsu in Krav's redirection and lock techniques.
It's a hard choice to advise on. Like I said, if you are looking to learn to protect yourself in the shortest amount of time...Krav. If you are looking for a foundational system and then expand on it through diversity, JiuJitsu. Really your choice.
Not sure if I helped, but have fun, they're both really effective systems.
I would start with Jiu Jitsu. It takes far longer to gain proficiency in so it's best to start as soon as you can. Krav Maga is meant robe learned to proficiency in a quick timeframe so you could add it to your regimen later and get proficient pretty quickly.
I belive year 12 in Australia is age 17-18. If thats correct then your mistaken - its called Senior here.
You absolutely helped! Thanks heaps for your advice and I'll be sure to take it. Thanks also to "Glutton 4 Punishment" for pretty much the same answer, but less depth.
I disagree with glutton for punishment.
I would learn Krav Maga first. The fact that it is taught quickly as a self defense system means that after just a few months that you will have enough skills to be able to see of basic attacks from untrained people. It will mean you have skills prior to commencing Jiu Jitsu. Where as in Jiu Jitsu it will take you much longer to become proficient. It is a long slow learning curve because it is a very difficult art to master.
That would be the path i would take.
Hi,
I'm currently doing Year 12 (I'm from Australia, I believe you call it "Sophmore Year" in the U.S.) and I'd really like to start some kind of martial arts training next year, whilst at University. I'm really keen on doing both Krav Maga (yes, I understand it isn't a typical martial art) and Jiu Jitsu, but obviously not at the same time. I'm going to do both eventually, regardless of who tries to tell me that their martial art is better, but I was just wondering; for the aforementioned martial arts, which one would be better to start off with?
Help is appreciated!
Thanks,
John.
