BJJ leaves you exposed, just like wrestling or anything else that focuses on grappling for position. Judo can be explosive with many techniques only requiring a short amount of time to execute, allowing you to engage other opponents. Of course, you have to take into account the possibility of a sharp-edged weapon like a knife. Many techniques would go tits-up if someone stabbed you in the kidneys, while you were going for an over-under grip, for example.
I took BJJ to learn something different, but came away with a much more serene outlook on life. All of my fear, doubts and past misgivings (not playing more football for example) were washed away, and I felt like I could do anything. I've actually started opening up more with people since then, and my coworkers are constantly asking me what happened, because I used to keep to myself. Having practical self-defense knowledge was like an additional gift to me. I'm more focused with finding spiritual and mental peace, as cheesy as that may be.
I think something like that is especially important for us, being black men in this country. It takes the edge off.
