Wrestling Vs. Judo

In this YouTube video, the YouTuber explains why more Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners are turning to wrestling for takedowns than turn to Judo. Of course, BJJ has takedowns and throws, but many BJJ schools don't teach them, or don't cover them very often. 

1. Risk Vs. Reward
When considering an opponent who can and will take your back, wrestling takedowns are low risk, high reward.  Judo throws are high risk, high reward.  Many Judo throws require you to turn your back. Turning one's back is inadviseable due to the risk of being choked. 

2. Learning Curve
There is less of a learning curve for takedowns vs throws. Proficiency can come much faster.  Also, the subpar comparison: someone with subpar takedowns will still likely take down an opponent who has subpar takedown defense.  A person with subpar throws will likely fail to throw an opponent who has subpar throw defense. 

3. Judo rules are prohibitive.
Recently,  Judo banned takedowns such as double legs, single legs, and the like. Yet, these takedowns are commonly seen in BJJ tournaments, submission grappling, MMA, and in actual combat.  

4.  The Judogi.
The gi grips - which are required for virtually all Judo throws, are simply not there in nogi situations. Wrestling takedowns can be executed on an opponent who wears a gi, and on an opponent who wears no gi. No tweaks needed.  Judo throws will require tweaks to use on a nogi opponent.  Oddly enough, those tweaks will come from wrestling. 

5. Intensity.
Most Judo clubs don't train as intensely as do most BJJ and wrestling clubs. 


As for me: I know the Judo throws, but I do not claim a high level of proficiency. I practice takedowns and takedown defenses in every class.  Throw defenses come naturally as a part of that.