How One Year of BJJ Training Helped Curtis Protect Ipswich Town Centre
Janis Riekstins
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Sep 11, 2025
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2 min read
When people ask whether Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu really works for self-defence, we don’t need to look far for proof.
Just last month, one of our students, Curtis — who has only been training with us for one year — used his BJJ skills to safely control a violent thief in Ipswich town centre until police arrived.
Curtis used his training to restrain the suspect until police arrived. Curtis works as a street ranger, helping keep our town safe. When he spotted a man who had just stolen goods and threatened local staff, he stepped in to stop him. The situation quickly became aggressive, but Curtis stayed calm and relied on his training.
Using a simple takedown and basic control positions that every beginner learns in their first year of Jiu-Jitsu, Curtis was able to keep the man restrained, despite attempts to fight back, until security and police officers could take over.
What’s most inspiring is that Curtis didn’t need to cause unnecessary harm. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is about control, not violence. By using leverage, positioning, and technique — rather than strikes — he was able to stay safe, protect others, and wait for the authorities.
This is why we believe BJJ is one of the best martial arts for real-world self-defence. It teaches you:
- How to stay calm under pressure.
- How to use technique instead of strength.
- How to protect yourself and others responsibly.
And the best part? You don’t need decades of training before you feel the benefits. Curtis proved that just one year on the mats can already give you the skills and confidence to make a difference.
👉 Want to build your confidence and learn practical self-defence?
Join us at Ipswich Combat Academy — try your first class today.