Isac Bispo dos Santos Jr. Discusses the Importance of Learning Self-Defense Techniques Such as Judo and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

By Daniel Finch

In a world of uncertainty it is important to be able to walk around with confidence. With self defense martial arts being at an all time high, it is important to be able to understand the differences and similarities between them. Isac Bispo dos Santos Jr., formerly of the Military Police in Brazil, and not a judo and BJJ athlete and coach, has seen first hand the importance of self defense training. Over the years, he has seen its importance grow, and has become a part of the important network of coaches who help others gain confidence.

While self defense is important for the obvious benefit of self protection, there is a further layer to it. Dos Santos Jr. quotes Sensei Jigoro Kano, the creator of judo, to prove this point. “The ultimate objective of judo is to improve oneself and contribute something of value to the world.” 

So how does a dedication to martial arts lead to self improvement?

It starts by getting people active and giving them something to believe in. The students see their hard work paying off and it works wonders for their self confidence. As people move through the ranks of the belt systems, they are rewarded for their continued efforts. Most importantly, as it was in dos Santos Jr.’s life, “learning a martial art gets you moving and helps you escape from a sedentary lifestyle.”

In his own life, the Brazilian grew up with a persistent sore throat and his parents saw physical activity as the best way to help him improve his life. “I never imagined I would end up getting as far as I did in the sport, and I have my parents to thank for that.” Starting off as a student of Judo, he worked his way through the rankings developing a confidence he never thought possible.

The training lifted him up and provided him a springboard to pursue his own dreams of working to help others through joining the military police. None of this would have been possible without his dedication to his first love: judo. Like many of his own students, dos Santos Jr. was encouraged to try new techniques and learn from his failures.

Taking these lessons from the mat into everyday life provides a strong backbone for growth. Almost more importantly it leads to a feeling of safety and assurance especially in places that are plagued with crime. Dos Santos himself has witnessed some of the darker sides of his home country of Brazil. Growing up in Brazil, he quickly understood that “oftentimes the level of conflict leads to murder.”

However, despite having a strong background in both BJJ and Judo, dos Santos is smart and avoids confrontation. “Sometimes it’s best if you feel things going wrong to just leave the situation.” Buoyed by years of experience in hand to hand combat has given him a solid insight into when to turn the other cheek.

Now more than ever there is an ease of access to learn self defense. With BJJ gyms opening around the world at an alarmingly fast rate, it is an excellent time to start your journey. Afterall, it is never too late to learn a new skill, especially one that might save your life one day.

Learning is at the heart of all martial arts, providing the base for how your body might react in a given situation. “Each day I have practiced Judo in my life, I have learned something new,” do Santos Jr. explains, “I take that with me out of training and it feels good, it improves the rest of my day.” Not to mention helping him in future competitions where he can use his newfound knowledge to defeat his opponent.

Within a BJJ or Judo gym, there is nothing but respect. For outsiders this may seem crazy, respect for an opponent you are looking to defeat?

As martial arts require others in order to be practiced there is a high level of respect demanded for your partners. This in turn helps in social situations outside of the classes such as dealing with people in an office setting or meeting new friends. Learning the precious art of self defense can open up social doors that students never thought possible.

So why should you attend a class?

It helps you to improve your life. As Isac Bispo dos Santos Jr. has shown, learning a martial art can help structure and better every aspect of your life. From self confidence to improved respect and social skills with a nice side of constant learning, martial arts provides a structure that can only enhance your life. As he moves forward and further into the coaching scene, the native Brazilian hopes to share this message with the rest of the world.