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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasizes ground fighting techniques and submission holds involving joint-locks and choke holds also found in numerous other arts with or without ground fighting emphasis. The premise is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground.
BJJ permits a wide variety of techniques to take the fight to the ground after taking a grip. Once the opponent is on the ground, a number of maneuvers (and counter-maneuvers) are available to manipulate the opponent into a suitable position for the application of a submission technique. Achieving a dominant position on the ground is one of the hallmarks of the BJJ style, and includes effective use of the guard position to defend oneself from bottom, and passing the guard to dominate from top position with side control, mount, and back mount positions. This system of maneuvering and manipulation can be likened to a form of kinetic chess when utilized by two experienced practitioners. A submission hold is the equivalent of checkmate.
Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, or BJJ class starts with the students lining up, and bowing into class. Then, the class will continue with a light cardio workout, which incorporates many of the necessary movements involved in the practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Then a full body stretching routine is initiated in order to prepare your body for the rest of class. Next, all students will gather around the instructor, who will teach the students a particular position, choke, lock, escape, or defense. He will go over this technique several times until everyone has had a chance to see it. Once the instructor says so, students will partner up, and practice the technique on one another. This will go on for several minutes. Then the instructor will call the students in for more instruction. Then, the students will go back to working their techniques. After the instruction is over, the instructor will tell the students to grab their mouthpieces. Then, the students will partner up, and grapple, or "roll", as it is commonly called. The object is to submit your training partner, while not getting submitted yourself. Once this is over, the instructor will call time, and the students will switch partners. After a few round robins, time will be called. Everyone will line up by rank, and bow out of class.
* For those who wish to spar more, time after class will be delegated for more rolling. Only those who wish to participate are allowed. This is NEVER mandatory.
Advancement is achieved by stripe and belt additions. There are 5 Belts in BJJ. In order, they are white, blue, purple, brown, and black. Every belt, except for brown (sometimes), requires 4 stripes to be earned before consideration for your next belt. You earn your stripes by completing all of the required classes for that stripe. Once your 4 stripes are earned, the instructors will evaluate your performance and advancement. Then they will decided when you will receive your new belt. Some students will advance faster than others.
In 1915, Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese immigrant and Japanese Jujutsu champion took his knowledge of the art to Brazil. After forging a close relationship with a local politician, Gastao Gracie, he introduced Jujutsu to the Gracie family. Gastao's son, Carlos Gracie, would become Maeda's finest student, and proceeded to teach and train with his brothers. Confident with their skills, the Gracie’s would take out ads in the paper, issuing an open challenge to all of Brazil, defying anyone to beat them using any style of fighting. It was in these no-holds-barred fights where they fine-tuned Maeda's art into their own Brazilian Jiu-Jistu (also commonly called Gracie Jiu-Jitsu).
It has since become one of the most popular fighting styles in the world of mixed martial arts competitions like the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship®) and PRIDE Fighting Championships. The goal in competition is to have your opponent submit through chokes, and pressure against the joints. Beyond competition, this is a style of martial arts that was developed, tried, and tested for self-defense, especially to allow smaller people to gain the upper hand against larger, stronger assailants. The theory is that all fights end on the ground, so that’s where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu starts. After all, a mugger might knock you down, but if you can break his arm once he’s on top of you, you live to walk the earth another day.
