Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art, combat sport, and a self defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. The art was derived from the Japanese martial art of Kodokan judo (which itself is derived from Japanese Jujutsu) in the early 20th century.Jiu-jitsu is agrappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit. Due to the fact that control is generally easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the technique of Brazilian jiu jitsu is centered round the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions from where the opponent can be rendered harmless.

To control and overcome greater size, strength and aggression with lesser size and strength is the keynote of the sport. This is done by utilizing superior leverage, grip and position upon your opponent. Students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body.

BJJ training can be used for sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition or self defense. Sparring (commonly referred to as “rolling”) and live drilling play a major role in training.

Class Structure

Our Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes start out with a warm-up usually consisting of jogging, bear crawls, and shrimp drills on top of many other exercises. We then learn and go over one or two techniques that fit in with the position we have been drilling for the week. In order to create muscle memory, we then drill the move we have learned on our fellow training partners. Often times, once drilling is done, we then continue onto live sparring (rolling) in order to put our techniques into practice.

What to Wear

When visiting for your first time, please wear basketball shorts and a t-shirt. A mouth guard and cup are recommended, but not required. If you have a gi from another martial art (Judo, Karate, etc.) feel free to wear that.

If you plan on signing up and continually attending Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes, a BJJ gi is required.