What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is best known as the system of groundfighting and submission holds that Royce Gracie used to dominate the first four Ultimate Fighting Championship events. It originated in the early 20th century when Japanese judo expert Mitsuyo Maeda travelled to Brazil and introduced judo to the Gracie family, who modified the art to suit Rio’s rough streets. Almost a century later, Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques have become indispensable tools for all mixed martial artists and BJJ fighters continue to dominate grappling competitions all over the world.
Finding a BJJ Instructor
Because Brazilian jiu-jitsu lacks a governing body, there is a huge quality variation among instructors and finding the right one can take a few tries. A Brazilian jiu jitsu academy will usually offer at least one introductory class, which gives a chance to interact with other students, get a feel for the school, and talk to the instructor about their background. Be wary of instructors who get defensive when asked what their qualifications are, who they learned from, which teams they are affiliated with, etc.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is the Most Complex Martial Art
Taking into account the dizzying array of positions, throws, escapes, attacks, submissions, counters, and recounters that come into play on the mats, it’s no surprise that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is considered to be the most complex of the martial arts. This can be overwhelming to the beginner, but those who learn Brazilian jiu jitsu slowly, learn the basics, and build from there are rewarded with a lifetime’s worth of learning.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, the "Soft Art"?
The translation of “jiu-jitsu” is “soft art”. This is appropriate when looking at BJJ’s underlying principles, but is a bit misleading when applied to everyday practice. The truth is that Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a very demanding sport where almost every muscle in the body is used to attempt throws, holds, joint locks, and chokes against partners who are trying their hardest to defend those techniques.
Gi or No-Gi?
While some schools allow students to train in shorts and a t-shirt, many Brazilian jiu-jitsu schools train exclusively wearing a gi, the traditional kimono similar to those worn by judo practitioners. So is it better to train gi or no-gi? They both have their place, but the gi is essential for learning the intricacies of BJJ because it provides extra grips that open up a world of techniques that don’t exist in the no-gi game.
Who Benefits from Brazilian Jiu-jitsu Training?
The journey through Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a potent, cerebral blend of physical exertion, fun, and frustration that continues to draw in and addict practitioners from all walks of life. Its diverse collection of techniques and its emphasis on the principles of leverage and balance means that students of all heights, weights, and body types will be able to find and adapt a set of moves and techniques that is effective for them.
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