Brazilian jiu-jitsu is increasingly popular among students of all ages. Derived from the Japanese term “ju jutsu,” which means “gentle art,” Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a non-violent form of martial arts that focuses on grappling, chokes, and joint manipulations rather than kicks or strikes. This means that jiu-jitsu isn’t just a contest to see who’s bigger and stronger—a smaller opponent can easily win a match by mastering BJJ techniques. So what is Brazilian jiu-jitsu? Is it right for you or your child? Read on to learn more.
What Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or BJJ as it’s often known for short, is a grappling-based martial art that seeks to control an opponent by forcing him to submit. The goal is to take an opponent down to the ground so you can wrestle them into a position of control. Once you’re in control, your opponent is helpless—and being in control is simply a matter of leverage, grip, position, and intelligence, rather than brute strength or size.
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian jiu-jitsu doesn’t just exercise the body, but also the mind. It requires careful analysis to reason through each move, but also the ability to think quickly in response to an opponent’s moves. It’s easy to see how BJJ earned its reputation as the martial arts equivalent of chess.
Of course, it’s also a great physical workout—the pushing, pulling, and holding improves muscle tone and strength, while the athleticism required makes BJJ an excellent cardio workout as well. Like yoga, BJJ promotes an awareness and feeling of presence in the body, which can help with balance.
The combination of physicality and focus makes Brazilian jiu-jitsu an ideal activity for children, particularly those who struggle with hyperactivity. BJJ fosters self-discipline and helps children feel more confident in themselves and their abilities. With its emphasis on submitting opponents without punches or kicks, BJJ is an effective self-defense technique, giving both kids and adults the skills they need to defend themselves by using control positions, chokeholds, and arm locks.
History of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
The history of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is quite fascinating. In the early 1900s, Mitsuyo Maeda, a former jujutsu champion from Japan, emigrated to Brazil. He taught jujutsu to Carlos Gracie and his younger brother Hello, who changed the techniques to make them better-suited to his small frame, creating BJJ. Carlos, Helio, and their brothers opened a jiu-jitsu school where they taught others their Brazilian version of this ancient Japanese martial art. Later, Brazilian jiu-jitsu spread to the United States thanks to Helio’s son Rorion Gracie and UFC making mixed martial arts, including BJJ, mainstream.
The Gracie family is still a large presence in the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu and mixed martial arts. In fact, several members were involved in creating UFC and third and fourth generation members of the Gracie family have won a number of wrestling, jiu-jitsu, and other fighting championships over the years.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Severna Park, MD
If you’re interested in learning more about our Brazilian jiu-jitsu classes, contact us today at 443-339-8130 to find out how to get started at Ivey League Mixed Martial Arts.
