WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU JITSU ?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) encompasses a martial art, a method of self-defense, and a comprehensive fitness regimen. Recognized for its effectiveness in real-world self-defense situations, BJJ emphasizes leverage and technique over brute strength, making it suitable for individuals of all sizes to defend against larger opponents. This inclusivity makes BJJ an ideal choice for men, women, and children alike.
Its rapid growth as a martial art is partly attributed to its success in competitions like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and its applicability in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). BJJ specializes in grappling and ground combat, aiming to secure positions that compel an opponent to surrender.
Moreover, practicing BJJ offers a vigorous workout that enhances overall health and physical condition, improving flexibility, strength, cardiovascular health, fat reduction, and muscular endurance.
Benefits of Practicing Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Many embark on their BJJ journey for self-defense, but soon discover its addictive nature and the myriad of physical and mental advantages it provides.
Regular practitioners often report enhanced confidence, weight loss, increased energy, reduced stress, improved concentration, better quality sleep, and improved athleticism.
Additionally, BJJ fosters a healthier lifestyle and a more positive outlook on life.
The Origins of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
The story of BJJ begins with Esai Maeda (Count Koma) arriving in Brazil in 1914 to help establish a Japanese immigration colony, with the assistance of Gastao Gracie, a Brazilian of Scottish descent. Maeda, a direct student of Judo’s founder Jigaro Kano and a master in Judo and Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, taught Gastao’s eldest son Carlos, who then passed the knowledge to his brothers, leading to the opening of the first Gracie Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy in Rio de Janeiro in 1925.
Helio Gracie, the lighter and physically less robust brother, adapted the techniques to focus on leverage over strength, laying the foundation for BJJ. The Gracies’ open challenges, or “Vale Tudo” matches, showcased BJJ’s effectiveness in real combat, setting the stage for the modern MMA.
The Establishment of the Ultimate Fighting Championship
The Gracie family’s desire to demonstrate BJJ’s efficacy on a larger platform led to the creation of the UFC in 1993 by Helio’s son Rorion and Art Davie. Royce Gracie’s victories in the early UFC events, despite being outweighed by opponents, underscored BJJ’s potency.
While the evolution of MMA has introduced a more hybridized fighter profile, BJJ remains a fundamental component of MMA training, influencing ground positions and submissions in the sport.
BJJ competitions can vary in duration based on the competitors’ age and rank, and the art is practiced in both gi and no-gi forms, with no-gi BJJ aligning more closely with MMA due to its faster, less restrictive style.
Getting Started with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Newcomers to DW Jiu Jitsu are welcomed with three orientation lessons, offering a blend of private or semi-private instruction to ensure a solid foundation in BJJ.
These lessons introduce core concepts and basic techniques to facilitate a smoother and safer progression in the sport.
Held during Fundamentals classes, these sessions are tailored to individuals or small groups, lasting between 30-60 minutes, and are designed to suit participants of any age, fitness level, or experience, ensuring a seamless integration into regular training.
After completing these introductory sessions, students progress to the Fundamentals class for continued learning.
MAT RULES
- Always bow when you enter or leave the mat as a sign of respect.
- Make it a point to warmly greet your teammates as you come onto the mat, ensuring you offer a handshake to each person.
- Extend a warm welcome to guests and newcomers, introducing yourself and making them feel at home, just as you would want to be welcomed.
- Maintain a respectful tone and demeanor at all times, particularly in the presence of younger members. Refrain from using offensive language within the academy premises.
- Be fully dressed in your Gi with your belt securely fastened before stepping onto the mat.
- Keep your Gi top or rash guard on at all times while on the mat or in the common areas.
- Shoes should be removed prior to stepping onto the mat and worn again as soon as you step off, even for short walks or restroom breaks.
- Ensure your nails are well-groomed and trimmed to prevent accidental injuries.
- Always show sportsmanship by complimenting and shaking hands or making a gesture of respect with your sparring partners before and after each session.
- Exercise control in your strength and movements to ensure a safe training environment; deliberate harm is not tolerated.
- Punctuality for classes is expected. If you arrive late, please wait at the mat’s edge for the instructor’s approval to join in.
- If you need to leave the mat early, seek the instructor’s permission first.
- Keep conversations to a minimum during instructional time to avoid disruptions.
- Mobile phones should be kept off the mat and silenced during class to avoid distractions.
- Recording or photographing the session is not permitted.
- Eating or chewing gum on the mat is strictly prohibited to maintain cleanliness.
- Stay focused on the assigned drills or tasks until instructed otherwise, as repetition is key to mastering techniques.
- Remember, the ultimate goal is to enjoy the journey and have fun while learning and practicing.
These guidelines help in creating a respectful, safe, and enjoyable training environment for everyone involved.
