If you ever wondered how to learn a triangle choke or improve your physical fitness, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu might be just for you.

In this post we will discuss everything you need to know about this fascinating sport of grappling and ground fighting that is taking the world by storm.

Time to get your black belt on!

What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

It was developed in Brazil in the early 20th century by Carlos Gracie and his brothers. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is often considered to be one of the most effective self-defense systems in the world.

Having been developed in the early 1900s by Japanese immigrant Mitsuyo Maeda, BJJ is often credited as being one of the most effective martial arts, as it emphasizes technical knowledge and grappling styles that can be used to control or submit a resisting opponent without necessarily causing serious injury.

BJJ is widely practiced as a sport, and competitions are held at both the local and international level. The sport aspect of BJJ focuses on passing an opponent’s guard, achieving a more dominant position, and then applying a submission hold (such as a clock choke or joint lock).

You can call it “human chess” as it takes tremendous control over the body and the mind.

Martial artists are awarded points for various positions and techniques, and the goal is to either score enough points to win the match outright, or to force the opponent to submit.

Whether you are interested in BJJ to learn how to defend yourself, competition, or simply as a means of exercise and self-improvement, there are many benefits that can be gained from participating in this martial art.

The History Of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The history of BJJ can be traced back to the Samurais of feudal Japan.

It is said that when the Samurais were defeated in battle, they were often forced to commit seppuku (ritual suicide). To avoid this fate, some of the Samurais began to train in the art of Jiu Jitsu.

Jiu Jitsu eventually made its way to Brazil, where it was adapted and modified by a man named Carlos Gracie. Gracie’s nephew, Helio Gracie, is often credited with developing BJJ into the form we know today.

The Gracie brothers abandoned the Kodokan rules of Kodokan judo after BJJ was introduced to Brazil.

It is one of the most popular martial arts in the world, and has been used by some of the biggest names in combat sports, such as UFC champions Georges St-Pierre and Anderson Silva.

The Basics Of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

BJJ is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and fighting on the ground.

It was derived from Japanese Jiu Jitsu, which was itself based on the ancient Chinese martial art of Jujutsu.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was first developed by the Gracie family in Brazil in the 1920s.

The techniques of BJJ are designed to allow a smaller, weaker person to defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent.

The key is to use leverage and proper technique to take the fight to the ground, where the smaller person can then use submissions (joint locks and chokeholds) to force the larger person to tap out (give up).

BJJ is often used as a base for other MMA (mixed martial arts) disciplines, as it provides a strong foundation in grappling.

It is also an increasingly popular sport in its own right, with tournaments held all over the world. Learning Jiu-Jitsu takes a lot of time and practice.

The Different Styles Of BJJ

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a martial art that focuses on grappling and fighting on the ground.

Also called “the gentle art”, it is often considered to be one of the most effective styles of self-defense due to the fact that a smaller person is able to use leverage against a much larger opponent.

There are different schools and styles of BJJ martial arts instruction, but all of them share the same basic principles and techniques.

Some of the more popular styles of BJJ include:

1. Gracie Jiu Jitsu

This is the style that was developed by the Renzo Gracie Academy in Brazil. It is considered to be one of the most effective and well-rounded styles of BJJ. The Gracie Jiu Jitsu Belt System is separate from the traditional Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Belts.

2. Nova Uniao

This style was developed by a group of Brazilian black belts who wished to create a more well-rounded style of BJJ.

3. 10th Planet Jiu Jitsu

This style was created by American black belt Eddie Bravo. It focuses on no-gi grappling and has become very popular in recent years.

The Belts In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, students progress through a system of ranks (belt colors) and receive a corresponding colored belt to signify their level of skill.

The six levels in order are:

1. White belt: signifying a beginner who has mastery of the very basics
2. Blue belt: signifying a student who has mastered the basics and is now working on more advanced techniques
3. Purple belt: signifying a student who has a good understanding of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is starting to develop their own style
4. Brown belt: signifying a student who is approaching black belt level and is considered an expert in the art
5. Black belt: signifying a master of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
6. Red and black belt (also called “coral” belts): signifying a grandmaster of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

The Stripes And Degrees On A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Belt

Most BJJ academies use a similar ranking system.

There are usually 6 ranks: white, blue, purple, brown, and black.

Each rank has a certain number of stripes that can be earned. In addition, there are degrees within each rank that represent a higher level of achievement.

For example, a 1st degree black belt is higher than a 2nd degree black belt. Here is a breakdown of the most common stripes and degrees:

1. White Belt

• 4 stripes: represents the basic foundation of techniques that a student should know
• 1 degree: represents a higher level of proficiency in the basic techniques

2. Blue Belt

• 5 stripes: represents an increased knowledge of techniques and beginning to develop your own style
• 2 degrees: represents a higher level of proficiency in the techniques and beginning to develop your own style

3. Purple Belt

• 6 stripes: represents an advanced knowledge of techniques and a developing style
• 3 degrees: represents an advanced level of proficiency in the techniques and a developing style

4. Brown Belt

• 7 stripes: represents an expert knowledge of techniques and a well-developed style
• 4 degrees: represents an expert level of proficiency in the techniques and a well-developed style

5. Black Belt

• The black belt is the highest rank in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Once you achieve this rank, you are considered a master of the art. There are no further stripes or degrees beyond black belt.

The Training Of BJJ

BJJ training typically consists of two parts: traditional gi (pronounced “gee”) and no-gi.

Gi training focuses on using a traditional kimono-style uniform to control and submit your opponent.

In no-gi training, there is no uniform, so practitioners must rely on grips on clothing or bare skin to control their opponents. Both gi and no-gi Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can be trained for self-defense or competition.

Competition is a big part of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu culture. In fact, the Gracie family developed their own set of rules (now known as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) specifically for Vale Tudo (no rules) fighting competitions in Brazil.

These rules emphasized safety and allowed techniques that would be illegal in other martial arts, such as joint locks and chokes. This system proved successful, as the Gracies dominated these early competitions.

Today, BJJ tournaments are held all over the world for both gi and no-gi divisions where world champions compete.

Whether you want to compete or just train for defense reasons, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a great martial art to get involved in and meet other fellow BJJ practitioners.

The Benefits Of Being A BJJ Practitioner

Though full-contact sports such as boxing, football and rugby have been around for centuries, jiu jitsu is a relative newcomer, having only gained widespread popularity in the last few decades.

Nevertheless, it has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world, with millions of practitioners of all ages and backgrounds promoting physical fitness, even among kids.

One of the things that makes BJJ so appealing is the fact that it can be practiced safely by Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners of all ages and levels of fitness.

Unlike other martial arts, there is no need for sparring or physical contact with an opponent – all you need is a willing partner to help you practice your techniques.

This makes it an ideal activity for people who want to stay fit and active without putting their bodies at risk of injury.

In addition to being a safe and low-impact activity, Jiu-Jitsu also provides a number of other physical benefits. These include:

1. Better cardiovascular fitness
2. Increased muscle mass and strength
3. Improved joint flexibility
4. Developed balance and coordination
5. Enhanced mental clarity and concentration

The Dangers Of BJJ

Despite the many benefits of BJJ, there are also some risks associated with the sport. Some of the potential health risks include:

1. Concussions and other head injuries
2. Neck and spine injuries
3. Shoulder injuries
4. Elbow and wrist injuries
5. Hip and groin injuries
6. Knee and ankle injuries

Injuries are relatively common (even with Jiu-Jitsu masters), and some of the most common include concussions, sprains, and joint dislocations. Jiu-Jitsu can also be quite physically demanding, and participants may sometimes experience fatigue or muscle soreness.

It is important to warm up properly before participating in any Jiu-Jitsu activity, and to listen to your body if you begin to feel any pain or discomfort.

The Competition of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

The competition of BJJ is where two practitioners of the art face off against each other in order to test their skills.

The aim of the competition is to either force your opponent to submit, or to score more points than them through a series of takedowns, sweeps, guard passes and so on.

BJJ competitions can be fought in either a gi (a traditional martial arts uniform) or without one (no-gi).

The rules also differ slightly depending on whether the fight is taking place in a gi or no-gi. For example, in gi competitions, fighters are not able to grab their opponent’s hair or clothing, but in no-gi they can.

There are a number of different organizations that host Brazilian Jiu Jitsu competitions, but the most prestigious and well-known is probably the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).

The IBJJF hosts a number of different tournaments throughout the year, including the World Championships, which is considered to be the most important event in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

The Future Of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has grown in popularity in recent years due to its success in MMA competitions. This has led to an increase in the number of people training BJJ both for self-defense and as a sport.

BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger assailant by using proper technique, leverage, and body position.

It is also used in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions. MMA is a full-contact sport that allows both striking and grappling techniques, from a variety of disciplines including boxing, kickboxing, Muay Thai, karate, jiu jitsu, and taekwondo.

The Myths OF BJJ

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has been around for over 100 years and has become one of the most popular martial arts in the world.

It is known for its effectiveness in self-defense, its competition success, and its fitness benefits. However, there are still many myths surrounding the art that prevent people from understanding what it really is.

One of the biggest myths is that BJJ is only for men. This could not be further from the truth!

BJJ is a martial art that is suitable for anyone, regardless of gender, size, or strength. In fact, many of the top competitors in the world are women!

Another myth is that Jiu-Jitsu is only for people who want to compete.

While competition can be a great way to test your skills and challenge yourself, it is not the only reason to train. Many people train simply for self-defense, fitness, or even just for fun!

When many other martial arts promote techniques for solo training with very minimal contact, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is focused on the gentle are of mastering resistance.

If you have ever been interested in trying BJJ but have been put off by the myths surrounding it, we encourage you to give it a try! We are confident that you will quickly realize just how wonderful this martial art really is.

FAQ

1. What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It was developed in Brazil in the early 20th century by Carlos Gracie, who was influenced by Japanese Jujutsu. BJJ is known for its effectiveness in self-defense, as well as its use in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions.

2. What are the benefits?

BJJ has both physical and mental benefits. Physically, it can help to improve strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular fitness. It can also help to develop coordination and motor skills. Mentally, BJJ can help to improve focus and concentration, and can also be a great way to relieve stress.

3. What do I need to get started?

All you need to get started in BJJ is a willingness to learn and a comfortable pair of clothes that you can move around in easily. Most BJJ schools will have all of the other equipment you need, such as mats, belts, and protective gear.

4. How long does it take to learn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

This varies from person to person, but generally it takes several months (or even years) of training to gain a good level of proficiency in BJJ. Like with any skill, the more you practice, the better you will become at it. Starting at a young age will give you a significant advantage.

5. What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Gi?

It is a training uniform used in BJJ adapted from the Japanese keikogi. It is usually made from cotton and consists of a heavy jacket and trousers with a belt that signifies the fighter’s rank. Many like to refer to it as “kimono.” Certain BJJ schools do not use GI in their training programs.

6. What is Jiu Jitsu?

Jiu Jitsu is a Japanese martial art dating back to the age of samurai. No one really know when it originated but we know that is what started Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in America by the Gracie family.