What Is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)? It is both a martial art and a combat sport that focuses on grappling in order for you to defeat your opponent submit.
Much of the technique was adapted from kodokan Judo and Jiu Jitsu. Learning how to execute the proper technique enables even a smaller and weaker person to defeat someone who is bigger which is why it is also used in self-defense classes.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu developed early in the 1920's. But it only gained world recognition when Royce Gracie won the Ultimate Fighting Championship four times after it was established in 1993. As a result, various schools are now teaching this martial art.
In Brazil, there are about 4 of them and each can trace their roots either to either Carlos Gracie or Mitsuyo Maeda.
You can probably say that its popularity as a sport is only second to football as there are competitions held regularly such as the European Championships, Mundials and Pan American that is under the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF).
If you want to excel in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, practice makes perfect and the only way you can do that is through free sparring. This means fighting against a live and resisting opponent under realistic conditions at the same time being careful not to cause any serious injury.
During training and competition, wrestlers are required to wear the Gi. It looks very similar to what you would wear when you practice judo. The only difference is that the outfit has tighter cuffs on both the jacket and pants.
Submission in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is achieved either through chokes or joint locks. Choking as you well know involves constricting the windpipe so the person is not able to breathe. Apart from that, there is also what is known as strangle which constricts the carotid artery. Choking is less efficient than strangles and may cause permanent damage or even death which is why the second is used more often during competition.
As for joint locks which are probably safer, what you are doing is creating a lever with the body position which will force the joint to move past its normal range of motion. This is better known as hyperextension and since there is no way out of it, the opponent has no other recourse but to surrender.
Anyone can learn Jiu Jitsu. As you get better, you are promoted to the next belt class. Beginners start with the white belt and move their way to the red belt. For those who are below 15 years of age, you work your way from white to green belt.
How fast you elevate depends on the amount of time the person puts in and how quickly they learn. To reach the elite class for instance, it takes 10 years or even more.
With Brazilian Jiu Jitsu making its mark in the world scene, you won't have a hard time finding a gym that is offering classes. The only thing you have to do now is manage your time properly since this is done in a group and you are just one of many that are learning the ropes of this martial art. As a newbie, you don't have to get a uniform so just come in wearing a lose shirt and pants.
