What Is Bjj? Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Explained

Around the world, there are various martial arts forms, all with their historical origins and contemporary forms.

One of which, is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ). To answer the question of “What is BJJ?”, it is important to understand where this martial art originated from and what has made the form so popular in the modern-day.

Let’s start with the basics.

What is BJJ?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a contemporary martial art form primarily based on ground techniques using timing, leverage, and a knowledge of human anatomy to achieve a non-violent submission of an individual’s opponent. Effective Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique allows an individual to overcome an opponent of greater size, strength, and aggression.

What Country is Jiu Jitsu From?

While many know Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as the popular form of this martial art, Jiu-Jitsu can be traced back 4,000 years to Buddhist monks in India who wished to protect themselves from attackers without inflicting harm. The martial art then spread to feudal Japan, where it underwent significant development. When translated from Japanese, the word “Jiu-Jitsu” means “gentle art.”

How Did Jiu-Jitsu Become Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

At the end of the 19th century, Japanese jiu-jitsu masters emigrated to various countries worldwide. One of these men was Mitsuyo Maeda, who arrived in Brazil in 1915. He settled in Belem do Para, where he began teaching a man called Gastao Gracie. Gastao’s 15-year-old son, Carlos, was also in attendance at these lessons, who quickly gravitated towards the practice. By 19, Carlos moved to Rio de Janeiro and travelled around teaching and fighting. In 1925, Carlos opened the first Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu school, known as the “Academia Gracie de Jiu-Jitsu.”

Jiu-Jitsu then found its way to the United States by the early 70s. It wasn’t until the growth of the UFC in the late ’90s and early 2000’s that Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was brought into the public eye.

In 2002, the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation was founded by Carlos Gracie Jr and began running competitions worldwide.

What is GI Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, there are two forms of training known as Gi and No-Gi. Gi is a traditional Jiu-Jitsu uniform worn by students. When training Gi Jiu-Jitsu, students use grappling techniques and wear the traditional uniform, which means you can grab the clothing of the other opponent. No GI trains grappling moves, but you cannot grab the opponents clothing; instead, students wear shorts and a rash guard.

While both styles are very similar, they both evolve differently as students’ progress. In Gi, there are numerous grips and setups which take advantage of the clothing material. No-Gi has a greater focus on taking your opponent’s back as mounting in No-Gi has fewer submission options.

What Is Jiu Jitsu Sparring?

Sparring, also known as rolling, is a method used to train the techniques learnt in class and practice. Sparring is always done with a partner; many people develop great relationships with their partners by understanding one another. Sparring offers a realistic situation without the danger of an actual fighting situation.

While it can be daunting to begin rolling around with other practitioners, it is a fantastic learning tool. Many students will spar with a partner of a higher belt to challenge themselves and improve their technique. Sparring with different opponents will provide varying situations to develop holistic Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Whether you are sparring with a strong beginner, a smaller partner, or even a black belt, each sparring session will provide an opportunity for growth and development.

What Are the Benefits of BJJ?

1. Physical Conditioning
   

   Whether you are looking to lose weight, improve your strength, or generally become more athletic, BJJ will train your flexibility, conditioning, coordination, and balance while teaching you many techniques.

2. Self Defence Skills
   

   Even if you aren’t training to be a fighter and don’t like conflict, knowing how to defend yourself and your loved ones is important. The great thing about BJJ techniques is that they focus on overcoming an opponent without inflicting unnecessary harm on them. As you get more advanced, you will also find yourself learning how to defeat an opponent who is stronger and larger than you.

3. Improved Problem Solving
   

   When you are out there on the mat, it is up to you to apply your training and situational awareness to overcome your opponent. No opponent is the same, and every time you spar or fight, you will have to figure out new methods and implement various techniques to win.

4. Discipline and Respect
   

   What is BJJ,(or any martial art) if not a system used to develop your body, mind, and spirit? It is physically and mentally demanding and commands that you respect and uplift your training partners. Starting can be a humbling experience, but you will see progress through disciplined training and mental fortitude.

Begin your BJJ Training with UMF Academy

If you are looking to kickstart your BJJ training, we have classes that cater to all ages and abilities at UMF Academy. To find out more about our training philosophy, classes, and schedule, get in touch with us today.