Jiu Jitsu – The Modern Martial Art

Jiu jitsu is the modern martial art that utilizes the principle of superior leverage and grip to achieve non-violent submission of your opponent. It uses close-contact “grappling” holds and techniques, joint manipulations and chokes to control larger and stronger opponents. Its roots go back thousands of years, but it’s most commonly associated with samurai warriors in feudal Japan who developed grappling skills to defend themselves against sword attacks and disarm their attackers.

BJJ differs from other arts, such as karate and boxing, in that it is a striking-less style. It is also a very fluid and dynamic sport that requires excellent flexibility and coordination to perform the techniques. Jiu jitsu is a very comprehensive system that teaches the use of grappling techniques for ground fighting in self defense situations. The Gracie family lineage (Helio and Carlos Gracie) was one of the first to develop BJJ into a modern sport. They refined the sport by staging brutal no-rules challenge fights and focusing on ground submission tactics that allow a smaller person to defeat a much larger assailant.

Jiu jitsu is considered an incredible mental workout because you are constantly planning for your next move, both when attacking and defending. It also teaches you to think on your feet and develop the ability to remain calm under pressure. This is a valuable skill in life and on the mat. As a result of these mental challenges, jiu jitsu will increase your problem-solving abilities and give you great confidence in your ability to defend yourself or escape from any situation.