Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

jiu jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a style of martial art that uses techniques on the ground to neutralize an opponent’s size advantage. While it’s not recommended for fighting in the street, BJJ is a great self-defense system. The grappling nature of the sport can be strenuous for joints and tendons. It’s important to train properly.

In the early years of the sport, the focus was on smaller fighters who were more physically capable of defeating their opponents. This was especially true of Helio Gracie, the youngest of the infamous Gracie brothers.

Helio studied jiu jitsu at age 16. His brother Carlos, who was also a martial artist, began teaching Helio and later passed on his knowledge to his sons.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu started in Japan, where samurai trained. The art developed into a combat sport, with the introduction of sport jiu jitsu competitions. By incorporating grappling, throwing and striking moves, it allowed Samurai to defend themselves on foot.

When Brazilian jiu jitsu was introduced to Brazil, it quickly evolved into a combat sport. However, a large discrepancy remained between larger and smaller fighters.

One of the biggest challenges for Brazilian men in Jiu jitsu was that a larger attacker could use brute force to win against a smaller one. The Gracie family solved this issue by refining the art and developing submission ground fighting.

Today, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is considered to be the most powerful martial art in the world. As the sport has grown, it has forced other martial arts to improve and become more effective.