Jiu Jitsu – The Ultimate Self-Defense System

Jiu jitsu is a martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission techniques. The martial art’s success in MMA and as a powerful self-defense system have brought it to the forefront of martial arts training worldwide.

BJJ is a physically and mentally demanding sport that requires great strength, endurance and perseverance. However, it provides a rewarding experience as well as a number of physical and mental benefits. These include improved overall health, better problem-solving ability, greater self-knowledge and social benefits derived from being part of a martial arts team.

Unlike striking or other combat arts, jiu jitsu is a close-combat martial art that relies on superior leverage and positioning to subdue opponents of greater size and strength. Jiu jitsu uses techniques such as joint locks, chokeholds and throws to immobilize or submit an opponent. In addition to developing superior strength and balance, jiu jitsu also develops confidence, poise and discipline.

Jiu jitsu was largely developed in Japan and Brazil, and was refined through brutal no-rules fighting by the Gracie family, including Helio Gracie and Carlos Gracie. Gracie’s emphasis on submission techniques and teaching his sons to use these tactics as a means of self-defense led to the growth of Brazilian jiu jitsu.

The Gracies also refined the sport through public challenge matches, creating rules and point systems for jiu jitsu competitions. In BJJ, most tournaments ban certain types of joint locks, such as the heel hook or spinal manipulation, because the angles required to perform them can cause serious injury, such as crushing or misaligning ribs and vertebrae.