Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; BJJ
Find BJJ descriptions, history, videos, and more right here!

Quick Reference: About BJJ History Description Benefits Jiu-Jitsu Videos

About Jiu Jitsu

Helio Gracie is considered by many as the founder of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. While his accomplishments and contributions to the sport cannot be ignored, there is more history that must be explored to gain a firm understanding.

The history of BJJ can actually trace it's roots back Mitsuyo Maeda. Maeda was a member of the Kodokan and an expert judoka. Because of his prominence in ground fighting, Maeda was sent overseas to spread the art to other areas in 1904. Finally arriving in Brazil in 1914.

Jiu-Jitsu met the Gracie family through a prominent business man named Gastão Gracie, who was the father of Carlos, Osvaldo, Gastão, Jorge, and Helio. In 1917, Carlos Gracie who was 14 at the time, became a student of Maeda and learned the art. He eventually passed on his newly learned art to his brothers when the family moved in 1921 to Rio De Janeiro.

Helio continued to study the art and competed in several competitions. One of which gave rise to the familiar term "kimura". This came into prominence when Helio was defeated by a joint-lock by Masahiko Kimura. The technique that was used was evenutally named after this opponent.

BJJ's now world wide popularity didn't come until many decades later however. In the 1990's, the famous UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championships) featured martial artsist from around the world competing in no-holds-barred fighting competetions. Royce Gracie, son of Helio, won the first, second, and fourth UFC tournaments, forever solidifying himself in the minds of fighters across the globe.

Today, brazilian jiu-jitsu is likely the fastest growing martial art in the world. Schools and students are growing in shocking numbers. Part of the continued popularity is due to MMA and the UFC's continued and growing success that emphasizes BJJ as a necessary component of a total fighting system.

BJJ Description

The premise of BJJ is that most of the advantage of a larger, stronger opponent comes from superior reach and more powerful strikes, both of which are somewhat negated when grappling on the ground. The BJJ style includes effective use of the guard position to defend oneself from the bottom position, and passing the guard to dominate from top position with side control, mount, and back mount positions. This system of maneuvering and manipulation can be likened to a form of chess when performed by two experienced practitioners. A submission hold would be the equivalent of checkmate.

BJJ permits all the techniques that judo allows to take the fight to the ground. Once on the ground the opponents can continue to fight, and winning is usually the result of one participant "tapping out". In sport competition, matches are timed and can also be won by outscoring your oppenent by gaining dominent positions, and completing certain manuevers.

Popular techniques employed by practioners are the triangle choke, kimura, cross-choke, armbar, foot-locks, sweeps, and maintaining dominent positions. Fighting generally begins from the stand-up position and the fighters will work to take eachother down by employing a range of throws, sweeps, and other takedowns. Once on the ground, each oppenent will move to try and gain an advantageous position and apply techniques designed to force the oppenent into submission (tap out).

Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

• Excellent form of self-defense
• Enhances flexibility and stamina
• Strength conditioning
• Confidence
• Discipline
• Develops self awareness and assertiveness
• Stress reduction and positive attitude

BJJ (Brazilian Jiu Jitsu) Videos

I love this video, great demonstration of take downs and subsequent transition into submissions. These two guys show how fluid BJJ can be. I stronly suggest watching this one.

This video is great for learning BJJ history. A good documentary about Gracie Jiu-Jitsu techniques, heritage, and lineage.

---

Retrun to Types of Martial Arts from BJJ; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

---

Southern California Martial Arts Schools Listings Most complete listing of Southern California Martial Arts Schools, MMA training locations, Self-defense Schools in Socal

Types of Martial Arts; Martial Arts Styles Complete list of types of martial arts styles with video, techniques, descriptions, history, and more.

Socal MMA Schools Complete Listing of Socal MMA Schools, MMA training, MMA lessons, MMA instruction

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu; BJJ History, Origin, Description, Techniques, Benefits of BJJ, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Self Improvement Ideas Extensive list of self improvement ideas to make your life better, using martial arts benefits to better yourself.

Choosing a martial arts school Choosing a martial arts school is a big decistion, there are many factors you need to consider. Here is everything you need to know about picking the right martial arts school for you.

Socal Martial Arts Tournaments Complete Listing of Socal Martial Arts Tournaments, MMA events and fights, Martial Arts Tournaments and Events.

MMA News Up to date and live mixed martial arts news, MMA news, and Mixed Martial Arts Headlines.

Martial Arts News Get the latest martial arts news. Specific search for related martial arts topics right here. Latest streaming headlines.