Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu; BJJ
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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
Founder: Helio Gracie
Helio Gracie has contributed so much to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu that he is
recognized as the facilitator for modern day BJJ.
Although, he did not create the martial art, he was unequivocably the
catalyst that drove the sport to where it is today. Because of his teachings, and dedication
to the sport, millions are now able to participate in this unique fighting style.
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.
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BJJ; Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
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