BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), or jiu-jitsu brasileiro in Portuguese, is a self-defense martial art and combat sport that emphasizes grappling, ground fighting, and submission techniques. It primarily focuses on taking opponents to the ground, achieving dominant positions, and utilizing joint locks, chokeholds, or compression locks to secure submissions.
The art was developed in Brazil around 1925 by the Gracie brothers—Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., and Hélio—who adapted techniques from Kodokan judo, learned by Carlos from the Japanese judoka Mitsuyo Maeda in 1917. They created their own self-defense system, originally called Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Over time, BJJ evolved into a distinct combat sport, heavily influencing modern mixed martial arts (MMA).
BJJ operates on the principle that a smaller, weaker individual can effectively defend against a larger opponent by leveraging technique and body mechanics. The practice often involves “rolling,” or sparring, and live drilling, which are crucial for skill development. BJJ can be practiced in two formats: with a traditional gi uniform or in a no-gi format using rash guards.
