Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a Martial Art and combat sport that
focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting with the goal of gaining a dominant position using joint-locks and choke-holds
to force an opponent to submit. The art is based on early 20th century Kodokan Judo, which was itself then
a recently developed system (founded in 1882), based on multiple schools (or Ryu) of Japanese Jujutsu.
It
promotes the principal that a smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique can successfully defend themselves
against a bigger, stronger opponent/ attacker. BJJ can be trained for Self Defence, Sport Grappling Tournaments, (gi
and no-gi), and Mixed Martial Arts competition. Sparring (commonly referred to as "rolling") and live drilling play
a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training will greatly increase your strength, flexibility and endurance, but probably
the best benefit is the increased mental toughness and self-confidence one gains from the training process.
*A Jiu Jitsu or Judo Gi is required for training, but sweatpants and a t-shirt
are OK to train in until you get a GI. Go to the links page for some online sources.
