What is Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a combat sport and a martial art for people with all statures to learn how to defend themselves when attacked by great adversaries using proper techniques.
For beginners, it can be a thorn in the side to differentiate Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Karate, and Tae Kwon Do.
However, BJJ is different from other martial arts because it focuses on ground fighting and grappling.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu History
BJJ was founded by the Gracie Family; they modified the traditional judo and Japanese jujutsu to form this art.
The roots of this sports date back to the 1900s when Esai Maeda, who was a Japanese immigration colony chief working in Brazil taught Gracie’s son, Carlos, the martial art.
The first Jiu Jitsu School was opened in 1925 by Carlos and his brothers and spread to the US in the early eighties.
It has carved a niche due to its useful ground fighting skills. The art gives the smaller person a superior position. He/she can manipulate the joints of the opponent, choke, hold, and lock in self-defense.
It is one of the best and most efficient ways of self-defense.
Why sign up for BJJ?
1. Excellent Self-Defense
Once you know Jiu-Jitsu, you can appreciate its growing popularity in MMA.
The sport teaches how to be in control when on your feet and putting the opponent on the ground for total control.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was developed and used in Brazil at a time the country was struggling with dangerous gangs. It worked and succeeded in becoming an excellent form of self-defense.
If it worked in the city of Rio de Janeiro, it would definitely help you when you need to fight back.
2. BJJ works Regardless of Size
BJJ is suitable for anyone regardless of their size. It teaches you techniques to fight against big and strong opponents.
This martial art focuses on training giving you techniques and strategies and not how to fight without brute strength.
You learn how to make an opponent submit using skills such as locking their joint or choking them.
It is the best martial art for kids, women, men, teens and the list is endless.
Everyone needs to protect themselves at some point, and since you cannot gain strength and a big body in a few weeks, Brazil Jiu Jitsu is the way to go.
3. Gives You Total Control
BJJ gives you more control when attacked. Unlike striking arts, you do not risk killing someone while defending yourself.
You are in control, and it does not have to be deadly. Having the attacker under control, you can wait for help to come along as you are safe.
Every skill that you learn in BJJ schools comes handy when you are cornered, and you need to defend yourself.
So you are assured that you train and gain skills to help you in everyday situations that happen real life.
Apart from winning shiny and highly valued belts in BJJ, you will gain lifetime defense training in life.
Now you know what Jiu Jitsu is. Don’t hesitate to sign up for classes or get started online, learning from one of the best instructors in jiujitsu, Henry Akins.