Understanding Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Wednesday, September 23rd, 2021
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is not your typical martial art, even though it is one of the most common fighting styles in the United States.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a combination of judo and wrestling, using joint locks and submissions to force an opponent to tap out, become unconscious, or break various ligaments. In the photo above, you can see a BJJ black belt on the bottom setting up a triangle choke. The hold uses the opponent’s arm to choke themself unconscious.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu basics
90% Of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is on the ground, and the last 10% is getting your opponent to the ground… Which in itself is a difficult task.
And this is where the wrestling aspect shows in Brazilian jiu-jitsu. BJJ utilizes various takedowns to take ‘the fight’ to the ground. Such as double leg takedowns, single-leg takedowns, and several other leg and trip-related takedowns. BJJ also utilizes judo throws due to the martial art’s origin.
Helio Gracie
Let's run it back y’all!
Helio Gracie (hee·lee·oh gray·see) was a Brazilian Martial Artist and the founder of modern jiu-jitsu aka Gracie jiu-jitsu aka Brazilian jiu-jitsu. To make a short story slightly shorter… Kano Jigoro (founder of judo) sent about five of his students across the world to demonstrate and teach the art of judo. One of the five men was Mitsuyo Maeda who is arguably the first mixed martial artist.
Mitsuyo traveled the world and gave demonstrations in several different environments, ranging from the boxing ring to the wrestling mats.
In 1917, Mitsuyo was in Brazil giving demonstrations when a young martial artist known as Carlos Gracie came along and wished to train judo from Mitsuyo. Carlos was then trained by Mitsuyo in the art of judo for several years.
After Carlos had become very advanced, he opened his own Judo school and began teaching. All his siblings became advanced in judo, all except for one. His name was Helio, and he had a difficult time with judo because he was much weaker than his siblings.
Helio was determined at this point and began adding his own technique that worked around the basic fundamentals of judo. Because of this, Helio developed a revolutionary fighting style and was able to defeat much larger and stronger opponents easily. The main reason Helio was so successful in his demonstrations was due to his use of leverage and physics in his grappling style of fighting.
The main technique in Helio’s style was aimed at getting the opponent to the ground, which worked around the strength needed in judo. One thing led to another and Helio was winning competitions left and right and was creating more practitioners of what is now known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
He became so developed in his technique that he was defeating men eighty-five pounds larger than him swiftly and effectively.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu technique is easy to learn, unbelievably effective, and advanced. This is why Brazilan jiu-jitsu focuses on teaching smaller techniques and mastering them slowly before moving to more techniques.
Gi vs NoGi
Gi vs NoGi is one of the most debatable topics in the Jiu-Jitsu world. Some say NoGi because “belts are made to hold up pants!” and others say Gi all the way because “God intended it that way!” Whether your Pro-Gi or Pro-NoGi, we all can agree it's still some form of BJJ. Here are a few differences.
1 — Grips
Grips are easily the biggest difference from Gi vs NoGi BJJ.
In the traditional way of fighting, the Gi is used as a weapon because of grips. Grips are used to set up takedowns, throws, and all-out control your opponent.
There are also grip-based chokes that are only effective in Gi BJJ, such as the cross-collar choke.
In NoGi BJJ, Grips are a bit diffrent. Actually their more of grabs than ‘grips’. The reason being in NoGi BJJ, all the practitioners wear is a rashguard and grapple shorts. Because the rashguard is skin-tight there's no clothing to grip.
2 — Style difference
Now, this might cause some debate… But I really don't care :D
In my humble opinion, there's a huge fighting style difference between Gi and NoGi! Nogi focuses on the self-defense aspects of BJJ and helps build a faster-paced ground game. NoGi also takes a much larger wrestling aspect of BJJ than Gi. While Gi focuses on traditional fundamentals and technique instruction by belt rank.
3 — Clothing, Duh…
This stuff ain't cheap!
Seriously, It's what works for you. And the best way to know is to try it. Most schools have Gi rentals and trial classes. and for NoGi just call ahead and talk to a coach… It's that simple.
Brazilain jiu-jitsu is an amazing martial art and anyone can do it!
One of the biggest myths I have heard before is “You need to be in shape for BJJ” BS! You go to jiu-jitsu to get in shape, I mean the first fifteen minutes, and your sweating bullets! This brings me to my next topic…
Health benefits
After trying many different workout plans myself, BJJ just works. Trust me, you'll feel great after class! Brazilian jiu-jitsu is known to increase core strength, better conditioning, weight loss, flexibility, discipline, respect, and most importantly mental health.
But… There are a few downsides.
Probably the hardest problems to deal with in BJJ are commitment, financial investments, location and times, and recovery. It is very important to take recovery seriously! The first classes are gonna suck because your body is in the process of becoming more conditioned to grappling. So make sure to get lots of sleep, don't over-train (about 1–2 times per week is a safe place to start), And get into a healthy diet.
So Schools? Here are my picks!
#1 — UFC GYM
UFC GYM is great for beginners because you're getting great instructors for a decent price and convenience. Ufc gyms are everywhere so finding one won't be difficult.
Pros: Great for beginners, easy to find, great instructors, clean friendly environments.
Cons: A bit pricey, some classmates may be a bit shy to introduce themselves.
2 — Eddie Bravo’s 10th planet Jiu-Jitsu
Founded by a great instructor and widely available schools, may be one of the best options for folks looking to improve self-defense and takedown skills.
Pros — Great prices, easy to find, pro instructors.
Cons — May be a bit too harsh for some beginners
3 — Local Schools
Maybe one of the best schools is right around the corner!
There are tons of benefits to local schools! Especially convenience.
What to look for: Clean friendly environment, kind instructors, experienced instructors (try asking “Hey! what kind of experience do you have?”), friendly classmates, and a good price.
Pros: Location (usually), price, friendly classmates, jiu-jitsu only schools (usually).
Cons: Always check twice, lots of fake schools out there.
Number one tip for any beginner
The best advice I could give in my humble opinion is don't be shy. Introduce yourself before or after class and try to make new friends.
Most classmates you're going to run into are some of the nicest folks, and you might just have a lot in common! And make sure to get to know your coach and strengthen your relationship with him/her. You can do this by coming to class and showing dedication, striking up a conversation after class, or even just asking for tips. They love answering questions, that's why they dedicated a career to teaching!
I hope this article was of some help, and hopefully, you understand a little more about Brazilian jiu-jitsu and the origin of the art. Please if not try jiu-jitsu, research it… And see if it's right for you, BJJ is filled with countless benefits!
Thanks.
