Attack without the Violence
Derived from the Japanese words “Jū”, which means “gentle”, and “Jutsu”, which means art, jiu-jitsu is translated to “gentle art.”
Most martial arts focus on kicks, blows, and strikes. Jiu-jitsu is different. It centers on grappling-based holds and approaches, the execution of chokes, and manipulation of the joints to non-violently subdue an opponent. Mainly ground-based, Brazilian jiu-jitsu utilizes the knowledge of the human anatomy coupled with the principles of leverage through grips and holds pressure, timing, and strategic positioning.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is practiced all over the world for self-defense, weight loss and wellness, and even for martial art competitions. If you’re interested in getting into the art of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy in Monroe, Louisiana offers an organized program, clean and well-sanitized training facilities, and a supportive environment that will boost your self-confidence and self-awareness on and off the mat.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu History
There are many theories on the origins of jiu-jitsu. One of the most popular is that Buddhist monks in India practiced jiu-jitsu to protect themselves during their travels without harming their attackers. Jiu-jitsu then spread to Japan during the medieval period where it was honed and utilized as a hand-to-hand combat technique during the war and then further advanced as an art form and competitive activity. During this time, jiu-jitsu and Japanese martial art Judo were still considered interchangeable disciplines.
Jiu-jitsu was introduced to Brazil and subsequently to the rest of the South American continent when Japanese judo practitioner Mitsuyo Maeda came to Brazil in 1915. He taught and gave demonstrations of jiu-jitsu and judo. His students, Luiz Franca and brothers Carlos and Helio Gracie founded what is known as Brazilian jiu-jitsu today. These three honed and maximized the art and technique of jiu-jitsu, introduced new forms, and created a modern martial arts discipline with ancient roots.
Not long after, Brazilian jiu-jitsu has spread to the United States and other areas of the world. Brazilian jiu-jitsu rose to prominence with the efforts of the Gracie family and the launch of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, considered the most popular mixed martial art tournament in the world. Carlos Gracie Jr., the grandson of one of the founders of the sport, established the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) in 2002 and organized competitions worldwide.
Today, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is considered one of the most popular martial arts disciplines in the world.
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
One of the reasons why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is popular is that anybody, regardless of body build and frame, can practice this discipline. It is a sport for all body shapes and sizes. Unlike any other sport, jiu-jitsu is designed to allow smaller people to defeat larger and stronger opponents. The technical depths of jiu-jitsu are vast and always evolving, and there are as many styles as there are body types. Anyone can practice the techniques and approaches of jiu-jitsu, and benefit from the practice.
As Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques emphasize leverage and strategic positioning, the activity entails both physical and mental training. It takes pride in teaching the importance of self-control, relaxation, patience, and balance more than force and power.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a Sport
The rise of Brazilian jiu-jitsu is due in part to jiu-jitsu martial artists defeating artists of other disciplines such as karate, kung fu, and kickboxing. In fact, the use of the right jiu-jitsu techniques can even make a smaller fighter subdue the bigger one. This has inspired the creation of the mixed martial arts tournament, Ultimate Fighting Championships. All MMA fighters in the UFC know Brazilian jiu-jitsu and maximize the techniques and approaches as their base in order to win.
Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy teaches Brazilian jiu-jitsu to athletes/fighters in preparation for BJJ or mixed martial arts competitions and tournaments
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as Self-Defense
BJJ is a great discipline to learn as self-defense. Here, students are taught how to deal with the most realistic attacks and how to dominate the situation. In BJJ, you will learn how to escape and control the attacker without counter-attacking and how to protect yourself from attacks using weapons such as knives, guns, etc.
With the constant response to your sparring partner’s movements, BJJ also heightens self-awareness of surroundings and potential threats.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is considered globally as one of the best self-defense martial arts.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as Wellness Program
BJJ exercises both the body and the mind thereby promoting overall wellness for the practitioner.
With the grappling techniques, approaches, and different styles used, BJJ develops strength, improves cardio and muscle tone, and promotes weight loss. Practicing BJJ improves balance and stance, flexibility, agility, and reactive ability as you are constantly responding to your opponent’s movements.
With the practice of BJJ and continuous planning of your next steps, you also develop your reasoning skills. You utilize variations in movements and the application of techniques to make you a well-rounded individual. You develop quick thinking in response to situations while you remain calm and controlled, making it a great stress-relieving activity.
There is no doubt that Brazilian jiu-jitsu can help you get into your best shape physically and mentally.
The Gentle Art of Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is unique, a sport where you can find trust and compassion amid bravado and strength. With dedicated practice, you will find a greater appreciation of your body’s abilities and be confident with them
Whatever your purpose may be, whether it’s to learn self-defense, to start a new activity, or to further your martial arts repertoire, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu could be the right fit for you. It is a beautiful art accessible to anyone.
Pinnacle Martial Arts Academy is a training center for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Monroe, Louisiana. The Academy serves all ages – kids, teens, and adults – by bringing proven self-defense training and world-class competition. Learn martial arts now and contact us at Pinnacle MAA to check the schedule and enroll.