Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was developed around 1920 when Brazilian brothers were taught Judo by a traveling Japanese and they transformed the teachings to become a self-defense technique called Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. It eventually became a combat sport and martial art that specializes in submission holds and ground fighting. BJJ takes advantage of the skill of the practitioner to control and pin his opponent on the ground by gaining a dominant position through the use of techniques, forcing them to submission through joint locks or chokes such as a bulldog choke. Jiu-Jitsu promotes the concept that someone smaller can defend or even defeat someone bigger heavier, and stronger than themselves by using weight distribution and leverage. We offer classes on various martial arts including jiu-jitsu.
What are the Fighting Styles in BJJ?
Jiu-Jitsu takes advantage of the difference in size between the fighter and opponent through takedowns so that the physical strength difference can be offset by utilizing grappling techniques and manipulating the competitor to a position susceptible to applying a submission technique.
BJJ is different from other martial arts such as wrestling and Judo because of its emphasis on fighting on the ground. There are strikes and throws in BJJ but takedowns have higher score points by employing jiu-jitsu moves like foot sweeps or leg takedowns. Some fighters also undergo MMA training employing other fighting techniques such as Sambo, Muay Thai kickboxing, Aikido, and even Filipino martial arts.
The training methods in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu emphasize live drilling, sparring, and submissions. The drills are applied on resisting and non-resisting partners while practicing in full contact to resemble real matches.
What are the Ranks in BJJ?
In Louisiana and other parts of the world, there are belt ranks divided into adults and youth.
For Adults, the belt ranks are:
- White Belt – for beginners with no experience in BJJ where the training is focused on escaping, defensive positioning, and other basic moves like submission grappling.
- Blue Belt – for adults in martial arts schools that have Jiu-Jitsu training but do not use green, orange, and yellow belts for grownups. Blue belt is the level where students learn numerous techniques.
- Purple Belt – is for adults in the intermediate ranking of BJJ. The IBJJF requires that before a blue belt can progress to a purple belt, it must first remain a blue rank for at least two years. Purple belt holders also qualify to instruct lower-ranked practitioners. According to the IBJJF, purple belts also need to practice in their rank for at least 18 months before moving up ranks.
- Brown Belt – is for dedicated martial artists that practiced Jiu-Jitsu training for a minimum of five years.
- Black Belt – are for experts with high-level skill levels in BJJ. There are nine levels of expertise in the black belt. Red/Black belts mean that the practitioner reached the 7th degree. Red/White belts are given for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt holders that reached the 8th degree.
- Red Belt – is reserved for a martial arts fighter that has reached the level of a grand-master or for those with the 9th and 10th degree of black belt.
For Youths, the belt ranks are divided into 13 ranks. Children age 4 to 15 years can get up to blue belt while the higher rank is given to those 16 years old and above.
What are the Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
There are various benefits that a person can expect from practicing BJJ. A few includes:
- Physical Fitness – BJJ training is a full-body workout that will improve your physique.
- Self-defense – BJJ is a martial art that is most effective for countering bigger and heavier opponents. BJJ enables you to learn self-defense to protect yourself or other people.
- Sense of community – When you learn BJJ, you will have new friends not just from your gym community but also in the fast-growing international BJJ community.
- Patience – BJJ teaches patience because oftentimes, you have to wait for the best time to make your escape or bait your opponent.
- Discipline – BJJ mentally and physically challenges you to continue learning and it requires consistent discipline to grow.
Learning Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Monroe
If you want to learn martial arts, we, at Pinnacle Martial Arts, offers kids martial arts, youth, and adult jiu-jitsu classes and training. We teach the application of techniques using power and strength, not relying on size, aggression, or brute force to prosper, while promoting discipline and development of physical awareness, balance, flexibility, and coordination. As a result, our lessons help build confidence and self-esteem. If you want to compete, get in shape, contact us now for questions and inquiries on Monroe martial arts to get you started on your journey to your best shape.