Jiu-Jitsu is commonly referred to as the “Gentle Art”. The word originates from the Japanese word “Ju” (gentle) and “Jutsu” (art).
Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that is predominantly ground based.
Unlike many other martial arts that focus on strikes, Jiu-Jitsu is more focused on holds, grappling and the submissions such as chokes and joint locks. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on the use of angles, timing, leverage and technique to controlling and restraining an opponent. There is also a focus on takedowns in the form of Judo and wrestling.
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When Mitsuyo Maeda arrived in Brazil in 1915 he brought traditional Jiu-Jitsu and Judo with him and began teaching. Among his first students were Carlos and Helio Gracie and Luiz França, who helped make BJJ what it is today. BJJ is a mixture of Judo and traditional Jiu-Jitsu. They adapted and created new techniques to create this new Martial Art.
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The Gracie’s and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
The Gracie family wanted to prove the effectiveness of this new Martial Art and created “The Gracie Challenge”. This was an open invitation challenge to other martial artists to test themselves against Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/ Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. These matches were “vale tudo” translated “anything goes”, and before the times of the MMA (mixed martial arts).
BJJ started to spread Internationally, but it wasn’t until the UFC brought Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and MMA (mixed martial arts) to the masses in the 1990s that the sport really took off. It has been on an upwards trajectory ever since, with tournaments held all over the world and a thriving Jiu-Jitsu community and is one of the fastest growing martial arts.
Why is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu the fastest growing Martial Art ?
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Jiu-Jitsu is widely referred to as the worlds fastest growing martial art. There are many reasons why this might be the case here are just a few:
- It’s a great physical and mental workout. Physicality alone doesn’t amount to high level Jiu-Jitsu. It’s important to have a well rounded technical knowledge and be able to think fast and apply them in sparring rounds.
- It forces you to think on your feet. If your caught off guard… a submission is often waiting for you around the corner. Luckily in our sport a simple *TAP* will signal to your partner that they can release the submission.
- It has a variety of techniques that involve isometric pushing, pulling and explosive movements and slow pressure. It has well rounded fitness benefits encouraging weight loss and improved cardio.
- It’s a distraction from life’s daily stresses. We often find that when we are on the mats training it’s hard to think about anything else.
- There are limitless variations of techniques, and new techniques being created all the time. It’s impossible to run out of things to learn. This allows you opportunity to constantly develop.
- Jiu-Jitsu was created so that a smaller weaker person is able to defend themselves against a bigger stronger person. Age, size and gender shouldn’t be an issue. Everyone can learn the skills and benefit from this Martial Art.