What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a grappling-based martial art whose central theme is the skill of controlling a resisting opponent in ways that force him to submit. Due to the fact that control is generally easier on the ground than in a standing position, much of the technique of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is centered round the skill of taking an opponent down to the ground and wrestling for dominant control positions from where the opponent can be rendered harmless.

To control and overcome greater size, strength and aggression with lesser size and strength is the keynote of the sport. This is done by utilizing superior leverage, grip and position upon your opponent. Students of the sport gain a deep understanding of the workings and limits of the human body.

This knowledge can be used to subdue and control an opponent with whatever level of severity the student chooses. The path to this knowledge is physically and mentally demanding. Students benefit from greatly increased physical fitness, problem-solving ability, self-knowledge of their body and mind and the many social benefits of working within a large group of like-minded fellow students as you learn and have fun together.

Many students first learn about jiu jitsu through the great popularity of mixed martial arts (MMA) competition, where Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu technique is very prominent. Indeed, the beginnings of the contemporary MMA competition were largely tied up with proving the combat-efficiency of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The practice of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a sport, however, is strongly separated from MMA. Daily classes do not feature kicking or punching. The focus is on safe grappling technique that can be done on a daily basis with no more fear of injury than any other contact sport.

Classes at the academy are taught all day six days a week. They feature a strength and endurance building warm-up, followed by demonstration and practice of techniques after which students engage in live wrestling with other students of their own level. It is a truly demanding workout with a strongly cerebral aspect and a sense of purpose and skill that will truly capture your imagination. Come down to the academy. Come take a look at a class or better yet, take one of the introduction classes. We are confident that jiu jitsu will become one of the most cherished and enjoyable aspects of your life. It will give you a confidence, knowledge and body-dexterity and fitness that few people will ever know.

-from John Danahar-

The Hidden Benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian jiu jitsu is more than just a sport. It’s more than a martial art. It’s a way to change your life. You hear a lot of people talk about the jiu jitsu lifestyle, but what does that mean? Does it mean you train all day? Does it mean you surf and then head to class? Brazilian jiu jitsu’s benefits go beyond anything you can see. Often it’s the things you can’t see that have the biggest impact on your lifestyle.

The Physical Benefits

Walk into any academy and talk to some of the students who have just started training Brazilian jiu jitsu and ask them what it’s has done for them. Most respond with things like, “I lost so much weight,” or, “My body is so much more flexible now.” Some talk about how much strength they have gained or how they are in better shape. The fact that Brazilian jiu jitsu will change your body cannot be denied. You can physically see your body changing with every day or week. What you can’t see is the improvements in your overall health as a result of training.

Everyone associates exercise with a look. People want to look a certain way. You won’t likely hear many people say, “I workout so I can lower my cholesterol.” The only people who say that are the ones who went to the doctor and found out they have high cholesterol and need to exercise. BJJ is no different. Students rarely walk through the door looking to improve their blood sugar, but I always tell people the best part about exercise is the stuff you can’t see. Keep this in mind when you get frustrated training. No matter how many times you got submitted, you are still doing something positive for your health.

On top of that, BJJ teaches you how to use your body as one unit. In our current society where most of the day is spent sitting, driving, or working at a computer, the body develops some strange and unnatural movement patterns.  The body awareness that BJJ teaches you is priceless. With an increase in body awareness, strength and mobility will soon follow. You can’t see improvements in strength on the mats necessarily, but in the weight room you can see the numbers on your lifts increasing. On the mats it’s harder to see, but it’s something you can feel. Improvements in mobility show up during techniques and drills that at first were difficult to complete but now you are able to move your hips better. Improvements in mobility will keep you on the mats training for a long time.

The Mental Benefits

over and over again. Then drill it some more and try again for months, sometimes years before you start catching people during rolling.Beyond any physical improvements that come as a result of Brazilian jiu jitsu are the mental improvements that are often overlooked. First, the process of learning a technique requires as much mental activity as it does physical. In order to learn a technique you must practice it over and over. You study the technique just like you would a subject for school, and then learn to apply it. Learning to apply the technique can be the most challenging part. When attempting a new move during live rolling or drilling it can be difficult to complete. In order to improve you must keep attempting the technique

If you are the type of person that when things get hard you get frustrated and quit, BJJ is not your sport. In life when things get frustrating do you walk away or keep pushing forward? Just like learning a technique, if you quit you will never learn. This is true for any goal. On the path to reach that goal there are going to be times of frustration and if you stop you will never reach the top.

, drilling, and rolling does for you. Walking into a class after spending months learning a technique, attempting it, and being crushed by everyone is not a good feeling. What is a good feeling is walking in the next day and trying it again. The mental strength to keep pushing even when things are not going your way will show up in other areas of your life outside of the gym.One of the hidden benefits of BJJ is what the struggle of learning

When your instructor is showing technique, if you are not paying attention you could miss a key detail. That key detail could be the difference between completing the move or getting your guard passed.And things don’t always go our way, in the gym or in life. Everyone has stress in their lives. It’s how we deal with the stress that is important. BJJ is a great stress relief. After a long day at work or school, you can walk into the academy and everything goes away. The last thing you want to think about when someone is trying to armbar or choke you is your bad day at work. BJJ requires focus.

Another benefit is that training allows for you to “let your anger out.” During rolling and drilling you can take that anger and built-up frustration and release it on the mat. Roll hard. Let it out. You will find after an intense rolling or drilling session you will feel better. Use the academy as an outlet. It’s one to two hours where the time is yours. No one is going to be asking you about your bad day at work while rolling. Training time is your time.

1. How to Approach Training as a Beginner and How Age Should be Considered.

When beginning your BJJ journey, it is essential to approach your training with the right mindset. You should be prepared to learn and be open to constructive criticism from your instructor and training partners. You should also set realistic expectations for yourself and be patient with your progress.

Age is an important factor to consider when starting BJJ. While there is no age limit for training in this martial art, it is essential to be aware of the physical demands it places on your body. If you are starting at an older age, you may need to take things more slowly and listen to your body to avoid injury. However, with proper training and conditioning, BJJ can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

2. What Should I be Focusing On?

As a beginner in BJJ, it can be overwhelming to learn all the techniques and positions. However, it is essential to focus on the basics first. The fundamentals of BJJ are the building blocks of the sport, and mastering them will make learning more advanced techniques easier.

Some of the basics include learning how to shrimp, bridge, roll and natural body movements because in order for your to control your training parter(s) you need to be able to seamlessly control your own.  These movements are essential and are the foundation for many BJJ techniques. It is also crucial to learn all the positions in BJJ, such as the guard, mount, and side control. Understanding these positions will allow you to control your opponent and execute techniques effectively.

3. How Many Days a Week Should I Train?

The number of days you should train BJJ depends on your goals and schedule. Ideally, it is recommended to train at least three days a week to see progress. However, if you have a busy schedule or other commitments, you can start with two days a week and gradually increase as you become more comfortable.

It is also essential to listen to your body and not overtrain. BJJ is a physically demanding sport, and you do not want to risk injury or burnout by training too much. Therefore, it is essential to rest when you need it and take breaks if necessary.

4. Don’t Compare Your Progress to Other Training Partners Because We All Progress Differently

One of the most common mistakes that beginners make in BJJ is comparing themselves to other training partners. It is important to remember that we all progress differently, and everyone has their own unique strengths and weaknesses. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of frustration and discouragement, which can hinder your progress.

Instead, focus on your own journey and set goals that are meaningful to you. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and be patient with yourself as you continue to learn and grow.

5. What Can I Do on My Off Days to Help My Jiu-Jitsu?

While it is essential to rest and recover on your off days, there are still things you can do to help improve your BJJ. One of the most important things you can do is to work on your conditioning. BJJ is a physically demanding sport, and having good cardio and strength will help you perform better on the mats.

In addition to conditioning, you can also work on your flexibility and mobility. Stretching and doing yoga can help improve your range of motion and prevent injuries. You can also watch BJJ videos or read books to gain a deeper understanding of the techniques and positions.

6.  Should I Compete as a White Belt?

Competing in BJJ can be a rewarding experience, and many practitioners enjoy testing their skills against others. However, as a white belt, it is important to focus on learning and mastering the basics before competing. It is also essential to have a solid understanding of the rules and regulations of BJJ competitions.

If you do decide to compete as a white belt, remember that winning or losing is not the most important thing. It is an opportunity to learn and gain experience, and every match is a chance to improve your skills.

7.  In Conclusion, Consistency Will Be a Key Factor in Growth

As with any discipline, consistency is crucial for progress in BJJ. It is better to train consistently for a shorter period than to train sporadically for a longer time. Set realistic goals for yourself and make a commitment to train regularly.

Remember that progress in BJJ is not always linear, and there will be setbacks and plateaus along the way. However, if you stay committed and consistent, you will continue to improve and reach new levels in your BJJ journey.

Starting your journey in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be a challenging yet rewarding experience. By approaching your training with the right mindset, focusing on the basics, training consistently, and avoiding comparison to others, you will be on your way to becoming a skilled BJJ practitioner. Remember to take care of your body, stay committed to your goals, and enjoy the journey. With patience and persistence, you can achieve anything in BJJ.