Brazilian Jiu-jitsu (BJJ)

 

The Philosophy

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a sport, martial art and self-defense system that concentrates on grappling and ground fighting. BJJ stresses leverage and technique to control an opponent on the ground. Since most fights end up hitting the ground, BJJ trains you to achieve a dominant position so you can apply joint-locks and chokes, or simply escape to safety.

 

The premise of BJJ is that a smaller person can fend off or submit a larger opponent by employing the techniques learned in training. To become proficient in the art, instruction, drilling, and sparring (also known as “rolling”) are crucial to ingrain the details of BJJ so that they become second nature for practitioners.

 

The History

At the beginning of the 20th century a Japanese judoka named Mitsuyo Maeda was sent overseas by his teacher to spread the techniques of his art to the world. He landed in Brazil where he met and befriended businessman Gastao Gracie, who helped him get established in the country. In exchange Maeda accepted Gastao’s son, Carlos, as a student. Though the martial art held its roots in Kodokan judo, Carlos and his younger brother Helio ultimately developed Gracie Jiu-Jitsu, or what is now more commonly referred to as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

With the creation of an official governing body to oversee the administration of the sport, including competition rules and the grading system, the era of sport Jiu-Jitsu competitions was started. Today, Jiu-Jitsu is a highly-organized sport, with an International Federation as well as a Brazilian National Confederation.

 

Hayabusa BJJ

Hayabusa BJJ classes include a warm up, instruction, technique and rolling.  Students wear a BJJ Kimono (Gi) and a belt that signifies increasing level of technical knowledge and practical skill. Strong emphasis is placed on Judo/BJJ throws, ground positions and submissions. Personal hygiene, respect and safety for others are all requirements.

 

Equipment Requirements

BJJ Kimono (Gi) / Belt

Mouthguard