Frequent Questions:

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is primarily a grappling martial art with techniques and strategies deeply rooted in the science of ground fighting.
The techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are based on the effective use of leverage, which enables a small person to take on much larger opponent.

What are the benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is considered a very effective self-defense system but is also an excellent form of exercise for those who are looking to lose weight and get in shape. It offers a great aerobic workout and can help you get fit, build strength, develop stamina, increase flexibility, and generally improve your level of health.
These are only some of the benefits you will experience after you start practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu! Stop by for a free class and find why Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is considered one of the most practical and realistic forms of martial arts training available.

How does it work?

A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner attempts to bring his opponent to the ground and then obtain a dominant position. Once in a dominant position, the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioner can choose from a wide arsenal of joint locks, chokes and strikes with which to subdue his attacker.

Why is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu different from other martial arts?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu focuses mainly on ground-based techniques.
Most other martial arts focus primarily on striking techniques from a standing position, which is useless if the fight ends up on the ground.

Why is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu an effective self-defense system?

Statistically, the great majority of all real fights end up with two fighters in a clinch and eventually on the ground. If you don’t know how to defend yourself when you are brought to the ground by an opponent who holds a significant advantage in strength and size, you will end up in serious trouble.
On the street, there are no referees to officiate or stop the fight. There are no weight classes, no time limits, no rounds and no rules. Anything goes. A fight inside a sanctioned ring under set rules against a consenting opponent is very different from being violently attacked on the street by someone trying to seriously hurt you. How will you defend yourself when a stronger, larger and heavier attacker pins you to the ground and hits you with everything he's got?
Working from this assumption, the Gracie family has developed a system of fighting that has revolutionized the martial arts world. The Gracie family has modified the original form of Jiu-Jitsu by adapting the techniques of Japanese Jiu-Jitsu to depend mostly upon leverage, rather than strength. They experimented, modified and perfected simple techniques that would be effective regardless of stature. Consequently, they broke away from the traditional Japanese style and began the development of the only martial art that effectively addresses the realities of ground fighting. The Gracie Jiu-Jitsu Academy first opened its doors in 1925, and for more than 75 years, the Gracies have practiced, fought and refined their techniques.

Are there any physical skills or past martial arts experience required to start practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

During our classes you will find that the techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu are based on leverage and do not require strength or speed. It doesn’t matter if you've ever practiced martial arts before. In our club you will find a healthy and friendly environment where you will learn and develop, step by step, all the physical skills necessary to perform the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is recommended for people of any age, size, strength or level of physical fitness.

How did Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu become so popular around the world?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu only began to receive international attention when Royce Gracie won the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in 1993. The UFC pitted martial artists of various styles in no-holds-barred competition to settle the age old question, "Which style is the best?" Despite being the lightest competitor, Gracie went on to win three UFC championships and is the only competitor in UFC history to win four fights in a single night.
Today, almost every professional mixed martial artist cross-trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It is a testament of the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu both inside and outside the ring.

Is there any other sport activity recommended to supply and improve my Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu skills?

All club members are encouraged to supplement their Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training outside of class time with stretching, yoga, weight lifting, cardiovascular conditioning and even other martial arts. Maybe you have always wanted to try Judo or learn kick-boxing? Diversifying your skill sets will not only improve your knowledge base and your physical conditioning, it will also give you insight into other martial art styles — their cultures, philosophies, techniques and strategies. You are then free to incorporate anything you feel is efficient into your own Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training.

Which martial art is best?

Rather than get bogged down by the debate, "Which style is best?" Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners prefer to train hard to constantly improve and refine their skills. This mindset has given Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practitioners tremendous freedom to absorb and incorporate any technique or training methodology that improves their skills. Jiu-jitsu means "flexible" or "gentle" discipline. The principle of Ju applies not only to the Jiu-Jitsu practitioner's overall approach towards combat, but also towards the flexibility and free-thinking of the mind. Innovation, creativity and progression are always encouraged. Always seek for more efficient use of your body's resources. Always ask yourself, "is there a better way?" Debating "Which style is best?" is an inefficient use of your time. While others debate, we train!