What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or Bjj is a mixture of martial arts, self defence and combat sports that focus on ground fighting and grappling. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is based on the Kodokon Judo fighting fundamentals and became its own art through the practices, adaptations and experiments of judo through Carlos and Helio Gracie. They shared this knowledge with their extended family and other instructors. BJJ Sydney promotes the concept that no matter how small or weak you are you can actually defend yourself against a stronger and bigger assailant by using leverage, proper technique and most importantly by taking your opponent to the ground and applying chokeholds and joint locks to defeat them. BJJ training can be used for MMA (Mixed Martial Arts), self defence and in sport grappling tournaments. BJJ began in 1882 and is not just a martial art; it is also a sport, a way to build character in younger people, a method to enhance your physical fitness and a way of life.
In 1909 Geo Omori opened the first jujutsu/judo school in Brazil, some of those he taught travelled overseas giving demonstrations, spreading the word and challenging boxers and wrestlers and other martial artists to fights. In 1916 Carlos Gracie watched a demonstration and was inspired to learn Judo – he later passed his knowledge on to his brother Helio. Together they developed Gracie Jiu Jitsu which was a softer version of judo that focused on ground fighting as the younger brother was unable to perform many of the judo moves that required defending from his opponent’s greater strength. Today the Gracie family is still known for its links to Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Bjj classes in Sydney require our teams to wear a uniform, this uniform is similar to a judogi but with tighter cuffs around the wrists and ankles – this closer fits means there is less material for your opponent to grab. The term Kimono is used in Brazil to describe the uniform. Different coloured belts are used to signify the level of practical skills and technical knowledge, this grading structure shares its origins with the Judo ranking system but has its own unique aspects. There is a difference between the adult and youth belts and the degree/stripe system is different. With a consistent training schedule of bjj classes in Sydney the amount of time it could take you to achieve the rank of black belt is between 8 and 10 years. Marco *Gigante* Villela teaches the best of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mauy Thai and submission wrestling at the *Giant Team Australia* Jiu Jitsu school and is a black belt taught by Carlos Gracie Jr – the great master of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
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