Jiu Jitsu (Brazilian)
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a Brazilian martial art which teaches that a weaker opponent can defeat a stronger opponent with the use of the correct technique, i.e. the correct joint lock or choke hold. As such Brazilian Jiu Jitsu concentrates on ground fighting, submissions and grappling techniques.
Origins
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a derivative of Kodokan Judo (which itself comes from Japanese Ju Jitsu).
A member of the Kodokan school in Japan was sent around the world in 1904 to demonstrate the art and spread the word about the Kodokan school. They eventually arrived in Brazil in 1914. In 1917, Carlos Gracie decided that he would learn this form of Judo. From there, the family developed this Judo into their own style, what is now known today as Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is also sometimes known as Gracie Jiu Jitsu.
Ground Positions
Ground positions are used in BJJ by the fighter to get into a strong position from which to apply submissions on their opponent. The main ground positions of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu are:
- Side Control
- Full Mount
- Guard
- Half Guard
Submissions
A submission is where you force your opponent to "tap out" by applying a lock, choke, strangle, compression lock, or by using pressure points. Tapping out is important as a choke or strangle can cause unconsciousness, and a lock if not controlled can cause serious injury.
Author: The Bear Martial Arts Team
