Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been on the rise, in terms of popularity, for a long time. Similar to judo, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is fundamentally different from the other traditional martial art and combat sports system. Focusing entirely on grappling and ground fighting, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu became its own combat sports when judo got introduced to the Olympic. It has over the years grabbed the attention of people due to the numerous benefits it offers.
The History & Techniques
Tracing back the origin of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the first school was opened in Brazil in the year 1909 by Geo Omori. He taught this form to his students, who later evolved it into the modern forms that we know of. Over the last 80 years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has followed a different course from judo, though origins put these interchangeably. Judo founder Kano Jigoro sent one of his experts, Mitsuyo Maeda overseas to spread the groundwork fight all around the world. It was in 1904 that Maeda visited a number of countries demonstrating the fighting techniques, before arriving in Brazil in 1914. While in the country, Gastao Gracie, a business partner of the American Circus in Belem came in contact with Maeda. Gastao’s eldest son Carlos Gracie saw the demonstrations of Maeda and decided to learn judo. Gracie then further spread the fighting techniques to his brothers. One of his brother Helio Gracie then developed a softer version of the fight and called it Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Though the Gracie family is closely associated with Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, it was more of Maeda’s lineage that came to play. The lineage passed on from mentor to disciple and eventually, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained the popularity it deserved.
Different types of techniques and moves were developed for sports competitions. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is identified by its unique fighting tactics and rules. BJJ is mainly divided into three categories of fighting style, though each of these is in support of each other. The first technique includes self-defense, which further elaborates on the striking and weapon less techniques against armed competitors. The second one is free-fighting which is also referred to as vale tudo (anything goes). This BJJ technique has now developed into what is known as MMA or Mixed Martial Arts. The third technique is sports grappling which include submission holds and excludes striking completely.
The Moves
The idea of jiu-jitsu is quite simple. It talks about eliminating the threat of the opponent by pinning them to the ground. It is more about defense and focuses on finishing the fight in a perfect position. Some of the positions in BJJ include:
The Guard The Mount The Side Mount North-South The Back Mount Scarf Mount Knee on Chest Knee on Stomach
Each of these positions aims at bringing the opponent down on the ground. As mentioned, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is all about pinning the opponent. These positions force the opponent to submit.
Apart from the techniques and positions, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu includes transitions, escapes, arm-locks, leg-locks, and chokes. Each of these focuses on locking one particular part of the body. For instance, the Under-Mount technique is used frequently to escape from the pinning position of the opponent.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has existed for a long time and will do so as well. You can participate in BJJ training Joondalup based and become an expert on the martial art today!