Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that emphasizes grappling and ground fighting, focusing on using an opponent's strength against them to achieve submission through techniques such as chokes, throws, and joint locks. Originating from traditional jiu-jitsu practiced by samurai in feudal Japan, BJJ evolved into its modern form in the early twentieth century, gaining popularity particularly in the context of mixed martial arts (MMA). Unlike traditional jiu-jitsu, which is geared towards self-defense, BJJ has become a competitive sport governed by specific rules and regulations.
Training in BJJ is often structured around a belt ranking system, beginning with white belts and progressing to black belts, reflecting the practitioner's skill and knowledge. Each belt level signifies mastery of different techniques and emphasizes various aspects of the art, such as sparring, defense, and offense. Competitions are an integral part of BJJ culture, where practitioners compete in a regulated environment against others of similar skill levels, often wearing the traditional gi. While many techniques are taught, certain moves are restricted in competition to ensure safety. BJJ not only promotes physical fitness and self-defense but also fosters a community where continuous learning and personal development are encouraged.
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Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that can be traced back to the samurai of feudal Japan. It does not allow strikes or weapons. Instead, it focuses on grappling. Students of BJJ learn to use an opponent's strength against him or her to force surrender. To achieve this end, students commonly utilize chokes, throws, and joint locks.
The organized study of BJJ in its modern form began in the early twentieth century. It was popular in the middle of the century, after which its popularity waned. It experienced a resurgence in the 1990s and 2000s, with the rise of mixed martial arts (MMA). When several prominent fighters showcased how effective BJJ could be at countering boxing and other striking-based martial arts, it quickly became an essential staple of MMA training.
Brief History
In its earliest forms, jiu-jitsu was practiced by samurai in feudal Japan. It was meant to be a secondary line of defense in case a samurai warrior was disarmed on the battlefield. At the time, most training for hand-to-hand combat involved using hands and feet to deliver powerful, debilitating strikes. However, because samurai and other warriors wore metal armor with padding underneath, unarmed strikes were extremely ineffective.
To combat this situation, samurai developed techniques that allowed them to disable an opponent without striking them. These included throwing their opponents to the ground, choking their opponents, and badly damaging joints. Instructors passed down these techniques through the generations. Over time, they evolved into the fundamentals of jiu-jitsu.
Jiu-jitsu initially was spread beyond Japan by the famous fighter Mitsuyo Maeda. Maeda traveled to the United States in the early twentieth century, determined to prove the effectiveness of his techniques. He publically challenged boxers and other fighters much larger than himself, usually soundly defeating them with chokes and arm locks. Along with other instructors from his school, Maeda began to take students in the United States. Jiu-jitsu quickly grew in popularity, earning a reputation as a practical and efficient form of unarmed combat.
Overview
Modern BJJ is distinctly different from traditional jiu-jitsu. While jiu-jitsu is taught as a form of self-defense best utilized against an unsuspecting assailant, BJJ has grown into a popular combat sport. It has a variety of rigid, restrictive rules enforced during both practice and competition. While BJJ often is taught through live, full-contact sparring, it is not designed for actual combat situations.
BJJ is taught through certified and well-regulated schools. Because mastery of the art may take more than a decade of study, fighters are organized into various ranks. These ranks are displayed through the awarding of colored belts. Being granted a new belt by an instructor signifies a major achievement, as well as advancement to a new rank.
Like many other martial arts, BJJ ranks advance from white, the least-skilled rank, to black, the most-skilled rank. White belts are expected to improve their physical conditioning, understand the fundamental techniques and movements associated with BJJ, and show commitment to the study of BJJ. Blue belts, the next rank, are expected to practice their defense. They must learn to easily escape many of the common holds and locks found in BJJ. They also may be expected to fight in a competition.
At the next rank, purple belt, students focus much more of their efforts on sparring and physical practice. They are expected to improve upon the techniques studied at earlier ranks, eliminating wasteful movements and learning to better control their momentum. They also are expected to work with their coach to identify and strengthen weaknesses in their technique.
As a brown belt, students capitalize on the defensive skills they mastered as a purple belt. They learn to trust their defensive techniques and use that trust to hone their offense. They learn new techniques to use on top of their opponent, and they improve their speed and balance. Brown belts are expected to be deeply familiar with every common attack and defense associated with BJJ and also are expected to begin defining their own individual combat style.
Lastly, students are awarded the rank of black belt. When given a black belt, the student is being acknowledged as a master of his or her craft. Black belts understand every nuance of BJJ, are skilled in all techniques, and have attained an instinctive knowledge of grappling. Black belts are authorized to teach BJJ and are encouraged to continue learning about combat through the study of other martial arts.
In addition to rank, prowess in BJJ is studied through participation in competitions. BJJ competitions range from small, local meetups to worldwide events. Because BJJ is difficult and dangerous as a sport, BJJ competitions employ a number of rules. Competitors normally are sorted into divisions by rank so they fight against opponents of a similar skill level. They must wear the traditional garment associated with jiu-jitsu, the Gi. Unlike many other martial arts, use of the Gi in submission attempts is both allowed and encouraged. Competitors also are encouraged to wear both a mouthpiece and groin protection to avoid accidental injury. However, many competitions do not mandate that competitors use such protective equipment.
Most BJJ competitions restrict the use of certain holds to specified categories. For example, specific flying takedowns, moves that twist or jar the neck, submissions that unnaturally twist the knee, and heel hooks are banned in many major competitions. While these techniques are taught as part of a traditional BJJ education, they are considered too dangerous for use in a competitive environment. Additionally, many other techniques are restricted to higher-level belts. Although these techniques are dangerous, high-level BJJ competitors are trusted to carry them out safely.
Bibliography
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