Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU
BJJ - a very brief history
In the early 1920's a Japanese Jiu-Jitsu expert and diplomat named Maeda traveled to Brazil to establish a Japanese colony in Brazil. Maeda befriended Gastao Gracie, a local politician. Maeda offered to teach Gracies sons Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie boys become very skilled and opened their own schools. The Gracies modified and developed the techniques over the years. As a test of their techniques, the Gracies fought many matches against other styles of martial arts, with great success. The Gracies were brazen in their confidence. The Gracies ran a newspaper ad that read:
"If you want to get your face beaten and well smashed, your (butt) kicked, and your arms broken, contact Carlos Gracie at this address"
Through these vale tudo (no rules) bouts the Gracies came to see which techniques worked and which did not. Over several generations the Gracies developed their style, with continued success in Brazil. While the Gracie style of fighting was successful in Brazil, it was largely unknown outside of Brazil. Then in the early 1990's Royce Gracie's victories in the Ultimate Fighting Championships brought overnight fame and stardom to the Gracie's and their unique method of fighting.
For a more detailed explanation of the origins of BJJ, visit BJJ.org website
The Ultimate Fighting Championships (UFC) and BJJ
The first widely viewed Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) event was the first UFC held in 1993. This was truly a revolutionary concept. Fighters from all different styles of martial arts would compete in a confined cage with virtually no rules. This would seem to be a logical and fair way to answer the question, "Which martial art is best? What really works?" Most assumed that the biggest, strongest Karate experts or boxers would pound their opponents into submissions with a flurry of kicks or punches.
To the shock and dismay of traditional martial artists, the first UFC's were dominated by the little known, 170 lb. Royce Gracie. The fights followed a familiar pattern. After a flurry of punches and kicks the combatants would end up in a clinch, and then end up on the ground. The majority of the highly skilled martial artists were utterly lost once the fight went to the ground and flailed about helplessly. Royce was able to defeat these opponents with a variety of submission holds, with a minimum of blood and violence.
It became very apparent that skill on the ground was the primary indicator of success in MMA competitions.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the basics
As vividly demonstrated by the UFC and other MMA contests, most fights will end up on the ground. This can be the result of
• A knockdown as a result of strikes
• A takedown from a wrestling style shot
• A takedown or throw from the clinch
Once on the ground, the key to victory is to attain a dominant position. From this dominant position, the fighter can end the fight with strikes, if permitted, or by submission holds, primarily chokes and joint locks.
Dominant position is understood in terms of "the degree to which a position allows you to attack an opponent with strikes and submission holds while restricting his ability to do the same" A commonly cited rule is that POSITION PROCEEDS SUBMISSION. This is the heart of BJJ.
Arguably the most dominant position is the rear mount. You are firmly on your opponents back, with your "hooks in", that is your heels inside his thighs. From this position you can attack with punches, elbows, and a myriad of chokeholds. All the while your opponent has little options for attack, and is concerned only with escaping to a more desirable position.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu classes
CLASS TIME
Our one hour classes are structured as follows:
40 minutes techniques
10 minutes warm up, stretching
We will typically cover 3-4 techniques per session. We might work say one guard pass, one mount, and one submission from the mount. That is, the techniques taught in one night will FLOW from one to another.
Each technique will be broken down in great detail by the instructor. The instructor will demonstrate the technique 4 or 5 times, then the students will pair up and try the technique under the watchful eye of the instructor and or some of the more experienced students.
After a few months of training, the student will begin to fit the puzzle pieces together, see how the moves relate and can be strung together.
OPEN MAT
Open mat is the time for students to pair up and "roll", or spar with one another using the techniques that they know. We usually start on our knees, or with one student in the guard. This is a good chance to use your techniques against a resisting opponent. The pace is 50-75%, using good control and techniques. These are not death matches, but friendly, controlled bouts. Some of the more advanced students may pick up the pace, but beginners are encouraged to SLOW DOWN and use the techniques. Our instructors emphasize great form on basic techniques. Speed and strength should never make up for poor technique.
The Belt System In BJJ
The belt system in BJJ is
• White
• Blue
• Purple
• Brown
• Black
Progression through the ranks is slower than in most other styles. It generally takes 2-3 years of consistent training to progress one rank. Progress is based on classes attended, the ability to perform certain techniques, and the ability to "hang with" others at that belt level. It is a 10-15 year path of consistent training to become a black belt, which is truly elite.
In general, the belt color is deemphasized in BJJ, with more emphasis on improving ones skills.
"The belt only covers two inches of your ass, the rest you need to back up on your own" as quoted by Royce Gracie
Sunday, December 16, 2007, paul