What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is a complete fighting system that includes, strikes, kicks, self-defense, throws, takedown defenses, and grappling techniques. Although most recognized for its ground techniques, the art is not complete without studying all aspects of the art. Many consider Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to be one of the best self-defense arts available for a number of reasons.
- It focuses on being a complete fighting system.
- The art relies heavily on technique and leverage to submit one’s opponent rather than brute strength and athleticism, thus making it an excellent self-defense art for people of less athletic stature, such as women, children, and older practitioners.
- The techniques studied can be practiced at full speed and resistance, without injuring your partner. Most Jiu Jitsu techniques allow the practitioner to force their opponent to become miserable enough to give up, without causing any permanent injury.
- Because the art can be practiced at full speed and resistance, it provides the practitioner with more practical knowledge of what a real fight may entail and how to handle those situations with confidence and a calm demeanor.
Jiu Jitsu was developed originally in Japan and was brought to Brazil where it was taught to the Gracie family (Carlos and Helio Gracie). Helio Gracie was of small stature and was unable to perform many of the Japanese techniques. He took it upon himself to modify many of the techniques to use more leverage and less strength, which allowed him to defeat many opponents far larger and stronger than himself. He passed this knowledge on to his sons. One of his sons, Rickson Gracie, further modified the art to include a focus on pressure, breathing techniques, and small hidden movements which helped the moves to become even more successful. He coined this version of Jiu Jitsu, “Invisible Jiu Jitsu”.
Today, Rickson Gracie is considered by the community to be a legendary practitioner and professor. This is the Jiu Jitsu that he passed down to our instructors, Luiz Claudio and Thiago Veiga, and is what is taught at all LCCT affiliate academies. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a rich history. Here at Midsouth LCCT our lineage to the Gracie Jiu Jitsu family is pure. Learn More.