What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?
The word “jiu jitsu” derives from the Japanese “Jū” meaning “gentle” and “Jutsu” meaning “art”; so essentially, jiu jitsu is the “gentle art”.
BJJ is primarily a ground based martial art, which uses the principles of pressure, leverage and timing to non-violently submit one’s opponent. Jiu Jitsu focuses on ‘grappling’ techniques with the application of joint manipulations and chokes, and is akin to judo, wrestling, sambo. It was developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, as a way for smaller, weaker fighters to control a larger opponent. It’s the groundwork seen in MMA.
What if I’m not fit enough? Should I get strong before I join?
BJJ gets you fit. Train BJJ 2-3 times a week and quite quickly your body adapts to the sport. Waiting to get strong is just another excuse not to get stuck in!
I don’t know if BJJ would suit me.
You won’t know if it suits you until you try it. Our students are from every kind of background and work in every sector. We have artists, lawyers, entrepreneurs, tech guys, teachers - you name it. Part of what makes BJJ fun is that you become a kid again, you have consent to wrestle other people in the room, and it can be very playful. It is a martial art though, so it can be a bit rough - you may leave with bumps and bruises, or a strained muscle - but as there is no striking, you won’t get hit or kicked.
How strict are the rules? Do we call the teacher Sensei?
BJJ is typically very relaxed in comparison to other martial arts. Whilst we all respect the coach, the other students and the space, we aren’t formal and we play music during the class. We have certain rules for students safety i.e. letting the coach know when you leave / join the mat (i.e. you aren’t being sick from concussion in the toilet alone), but, for example, we won’t penalise you if you are running late from work. For more info, you can see our code of conduct.
Oh, and we don’t call our coaches Sensei, we use their first names.
Benefits of BJJ
Fitness
Mental and Physical Resilience
Confidence
Self Defence
Strong community
Is it an individual sport?
Whilst we do train individually, we see BJJ as a team sport. We are all helping each other improve by being good training partners and supporting each other.
It can get really sweaty, how do you keep good hygiene?
All students must wash their kit between sessions, clip their nails and remove jewellery. Some people shower before class if they feel they need to. As its a close proximity sport its important to be considerate of your training partners.
BJJ Etiquette
They say when you step on the mat you leave behind your ego. BJJ is confronting as its so honest; either what you are doing is working, or it isn’t. Its important you accept your shortcomings gracefully and respect your training partners.
You adjust your training to suit your training partner, e.g. if you are training with a smaller person, you don’t use full strength.
Be on time for class if you can. We take time to plan our lessons, and its respectful to make the effort to show up on time.
What is the game?
The Goal - to positionally dominate your opponent with the aim to submit them using a choke or join lock.
Key Positions:
Mount
Side control
North south
Back control
Closed guard
Open guard
Half guard
Turtle
Knee-on-belly
Key Submissions:
Cross Collar Choke
Triangle
Arm Bar
Rear Naked Choke
Kimura
Omaplata
Ankle Locks
Class Structure
Warm ups
Flow rolling
Drilling
Positional sparring
Free sparring
BJJ Belt System
For adults, the belt order is White, Blue, Purple, Brown and the Black.
For under 16s, the belt order is White, Grey, Yellow, Orange, Green. Each belt has three stages within it, (ie Grey-White, Grey, Grey-Black). For more info about our Kids Program see here