What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

The term “Jiu-Jitsu” comes from the Japanese words “Jū,” meaning “gentle,” and “Jutsu,” meaning “art,” aptly capturing its essence as the "gentle art." Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a dynamic and effective ground fighting system that emphasizes leverage, angles, and timing to achieve non-violent submissions.

Unlike striking-based martial arts, BJJ specializes in grappling techniques that take the fight to the ground, where skill and strategy can overcome size and strength. Developed by the Gracie family in Brazil, BJJ equips practitioners to defend themselves against larger opponents by mastering joint locks, chokes, and positional control. Its focus on technique makes BJJ accessible and effective for individuals of all ages and abilities.

BJJ gained international acclaim through its success in the UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship), where practitioners demonstrated the effectiveness of ground fighting by consistently defeating opponents from diverse martial arts backgrounds. This success established BJJ as a cornerstone of mixed martial arts (MMA) and showcased its practical application in self-defense and competition.

A group of people in martial arts attire practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on a mat in an indoor dojo. An instructor is demonstrating a technique while others sit and listen around him.