Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is best described as the art and science of control that leads to submission. It is a grappling system that operates through a four-step process:
- Take your opponent to the ground
- Get past your opponent's legs
- Progress through a hierarchy of pins
- Submit your opponent
Although its history continues to be debated, according to most accounts, the development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) began when Master Mitsuyo Maeda traveled to Brazil and began teaching a young Carlos Gracie who, at the time, was not strong enough to perform many of the techniques. Gracie soon adapted ways to perform the techniques that allowed a smaller, weaker person to defeat larger, stronger opponents and thus, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) was born. The art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is still predicated upon the use of leverage and precise technical movements as a way of mitigating the advantages that a larger, stronger opponent may have. At Modern Martial Arts and Fitness, we share these proven techniques while also developing our own through the scientific study of movement, leverage, and the body.
A Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class at Modern Martial Arts and Fitness will feature a brief aerobic warm-up where you will prepare your body for exercise while simultaneously becoming familiarized with many of the essential movements performed in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) techniques. This warm-up will be followed by a demonstration of several Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques, which will then be practiced by all of the class participants. Finally, the last portion of the class will allow for the testing of techniques in live sparring, performed at a safe and controlled pace. Please note that live sparring is never required, and students may always choose to use this time to continue practicing techniques with a partner, if they so choose.