Originating from the martial art of Kodokan judo, Brazilian Jui Jitsu is both a self defense art and a combat sport. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gear or a Gi is worn during trainings and competitions. The art focuses on ground fighting and works under the premise that anyone can defend themselves no matter their size.
The art of Jui-Jitsu promotes physical fitness, builds character and is more than just a fighting sport. Mitsuyo Maeda was an expert in Japanese judoka and one of five experts in Kodokan sent to Brazil to spread the word on the art. In 1914 he arrived in Brazil and met Gastao Gracie who helped him get settled. In appreciation of his friendship, Maeda taught Gracie’s son the art.
The Gracie boys went to the United States to introduce the practice calling it Brazilian Jui-Jitsu as each of them had their own technique. Three styles developed Carlson Jui-Jitsu, Gracie Barra and Gracie Humaita. Royce Grace won the Ultimate Fighting Championships in the 1990’s bringing the sport to light. Brazilian Jui-Jitsu incorporates bringing your opponent to the ground and using techniques like joint-locks and choke holds.
More than any other martial art, Brazilian Jui-Jitsu focuses on ground positions. The primary ground positions are the full mount, side mount, back mount and guard. Full mount is when the opponent is straddled and the knees are pressed up into the arm pits to minimize movement. Side mount is a pinning position on the side of the opponents body. Back mount involves wrapping of both the arms and the legs around the opponent using choke holds. Guard positions include open, closed and half positions, the practitioner is on their back and controls the opponent with their legs allowing for choke holds and joint locks to be used.
The two types of submission holds are choke holds and joint locks. Choke holds can cause an opponent to become unconscious if they do not submit quickly. Joint locks create a lever with the body and isolate limbs, it forces the joints past their normal range of motion and induces submission when pressure is increased.
Joint locks are not true submission moves and are not used in higher levels of competition. Joint locks use the wrists, elbows, shoulders and ankles because these areas are more flexible. The knuckles are driven into pressure points on the body to inflict pain to the opponent causing them to submit.
Blood chokes or strangulations should not be done without supervision as they cause unconsciousness and internal damage. Air chokes can damage the opponent’s trachea and can result in death. Strangles constrict the carotid artery and chokes constrict the windpipe. These are both common forms of submission holds.
Just as in other martial arts, levels of ranking are indicated by the color of the belt you wear. They range from white to red and go into levels within the rankings that are called Dan Black Belt levels. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu gear is simple in that it is a kimono and belt. It has tighter cuffs on the jacket and the pants than the traditional uniform and offers a closer fit.
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