BJJ Frequently asked Questions

The modern martial art

Jiu-Jitsu is a hand-to-hand and grapple-based martial arts and self-defense system that aims to end the fight. This is done by the attacker defeating the defender through joint locks, pressure on muscles and/or bones or chokeholds. Although Brazilian Jiu -Jitsu focuses on grips and ground fighting, it is a comprehensive self-defense system, with throws, strikes and strategies against various attacks.

From Japan to Brazil

Mitsuo Maeda, one of the greatest fighters in the history of judo, settled in the early 20th century. Century in Belém, north of Brazil. This came after he fought hundreds of opponents all over the world without experiencing a single defeat. There he met and taught what he called Ju-Jutsu to the Gracie family. The two children at the time, Carlos and Helio, modified Maeda’s teachings for a street fighting reality. A few decades later, Rolls Gracie founded a martial art influenced by kosen judo, sambo and wrestling.

BJJ offers solutions for all possible levels of a fight

Other disciplines focus on striking and rely on a person’s strength and speed to cause damage. However, speed and power are irrelevant during close combat or when lying on your back. BJJ is fundamentally different from other martial arts because it relies on strategy, adaptability, technique and leverage.

How BJJ modernized martial arts

BJJ offers a variety of benefits including self-defense, improved fitness, stress release, increased self-confidence and social relationships. It hits all 4 factors for good physical fitness: aerobics, flexibility, muscle strength and endurance. The goal of BJJ is to create psychologically safe and self-controlled people who are able to act in extreme situations.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is divided into four main categories: self-defense, martial arts, Gi and NoGi. A black belt in BJJ is someone who has a comprehensive understanding in all of these areas.

Physics and biomechanics of BJJ

BJJ is based on leverage, balance and movement. The techniques and strategies aim to maximize efficiency, minimize risk and be as simple as possible.

Stages of a fight

A BJJ fight is divided into four phases: attack, defense, survival and escape, defense and attack/counterattack. The first stage of the attack is to close the distance to the opponent, take the fight to the ground, achieve a dominant position and end the fight. The defensive strategies aim to survive, escape, defend and finally attack or counterattack.

BJJ is suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels, as long as you are healthy enough.
There are no prerequisites to learn BJJ as long as you are willing to work hard and improve.

The duration varies from person to person and depends on the commitment of time and energy one invests in the training.
There is no set amount of time it takes to achieve a Black Belt in BJJ.