WHAT IS BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on ground fighting and grappling techniques. It originated in Brazil and evolved from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu. BJJ places a strong emphasis on leverage, technique, and timing, allowing a smaller, weaker individual to defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent.

In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the goal is to utilize a combination of joint locks, chokes, and positional control to submit an opponent or gain an advantageous position. One of the fundamental principles of BJJ is that a smaller, weaker person can effectively defend themselves and defeat a larger, stronger opponent through proper technique and leverage. This aspect of BJJ has made it popular for self-defense purposes.

Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu involves learning a wide array of techniques, including takedowns, Guard passes, sweeps, positional control, escapes, and submissions. It emphasizes the importance of positional dominance, where practitioners seek to gain advantageous positions such as the mount, back control, or side control. Once in a dominant position, they can apply submission holds to force their opponent to concede or "tap out."

BJJ is not only a highly effective self-defense system but also a popular sport. It is practiced both recreationally and competitively worldwide, with various tournaments and championships held at local, national, and international levels. The sport has gained recognition due to its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions, such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where BJJ techniques have been proven to be highly valuable.

Training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, self-confidence, mental discipline, problem-solving skills, and stress relief. It is known for its inclusive and supportive community, where practitioners often form strong bonds and camaraderie through training.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • When practicing BJJ, you will need to wear a Gi for the Gi specific classes and a rash-guard and shorts for the No-Gi specific classes. However, if it’s your first day, don’t stress if you don’t have these items! For your first class, we recommend wearing something you’d be comfortable working out in. Gym shorts and a t-shirt work great but please feel free to wear whatever is most comfortable for you.

    Feel free to check out our academy’s store for these items or ask the front desk for recommendations.

  • There is absolutely no training experience or fitness background required for starting Jiu-Jitsu! At Movement Art, we believe that you do not need to be in shape, to get in shape. Everyone has a different starting point, and we all know the hardest part is getting started.

  • Jiu-Jitsu is for all ages! Just remember to take classes at your own pace and know that you will never be forced to do anything you don’t want to.

  • On your first day, you’ll jump right into one of our Fundamentals classes. These classes are specifically designed for those with little to no martial arts experience or athletic background. In this class, you’ll focus on the core principles of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and be guided by one of our world class instructors. Our Fundamentals program is structured to ensure that all of our students can learn the foundations of BJJ in a safe and controlled environment and can focus on the learning at their own pace.

    Remember, everyone you meet on your first day has been exactly where you are! We all walked through that door not knowing what to expect. If there is anything we can do to make your first day more enjoyable please do not hesitate to let us know.

    We look forward to training with you soon!

  • Yes! There’s a $40 day-pass for individuals dropping in from out-of-town.

    However, if you’re a local resident, remember that you’re entitled to a free class your first visit- regardless of your experience level