Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu[edit | edit source]
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art and combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It was developed from Kodokan Judo ground fighting (newaza) fundamentals that were taught to Carlos Gracie by Mitsuyo Maeda. BJJ promotes the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend against a bigger, stronger opponent by using proper technique and leverage, most notably by applying joint locks and chokeholds to defeat the opponent.
History[edit | edit source]
The origins of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can be traced back to the early 20th century when Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka and member of the Kodokan, traveled to Brazil. In 1914, Maeda arrived in Brazil, where he met Carlos Gracie. Maeda taught Carlos the art of Judo, which Carlos and his brothers adapted and refined into what is now known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
The Gracie family played a crucial role in the development and popularization of BJJ. Helio Gracie, Carlos's younger brother, further refined the techniques to accommodate his smaller stature, emphasizing leverage and technique over brute strength.
Techniques[edit | edit source]
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is known for its emphasis on ground fighting. The main techniques include:
- Guard: A position where the practitioner is on their back and uses their legs to control the opponent. Variations include closed guard, open guard, and half guard.
- Mount: A dominant position where the practitioner sits on the opponent's torso.
- Side Control: A position where the practitioner is on top of the opponent, controlling them from the side.
- Submission: Techniques that force the opponent to submit, such as arm locks, leg locks, and chokes.
Belt System[edit | edit source]
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu uses a belt ranking system to signify a practitioner's level of skill and experience. The typical progression is:
- White Belt
- Blue Belt
- Purple Belt
- Brown Belt
- Black Belt
Each belt level requires the practitioner to demonstrate proficiency in various techniques and concepts.
Competitions[edit | edit source]
BJJ competitions are held worldwide and are governed by organizations such as the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). Competitions are typically divided by weight class, age, and belt level. Matches are won by submission, points, or referee decision.
Influence and Popularity[edit | edit source]
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained international recognition through the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where Royce Gracie demonstrated the effectiveness of BJJ against other martial arts. This led to a surge in popularity and the establishment of BJJ academies around the world.
See Also[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- Gracie, Renzo; Gracie, Royler (2001). Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu: Theory and Technique. Invisible Cities Press.
- Reila Gracie (2009). Carlos Gracie: The Creator of a Fighting Dynasty. Editora Saraiva.
External Links[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
