Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)

Nearly all street fights will go to the ground, and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is famous for its devastating ground fighting techniques. Unlike standup striking, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (or BJJ for short) is based on the theory that once a fight is on the ground, height, reach, and weight advantages play a small factor in determining the victor. Thus it promotes the principle that a shorter, smaller, or weaker person using leverage and proper technique can successfully defend themselves against a bigger and stronger assailant. Gaining superior position on your opponent and applying a myriad of chokes, holds, locks, and joint manipulations is the foundation for this effective martial art.

	Fighthouse BJJ instructor Fabiano Boticario (in white gi) demonstrates a choke hold.
	Fabiano Boticario applying ground-and-pound tactics.

A typical Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class starts off with warm-up exercises, from calisthenics to hip out and rolling drills. Next is stretching to warm up and loosen every muscle group, especially the neck and weaker joints, such as the ankle. The instructor then guides students through techniques, such as defense and submissions from all positions including the guard, side mount, mount, half guard, back, and other positions. Takedowns, sweeps, reversals, counters, and escapes are also emphasized. The technique is taught in a very systemantic way where one aspect of the ground fighting is focused on each class. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a complete package for learning ground fighting, covering every situation on the ground as well as constantly evolving to meet new threats.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is not only a martial art for self defense, but also a combat sport. Every Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu class offers sparring or what grapplers call rolling. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu techniques are constantly tested in sparring as well as in fights at grappling tournaments and full-contact fight venues. With superior application of technique through grips and positioning, BJJ fighters often win battles in the most optimal way possible, by submission.

BJJ can be trained for self-defense, cross trained with standup martial arts as well as other grappling arts such as wrestling, competition in grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi), and for fighting mixed martial arts (MMA). This grappling art is also great for women's self-defense and protection against sexual assault. BJJ techniques are proven to work by the principles of physics and the mechanics of the human body. Jiu-Jitsu tehcniques will give the student maximum efficiency against a larger opponent in small tight spaces. In addition to developing a great self-defense and fighting skill set, this sport gives you an excellent workout which improves balance, coordination, cardiovascular capacity, muscular endurance, and explosive power. Along with physical benefits, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotes the development of the mind, the spirit, and the character of its practitioners. Some Martial Artists believe the higher level of achievement you obtain, the closer it brings you to God.