Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (also known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu®) is a martial art developed by the Gracie family from Brazil based on the Japanese arts of jiu-jitsu and judo. Jiu-Jitsu (sometimes spelled as “Jujitsu”) had existed in Japan for centuries. Its origins are not entirely clear, although most historians believe that Oriental martial arts originated in India, and from there migrated to China, Korea and Japan.

Jiu-jitsu translates as “gentle or soft art”. The reason for this term is the jiu-jitsu’s underlying concept of using one’s strength and leverage in the most efficient way to overcome an opponent. The focus is on disabling (submitting) an opponent using technique and leverage, rather than brute strength. Utilizing this principle, a smaller person can defeat a stronger and larger opponent.

In the 1914, Mitsuyo Maeda, a jiu-jitsu and judo practitioner moved to Brazil to help establish a Japanese immigrant community. A local man, Gastao Gracie, whose family had immigrated to Brazil from Scotland had helped Maeda in his endeavors. The friendship that developed between Maeda and Gracie resulted in Maeda offering to teach jiu-jitsu to Gastao’s sons. Carlos Gracie, Gastao’s oldest son, became one of Maeda’s students, and subsequently taught his brothers, including Helio.

Maeda’s principal fighting method involved throwing a low kick or elbow to set up a clinch to take the fight to the ground. Once there, he focused on ground-grappling submissions to finish the fight – a general strategy used by today’s modern Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighters.

Carlos was Maeda’s student for only 2-4 years (during which time Maeda also traveled extensively), after which time he opened his own school. It is thought that although Maeda taught Carlos the following basic principles:

1. Grappling (definition “seizing another in a firm grip or engaging in a struggle or close encounter”) can be a highly effective combat style, by negating strengths of other styles and exploiting their weaknesses.
2. The need for realistic live training (randori)
3. Techniques of jiu-jitsu (learn the existing techniques, refine them, come up with new ones)
4. The basic strategy of taking a striker to the ground, or utilizing a larger opponent’s imbalance when he initiates take-down to achieve submission.

Most of the technical knowledge and evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was discovered and developed by the Gracies themselves. The Gracie brothers were all relatively small in stature, which required more efficient use of leverage to get techniques succeed in submissions.

The Gracie brothers and their offspring have further developed this martial art style by engaging in challenge matches, often without time limits (i.e. the match would finish when an opponent would give up or be rendered unconscious). These predecessors of today’s mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions were also known as no holds barred (NHB) or vale tudo (anything goes) matches.

The evolution continues today with further developments of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu into Submission Grappling (Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu practiced without kimono/no incorporating elements of wrestling, Sambo and other martial arts), Mixed Martial Arts (utilizing striking from clinch and positions on the ground) and other applications.

It continues to be guided by the basic principals of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu/Submission Grappling:

• Taking an opponent to the ground removes or mitigates the danger of striking to a large degree
• The practitioner of jiu-jitsu is much more familiar in this environment (ground) than the opponent, and therefore can operate in more controlled manner towards submission.

The Gracie clan, which today numbers in the hundreds (and includes the cousins – Machados) has achieved worldwide fame by developing a martial art which has shown its effectiveness in numerous competitions under variety of rules (or lack thereof) and conditions, as well in self-defense situations. It would be near impossible today to find a world class mixed martial arts athlete who does not practice Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The many benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu & Submission Grappling training include:

• Self-defense
• Increased flexibility
• Improved fitness, strength and general physical conditioning
• Stress release and improved concentration
• Increased self-confidence

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu addresses all 4 parameters for total fitness:

• Aerobics
• Flexibility
• Muscular strength
• Muscular endurance

What makes BJJ different from other martial arts?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts in that it provides solutions for all possible stages of combat. Other disciplines like Tae Kwon Do or Karate focus on striking and rely on a person's strength and speed to deliver damage, but speed and strength doesn't matter when you're on your back. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts fundamentally. While other martial arts rely heavily on strength and speed, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on superior technique and leverage.

What's a Gi?

A Gi (sometimes referred to as Kimono) is the uniform that is typically worn when training Jiu-Jitsu. It consists of 3 pieces: a jacket (or top), pants, and a belt. The material in which the three pieces are made is specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily practice. Many Jiu-Jitsu players regard their Gi in the same way a knight would their armor. Most practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu who advocate the usage of the Gi cite the more technical aspect of grappling with a Gi.

What are the Belt Rankings in Jiu-Jitsu?

As with other martial arts, the progress of a student is marked with a series of colored belts. Unlike other martial arts where Black Belt marks a person’s proficiency in a style, in Gracie Jiu-Jitsu the rank of Black Belt is conferred to individuals who have mastered the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

The belts in order are: White, Blue, Purple, Brown and Black. Often schools award four stripes for White through Brown belts. Black Belts are typically awarded one stripe every three years up to ten stripes. There are special classifications for Black Belts fighter and instructors. Instructors have Black Belts with Red bands and Black Belt fighters have White Bands. Typically, Black Belt instructors are not allowed to promote others up to Black Belt rank until they receive their first stripe. The ranks for children are different. Blue belt and higher ranks have age requirements so children have the following ranks beginning with White, Yellow, Orange and Green. Each belt has 4 stripes. These belts are utilized until age 16.

How long until I get my Black Belt?

Typically, it takes anywhere from 8 to 15 years to attain the rank of Black Belt in Jiu-Jitsu. Each belt (with the exception of Blue) takes about 2-5 years of dedicated practice; Blue Belt can often be attained in about a year of dedicated study.

Is Jiu-Jitsu safe?

At the Silver Fox Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Academy safety is paramount. Accidents may happen, however, lack of seriousness during training and the resultant careless application of technique or counters contribute greatly to injury. Careless practice is disrespectful to the spirit of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

Who can learn Jiu-Jitsu?

Practically anyone can utilize the techniques created by Carlos Gracie. Carlos Gracie, when he created his revolutionary system, weighed no more than 135 lbs. The core principle of Gracie Jiu-jitsu is to provide a method for smaller, weaker individuals to protect themselves from bigger, stronger attackers.

Is BJJ good exercise?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu can provide you with far more extensive results than typical aerobic exercise. The resistance encountered while rolling provides you with a good base to improve your core strength through intense abdominal workout, increase your muscle tone, and reduce you body fat while improving your balance, bodily coordination, cardio vascular capacity, and muscular endurance.

What do I wear my first time (Intro Class) to class?

The best thing to wear to a first class is a shirt and shorts. A mouthpiece is also recommended and although it's not required it is recommended that guys wear an athletic support.