Brazilian jiu-jitsu
Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ; Portuguese: jiu-jitsu brasileiro [ʒiw ˈʒitsu bɾaziˈlejɾu, ʒu -]) is a self-defence martial art and combat sport based on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. BJJ focuses on taking ones opponent down to the ground, gaining a dominant position, and using a number of techniques to force them into submission via joint locks or chokeholds.
Romulo Barral attempting a triangle choke on Gabriel Vella at the 2009 World Jiu-Jitsu Championship | |
| Also known as | BJJ, Gracie jiu-jitsu, gi/nogi jiu-jitsu, submission grappling Portuguese name: Jiu-jitsu brasileiro Japanese name: Burajirian jūjutsu (ブラジリアン柔術) |
|---|---|
| Focus | Ground fighting, submission grappling |
| Hardness | Full contact |
| Country of origin | Brazil |
| Creator | Mataemon Tanabe, Senjuro Kataoka, Taro Miyake, Yukio Tani, Geo Omori, Mitsuyo Maeda, Takeo Yano, Soshihiro Satake, Tokugoro Ito, Jacintho Ferro, Donato Pires dos Reis, Hélio Gracie, Carlos Gracie, George Gracie, Oswaldo Gracie, Luiz França, Oswaldo Fadda |
| Famous practitioners | See full list |
| Parenthood | Kodokan Judo, Jujutsu, Wrestling |
Brazilian jiu-jitsu was first developed in 1925 by Brazilian brothers Carlos, Oswaldo, Gastão Jr., and Hélio Gracie, after Carlos was taught a hybrid of traditional Japanese Jujitsu and Kodokan judo by a travelling Japanese judoka, Mitsuyo Maeda, in 1917. Later on, the Gracie family developed their own self-defense system Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.
BJJ eventually came to be its own defined combat sport through the innovations, practices, and adaptation of Gracie jiu-jitsu and judo, and became an essential martial art for modern MMA.
BJJ revolves around the concept that a smaller, weaker person can successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger, heavier opponent by using leverage and weight distribution, taking the fight to the ground and using a number of holds and submissions to defeat them. BJJ training can be used for sport grappling and self-defense situations. Sparring, commonly referred to as "rolling" within the BJJ community, and live drilling plays a major role in training and the practitioner's development. BJJ can also be used as a method of promoting physical fitness, building character, and as a way of life.