BJJ GI

What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu – Minimum strength with maximum effect.

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) originates from Japan and is a development of the traditional Jujitsu called “Jiu-do” which is based on the idea of the soft overcoming the hard. In other words, a smaller, weaker person using leverage and proper technique can defend themselves against a bigger, stronger opponent.

The art began when Mitsuyo Maeda, a master of Japanese Ju Jitsu and Judo, who immigrated to Brazil where he taught his system to Carlos Gracie, who passed it on to his younger brother Helio. The Gracie brothers trained many of their sons, who now carry on the family tradition today.
The Gracie family continued to develop the system throughout the 20th century with the aim of proving the superiority of their art over all others, often fighting vale tudo matches (precursors to modern MMA), and during which it gained its focus on ground fighting and refined its techniques. Today BJJ is a sport practiced by millions worldwide with hopes of inclusion in the Olympics in the near future.

Why train BJJ?

The philosophy behind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is to empower its practitioners with skills and confidence in real life situations. Through self-improvement resulting from continued training, students achieve goals, increase self-confidence and possibly become a real life Champion.

While not everyone may want to dedicate the time required to become a world champion, everyone can reap benefits from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and apply them to all aspects of their life. The most obvious of these are an increase on fitness levels, a healthy mindset, body and soul as well as encountering new people and forging new friendships. In conjunction with these principles the Roots (BJJ) motto contains the values of RESPECT HONOR LOYALTY FAMILY.