Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Most Popular Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (also known as BJJ) is a martial art form rich with history, and because of its health benefits, is now becoming one of the most popular martial arts in the world. BJJ is a form of martial art that requires great strength, but also keen technique as it was originally invented so that a smaller opponent would be able to take down a larger one with the use of different grappling techniques. BJJ is also one of the best workouts a person can get, not only requiring great strength, but also cardiovascular endurance as well. In recent years, BJJ has grown to be one of the most popular martial arts world-wide. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, otherwise known as BJJ was derived from Kodokan Judo and brought to
Brazil by Master Mitsuyo Maeda. (MetroHerald, 2013). This martial art is believed to have ties to India where in 2000 B.C., Buddhist monks living there created a system of self-defense that was said to neutralize their opponent rather than harm them (MetroHerald, 2013). The foundation of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is important because although derived from Japanese Jiu Jitsu, it has its differences. Master Mitsuyo Maeda took his Kodokan Judo teachings to Brazil in 1914 where he met Gastao Gracie (MetroHerald, 2013). Gracie 's sons were Master Maeda 's first students, although one in particular helped change the sport. Helio Gracie was the smallest of his brothers, and because the Jiu Jitsu his brothers were learning focused more on strength, he decided to tweak the sport a bit to suit his needs. His style favored leverage and technique rather than strength, and was the foundation for present day Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (MetroHerald, 2013). Because Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is based on the belief that a smaller opponent can win against a larger opponent, this makes the sport suitable for all ages and body types.
Where other martial art forms cater to the more fit and slim body types, BJJ is practiced by people of varying fitness levels. Anthony Gracewood of CrossFit Excalibur and Mixed Martial Arts, who’s gym is affiliated with Carlos Gracie (one of the members of the founding family of BJJ) claims that “It’s a great way to not only learn how to defend yourself, but also get into shape” (Lennie, 2011). Proper conditioning is required of this sport because the joint locks, holds, and submissions used are vigorous and require not only strength, but endurance as well. Each BJJ lesson usually starts with a warm up consisting of pushups, abdominal exercises, and various drills (Guarneri, 2008). The rest of the class consists of the instructor (also called Sensei or Master depending on rank) teaching moves by demonstration, then having the students practice with a partner. With more experienced students, the instructor often has them participate in a “free roll” where they practice the moves learned that day in 5 minute sparring rounds. Anyone that has tried BJJ can attest to the fact that it is a great workout, and many get into the best physical shape of their lives by doing
BJJ. Royce Gracie, a member of the founding family of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is credited as bringing BJJ to the world. He fought in the inaugural UFC tournament and won using BJJ in the early 1990’s (Guarneri, 2008). Since then, BJJ has exploded into one of the most popular martial arts in the World. Not only has BJJ increased the popularity of the UFC, but it has also formed national and international organizations such as the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) and the World Council of Jiu Jitsu Organizations (WCJJO). These organizations hold competitions world-wide to promote the sport of BJJ. If you do a search online for BJJ schools, I am sure that no matter what state you live in, you will be able to find a school somewhere in your area. Where once Karate and Kung Fu ruled the martial arts scene, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is steadily taking over around the world as one of the most popular martial arts.
Not only does BJJ help improve with strength and teach self-defense, it also is a great cardiovascular workout and a great way to help keep in shape. With its foundations in Kodokan Judo, BJJ has developed into its own form of martial art that is easily learned by people of all ages and body types. BJJ’s foundation of teaching proves that technique and leverage can overpower strength, and makes the sport available to a wider range of people to practice, thus increasing its
popularity.

References

Guarneri, Brandon. "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu." Men 's Fitness vol.24 issue 7 (September 2008). EBSCOhost Academic Search Premier. AN35432984. APUS Library, American Public University, WV. 28 October 2014 <http://searchepnet.com>
Lennie, Laura. "Stoney Creek gym breaks ground with storied Brazilian Jiu Jitsu master." Stoney Creek News. 27 Apr. 2011, Wednesday final ed.: Sports 1. Lexis-Nexis Universe: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Online. 28 Oct. 2014.
"Origins of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu." MetroHerald. 04 Sep. 2013, Wednesday 1st ed.: News 19. Lexis-Nexis Universe: Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Online. 28 Oct. 2014.