BJJ was developed in Brazil in the early 20th century by the Gracie family. It is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting, with the goal of taking the opponent down to the ground, controlling them, and submitting them using various joint locks and chokes.
BJJ is based on the principles of leverage and technique, which enables a smaller person to defend themselves against a larger, stronger opponent.
Basic Techniques of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1. Guard Passes
Guard passes are one of the most essential techniques in BJJ. The guard is a defensive position where the person on the bottom wraps their legs around the person on top, preventing them from passing. To pass the guard, one must use various techniques such as the knee cut pass, torreando pass, or X pass to get past the legs and establish a dominant position.
2. Mounts and Back Control
Once a dominant position is established, the mount and back control are two of the most advantageous positions in BJJ. They provide excellent control and submission opportunities. In the mount position, the top person sits on the opponent's torso, controlling their arms and neck, while in back control, the top person is behind the opponent, controlling their back and neck.
3. Joint Locks
Joint locks involve applying pressure to the elbow, shoulder, or knee joint to force the opponent to tap out or risk injury. The armbar and kimura are two of the most common joint locks in BJJ. The key to successful joint locks is to apply the pressure slowly and gradually, giving the opponent a chance to tap out before the joint is injured.
4. Chokes
Chokes involve applying pressure to the neck to cut off blood flow or air supply, forcing the opponent to tap out or lose consciousness. The rear naked choke and guillotine choke are two of the most common chokes in BJJ. The key to successful chokes is to apply the pressure in a precise manner, cutting off the blood supply or air supply without causing permanent damage.
Tips for Training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
1. Consistency is Key
BJJ requires a lot of training and practice to master. Consistency is crucial for progress, so try to train at least three times a week. Make BJJ a part of your lifestyle and commit to it for the long-term.
2. Find a Good Instructor
A good instructor is essential for learning proper technique and progressing in BJJ. Look for someone with experience and a teaching style that suits you. Ask questions and seek feedback from your instructor to continuously improve. Learn about our experienced instructors here.
3. Learn from Mistakes
Mistakes are a natural part of learning in BJJ. Instead of getting discouraged, use mistakes as an opportunity to learn and improve. Reflect on your mistakes and seek guidance from your instructor to correct them.
4. Drill Techniques
Repetition is the key to mastering techniques in BJJ. Spend time drilling techniques until they become second nature. Focus on proper technique and gradually increase the speed and intensity of your drilling.
5. Spar Regularly
Spar with other students regularly to practice applying techniques in a realistic setting. At Kaizen we roll every session to ensure this.
Conclusion
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an effective martial art that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. By learning the basic techniques and following these tips for training, you can improve your BJJ skills and achieve your goals in the sport. If you're interested in trying BJJ, we offer a free trial class at our school. Sign up now to experience the benefits of BJJ firsthand.
FAQs
Q: Is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu suitable for beginners?
A: Yes, BJJ is suitable for beginners. Most BJJ schools offer beginner classes where students can learn the basic techniques and gradually progress.
Q: Can BJJ be used for self-defence?
A: Yes, BJJ is highly effective for self-defence. It teaches techniques for controlling and submitting an opponent, which can be used in real-life situations.
Q: Is BJJ a good workout?
A: Yes, BJJ is an excellent workout that improves cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.
Q: Do I need to be in shape to start training BJJ?
A: No, you do not need to be in shape to start training BJJ. BJJ is a great way to get in shape and improve your fitness.
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