What is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu?

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) is a type of martial arts involving grappling and ground fighting rather than striking. Like Japanese Jiu Jitsu, from which it was developed, it is a competition sport that uses throws, joint locks and chokes to force an opponent to submit. Bailey Fitness offer Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in Morley, Baldivis and Southern River.

What it’s based on

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu evolved from the art of Japanese Jiu Jitsu, which was originally used as a secondary means of defence by Japanese warriors if they found themselves without a weapon on the battlefield.

It later evolved into a means of self defence and self improvement and in the 20^th century, Mitsuyo Maeda, a student of Jigoro Kano the creator of judo, took Kano’s particular brand of Jiu Jitsu to Brazil, where he taught it to the locals. Among his students was Carlos Gracie, who refined the technique by placing greater emphasis on the ground fighting aspects … and the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was born.

What it involves

A typical Brazilian Jiu Jitsu class begins with a group warm up, which may include warm up exercises such as running, push-ups, break-falls and shrimping (teaches you how to fall safely).

You’ll then be partnered with an opponent and your instructor will run through instructions including descriptions of the various techniques. You will then perform resistance drills and practise live sparring with your opponent, changing partners after every round.

The rounds are usually timed and then often turn into free sparring sessions with no time limits after the class is officially over.

The benefits of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has a variety of health benefits for both the body and the mind including;

• Cardio fitness – each sparring session provides an intense workout that will immensely improve your cardio endurance.
• Fat burning – you will burn hundreds of calories in every session and begin to tone and shape your body in just a short period of time.
• Muscle building – Brazilian Jiu Jitsu will help you develop major muscle groups in areas that are often least developed.
• Flexibility – grappling and ground fighting will dramatically increase your degree and range of flexibility.
• Discipline – the structure of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu calls for high repetition and frequent practice, so you will develop self-discipline if you wish to succeed.
• Confidence – because Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches self defence, it will make you more confident, knowing that you can take care of yourself if required.
• Endurance – continually striving to turn defeats into victories will provide you with the mental strength and toughness to persevere against all odds.
• Work ethic – because your progress from novice to expert is something quite tangible, the experience will teach you the value of hard work.

Why Brazilian Jiu Jitsu works

The reason that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is so hugely popular and widely regarded around the world is because it is more than just a sport and more than just a martial art. It’s a life changing experience, creating men and women who are equipped to deal with life’s adversities and can make a positive contribution in the world.

The qualities that Brazilian Jiu Jitsu teaches go beyond anything you can see in the competition ring, but they are actually the ones which have the biggest influence on our lives.

Where you can try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

If you think you’d like to try Brazilian Jiu Jitsu for yourself, we offer a range of self defence classes in Perth. BJJ classes are held at all three of our locations, including Morley in the northern suburbs and Southern River and Baldivis for those in the south. So feel free to contact us any time to find out more about Brazilian Jiu Jitsu at Bailey Fitness.

As well as BJJ, here at Bailey Fitness we offer a fantastic range of fitness classes. Check out our timetable today.