One of the several types of mixed martial arts (MMA) is Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or “BJJ”. When undergoing BJJ training in Houston or enrolling yourself in a beginner’s course, you may wonder what is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
With Jiu Jitsu gaining popularity, let us explore the origins of the Brazilian form of this art.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
It first originated in Japan. Later, it moved to South America via a Japanese diplomat Mitsyuo Maeda to form the modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. In the early 1900s, it took shape with the help of Maeda. He was trained in Judo which was also called Kano Jiu Jitsu, from where the Brazilians picked the name for Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.
Technically, this form of workout is actually a Judo form of martial art. Maeda established himself in Brazil and set up an academy to provide formal training in this format.
“Jiu Jitsu workout is actually a Judo form of martial art.”
Maeda’s Jiu Jitsu involved a mix of classical Japanese jiu jitsu, kodokan Judo and some of his own innovative techniques. If you have ever seen Jiu Jitsu videos you would see techniques like kodokan judo, live randori, ne waza skills, submission tactics, and some Western wrestling moves. The most important addition to it was the heavy emphasis on ground grappling. These are unique to one world Jiu Jitsu and other ranks. Because of its additions, BJJ Classes are popular searches today.
Jiu Jitsu Art
Maeda’s improvisations to the traditional Jiu-Jitsu art have helped it gain popularity in the form of kids and women’s jiu jitsu style. As you study Jiu-Jitsu levels, you realize how the changes Maeda made in phases of combat have helped it to emerge better than classical Judo. One self-defense fight move is to create unfamiliar phases for victory.
The key teaching of BJJ is to close the gap, get into a tight clinch, take the opponent down in a controlling position and finish the fight. Over time, these tactics were refined by Brazilian fighters. Today, BJJ competitors tend to win most matches. Although weight loss ads and body transformation stories are prominent, the rise in MMA and Jiu Jitsu today is because of the successful combat strategies of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the twentieth century.
Is Jiu Jitsu Effective?
If this question has bothered you, take a look at the number of searches for Jiu Jitsu classes in Houston. Since BJJ tournaments in Houston are increasing, Jiu Jitsu classes for kids have also seen an uptake. While Japanese Jiu Jitsu is more reserved, kids Jiu Jitsu is relaxed and less formal.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu was introduced to lead the country to modernization in the early 1990s. From the 1920s to the 1940s, it grew in popularity. Until the 1990s, this art format was unknown anywhere outside Brazil. The training was limited to national-level competitions. Slowly, the acceptance grew. .
In Jiu Jitsu, even a small person can successfully defeat a big opponent with the right strategies. The two key elements that differentiate it are its moves that enable domination and those that lead to ending a fight via submission.
“In Jiu Jitsu, even a small person can successfully defeat a big opponent with the right strategies.”
The Status Today
Jiu Jitsu techniques can be learned by men, women and even kids. For those who wonder what is the difference between taekwondo and Jiu Jitsu or Jiu Jitsu vs boxing, the other two forms of martial arts are predominantly based on punches and upper body moves. One on one Jiu-Jitsu training and fighting will see more action on the ground.
With its origin in Japanese Judo, BJJ has today become a force to be reckoned with. It is an integral part of mixed martial arts training today. The mixed Jiu Jitsu arts format has created a world-class sport out of a concept borrowed from Japan and enhanced by Brazil.
Learn Jiu Jitsu in Baytown TX at Elite MMA
If you are keen to join a Jiu Jitsu Houston class, Elite MMA has centers located in Houston, Baytown, Greenway/Galleria, Kingwood, and Atascocita. Call us at 281.462.5204 to know more today!
Tracing the Origin and History of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu | Elite MMA – Baytown, TX
