Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Jiu jitsu originated in Japan like many martial arts, but was made popular by the Gracies from Brazil, who used their style to win a variety of fighting contests such as the UFC. The art was originally intended as a method for samurai, who were usually mounted on horses, to fight on the ground when disarmed. Brazilian jiu jitsu, which is what I practice, was created in the early 20th century after a Japanese master of Japanese Jiu Jitsu immigrated to Brazil, and taught his good friend George Gracie’s children. Those children later added some aspects of wrestling to the form, eventually turning it into modern Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, or BJJ.

BJJ is a martial art which has a focus on ground fighting and grappling, rather than striking on your feet like many others. Most submissions are achieved with chokes or joint locks rather than through pummeling, which is why size, although still quite relevant, isn’t as important for someone who is skilled compared to something like boxing. Because most of your time is on the ground, legs are important for a lot more than just kicking, rather they are one of the most useful limbs to you because of how much stronger they are than arms. 

Technically, I have been doing jiu jitsu since I was five, but in reality I’ve only been doing this for about three and a half months. The technicality comes from the fact that although I started when we lived in Hawaii, I have not been going to a gym for all of that time. Initially when Dad mentioned there was a jiu jitsu gym nearby our place in Puerto Rico I was apprehensive, but that quickly faded and I have had an awesome time there. The place was called Movement Ecology, and apart from having a great instructor named Professor Robert, they also had yoga, although Aleah and I missed out on that. I also practiced while we were in Pittsburgh, and although it was only for two weeks I really enjoyed it and feel like it taught me quite a bit. It’s sad that I’ve just now realized how much fun this sport is.

Doing BJJ has really made me realize how much fun working out can be. It is a great way of exercising and stretching all in one, and the self defense stuff is really great. Jiu Jitsu has definitely made its way back into my roster of favorite activities, and I really hope I’ll be able to continue once we settle down.