Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ)is a martial art, combat sport, and a self-defense system that focuses on grappling and especially ground fighting. The art was derived from the Japanese martial arts of judo and Jujitsu. The most important element of BJJ that separates it from its Japanese counterparts is its effective use of positional dominance over the opponent.

BJJ can teach a smaller, weaker person to successfully defend themselves against a bigger, stronger assailant by using leverage and proper technique to apply joint locks and chokeholds. In traditional sport BJJ a kimono (gi) is worn. The kimono serves more as a tool than a uniform. The kimono is constructed of a very thick material which is resistant to tearing and allows the BJJ player to utilize it as a means to control the opponent. It also allows for use of various “cloth chokes” which can be used to defeat an opponent. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu training can be used for sport grappling tournaments (gi and no-gi) and mixed martial arts (MMA) competition or self-defense.

Sparring (commonly referred to as “rolling”) and live drilling play a major role in training, and a premium is placed on performance, especially in competition, in relation to progress and ascension through it’s ranking system.