Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a predominantly ground-based martial art, using the principals of leverage, angles, pressure and timing, as well as knowledge of the human anatomy, in order to achieve a non-violent submission of one’s opponent. BJJ classes are being held now!
Unlike other martial arts that focus on strikes and/or kicks, jiu-jitsu focuses on close-contact “grappling” holds and techniques, and the application of chokes and joint-manipulations. Learning this specialized ground grappling along with Traditional Japanese Ju-Jutsu or Judo throwing gives practitioners a well rounded skillset.
BJJ Origins
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) originated from Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, which itself has roots in ancient Japanese martial arts. Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese judoka and prizefighter, traveled to Brazil in the early 20th century to spread the art of Judo, which was derived from traditional Jiu-Jitsu. In Brazil, Maeda met Gastão Gracie, who helped him establish himself in the country. In gratitude, Maeda taught Judo to Gastão’s son, Carlos Gracie. Carlos then passed on his knowledge to his brothers, most notably Helio Gracie.
Helio Gracie, due to his smaller size and weaker physical condition, adapted the techniques taught to him by Maeda to rely more on leverage and technique rather than strength. This adaptation eventually evolved into what is now known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The Gracie family continued to develop and refine BJJ, emphasizing ground fighting, submissions, and positional dominance.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu gained international recognition and popularity through events like the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) in the 1990s, where Royce Gracie famously showcased the effectiveness of BJJ against practitioners of other martial arts. Today, BJJ is practiced worldwide, with numerous schools and academies teaching its techniques for self-defense, sport, and fitness.
Read more about BJJ here!
Classes are held weekly and are supplementary to the numerous other martial arts we are learning here at Impulse Martial Arts. Class schedule is HERE.
Our program is overseen by Instructor Chino Velez, a BJJ Blackbelt & long-time winning competitor of BJJ with the Robson Maura United Nations, RMNU and owner of Prodigy BJJ in Fogelsville, PA.
