Jiu-Jitsu (or the ‘gentle art’) was originally devised by Buddhist monks in India as a way of manipulating the body for self-defence, without having to rely on strength or weapons to overpower an opponent.
As Buddhism expanded, so too did the popularity of Jiu-Jitsu and it was in 1916 that Japanese Master Esai Maeda Koma, while travelling with his competing troupe, met Gastao Gracie in Brazil.
Gastao soon became a Jiu-Jitsu enthusiast and so too did his son, Carlos Gracie. For Carlos Jiu-Jitsu also offered the opportunity for personal improvement and a way to become more tolerant, respectful and self-confident.
Over time Carlos adapted and refined the traditional discipline to create an efficient self-defence system that used sophisticated ground fighting and submission techniques that he felt were superior to all other Martial Arts. The Gracie family as a whole came to gain recognition and prestige by putting this to the test, challenging and defeating opponents much heaver than them.
The Jiu-Jitsu practised by the Gracie family was now so distinct that it became attached to a national identity and is now commonly known as ‘Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu’ and is practised all over the world.
The aim of a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu fighter is to take their opponent to the ground and, through a system of manoeuvring and manipulations, eventually submit them using techniques such as chokeholds and joint locks. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is therefore often likened to a chess game as both involve strategic thinking to gain an advantage over the opponent.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu also shares a number of similarities with Judo however there is a greater emphasis on groundwork in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. You can also use virtually any means to take your partner to the floor including wrestling moves, sambo or any other grappling art.
Todd Smith is the resident Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu teacher at Elements Academy and has gained his experience by learning directly from the Gracie family. If you’d like take part in some of our classes please contact Elements Academy for further details.
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Thursday 7:00pm *Youth Only
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Tuesday & Thursday 8:00pm
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