Developed by judoka Mitsuyo Maeda and the Gracie family over 100 years ago, Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a martial art, combat sport, and self-defense system that focuses on grappling, ground fighting, and submission holds. Brazilian jiu-jitsu enjoys immense mainstream popularity thanks to modern mixed martial arts promotions such as the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
Brazilian jiu-jitsu centers on the concept that you can overcome a larger and stronger opponent by taking the fight to the ground. From there, you would use proper grappling and submission techniques to gain leverage over, and ultimately defeat, your opponent. This includes applying joint-locks, chokeholds, sweeps, side controls, mounting, and other maneuvers to counter any advantage your opponent may have in regards to size and strength.
Professor Jason Claunch, a 3rd Degree IBJJF Certified Black Belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, serves as the head instructor and owner of the Claunch Academy.
Elements of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Training
Ground Fighting. Unlike most martial arts and combat systems, Brazilian jiu-jitsu emphasizes ground fighting and submission over strikes and upright combat. Almost all of your training at our academy will be focuses on improving your ground fighting skills. You will work to develop your skills in applying:
- Closed guard (also known as full guard)
- Open guard
- Half guard
- Side controls
- Mount and back mounts
Submission. Submissions are generally divided into two categories: joint locks and chokeholds. Over the course of your jiu-jitsu training, you will learn how to apply various submission techniques in each of these categories. The goal is always to get your opponent to submit.
You will also learn how to develop grappling skills to supplement submission techniques.
Benefits of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu training offers numerous benefits including:
- Fitness. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to get exercise and maintain your physical fitness. Many practitioners add Brazilian jiu-jitsu to their fitness regimen as an additional way to develop aerobic and anaerobic endurance.
- Self-Defense. As a self-defense system, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu offers methods you can use to restrain and immobilize your opponent through ground fighting and submissions.
- Discipline and Personal Growth. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a challenging martial art. However, you will develop personal strength, self-discipline, strong character, and resilience as you advance in your training.
- Cognitive and Mental Benefits. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in a way is a science. How? Through various guards, mounts, maneuvers, submissions, and holds, you will learn how to respond and problem solve and strategize quickly and effectively to gain an advantage over your opponent. In effect, you will learn how to better deal with pressure and how to expect the unexpected. Moreover, training offers an opportunity for you to relieve stress and clear your mind.
- Character and Confidence. Whether it is on the mat or in competition, another practitioner may get the better of you in a rolling (sparring) drill. But that’s okay! It is part of the learning process. You will develop a sense of humility, perseverance, and strong character. Ultimately, you will build your confidence from learning from moments where you may not have had success. Carry these lessons forward and achieve success.