BJJ ??

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Jiu-Jitsu began with Mitsuyo Maeda, a Japanese expert judoka and member of the Kodokan. Maeda emigrated to Brazil in the 1910s where an influential businessman named Gastão Gracie helped him get established. In return for his aid, Maeda taught the fighting art to Gastão's son Carlos Gracie, who then taught the art to his sons. When Maeda taught the art to the Gracies he called it Jiu-jitsu. The Gracie family refined this art form into what is now known as Gracie Jiu-Jitsu.

What makes BJJ different from other martial arts?

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts in that it provides solutions for all possible stages of combat. Other disciplines like Tae Kwon Do or Karate focus on striking and rely on a person's strength and speed to deliver damage, but speed and strength doesn't matter when you're on your back. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu differs from other martial arts fundamentally. While other martial arts rely heavily on strength and speed, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu relies on superior technique and leverage.

What's a Gi?

A Gi (sometimes referred to as Kimono) is the uniform that is typically worn when training Jiu-Jitsu. It consists of 3 pieces: a jacket (or top), pants, and a belt. The material in which the three pieces are made is specially reinforced to withstand the rigors of daily practice. Many Jiu-Jitsu players regard their Gi in the same way a knight would their armor. Most practitioners of Jiu-Jitsu who advocate the usage of the Gi cite the more technical aspect of grappling with a Gi.