What is the buzz about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? A Thorough Explanation of BJJ

Google's founders, Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, Hollywood actor Tom Hardy, and Japanese celebrities like Junichi Okada and Hiroshi Tamaki. There is a sport that people active in the forefront of business and entertainment are currently enthusiastic about. That is "Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ)." You might think, "Martial arts look painful and scary..." However, why do they make time in their busy schedules to go to the dojo and sweat on the mats? It's because there is an aspect of it as the "best intellectual game for adults," not just a longing for "strength." In this article, we thoroughly explain the history, rules, and more.

1. What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

If we describe Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in one word, it is a "grappling martial art focused on ground fighting." There are absolutely no punches or kicks (strikes) like in boxing or kickboxing. The objective is to throw, take down, and pin the opponent, ultimately forcing a "submission (tap out)" using joint locks or chokeholds.

The greatest feature is "Softness controls hardness"

The philosophy of Jiu-Jitsu is summarized in "how a small, powerless person can control a large, strong person." By utilizing leverage and anatomical knowledge, you can control an opponent without relying on strength, which is why it is spreading worldwide as a "lifelong sport" that can be enjoyed regardless of age or gender. Due to this high strategic nature, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is often described as "Human Chess."

2. Surprising Roots and History

Although it is named "Brazilian," its origin lies in Japanese "Judo."

The Story of the Gracie Family

In the early 20th century, Mitsuyo Maeda (Conde Koma), a Kodokan Judo expert, traveled to Brazil and taught Judo techniques to the sons of a local influential figure, Gastão Gracie. The youngest son, Helio Gracie, who was small and frail, improved the techniques he was taught so that "even a weak person like himself could use them." This evolved uniquely into a specialization in ground fighting, which became "Gracie Jiu-Jitsu (later Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu)."

"UFC 1" that Shook the World

The catalyst for Jiu-Jitsu's explosive global popularity was the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) held in the United States in 1993. In a no-rules cage deathmatch, Royce Gracie, the smallest and skinniest competitor, defeated large men like boxers and wrestlers one after another with ground techniques without hurting them, winning the tournament.
This shocking event instantly spread the perception that "Jiu-Jitsu might be the strongest martial art in the world."

3. Basic Rules and Victory Conditions

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu as a sport is designed to be extremely safe.

Attire

• Gi: A style worn with a uniform similar to a Judo gi. There is offense and defense involving grabbing the collar and sleeves, making it highly strategic.
• No-Gi: A style performed in a rash guard and shorts. Since you cannot grab clothing, speed and body adhesion are important.

How Victory is Determined

• Submission (Ippon): If you secure a joint lock or choke and the opponent indicates "I give up" (tapping the opponent's body or the mat twice or more = Tap), you win immediately.
• Points Decision: If no submission occurs within the time limit, the winner is decided by the total points awarded for advantageous positions (pass guard, mount, back take, etc.).

Prohibited Acts

• All strikes such as punches, kicks, and headbutts.
• Biting, eye-gouging, and pulling hair.
• Dangerous joint locks (depending on belt color and level).

4. Why get hooked? 5 Charms of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

Why are modern people, who are supposed to dislike pain, so fascinated by Jiu-Jitsu?

1. High Safety and Relatively Few Injuries

Since there are no strikes, damage to the brain and facial injuries are extremely rare. Also, the gentlemanly rule that techniques are released immediately upon "tapping (giving up)" is strictly enforced, so you can train without interfering with your work the next day.

2. Intellectual Fun Like Solving a Puzzle

There are no "flukes" in Jiu-Jitsu. There are logical steps, such as "If the opponent puts out their right arm, I will hook my left leg here." The pleasure of checkmating an opponent with technique and logic, rather than brute force, becomes addictive for those with strong intellectual curiosity.

3. Ultimate Stress Relief and Mindfulness

During sparring (practical practice), you must focus entirely on the opponent in front of you. There is not a single millimeter of room to think about work worries or daily stress. This "forced state of mindlessness" brings surprising mental refreshment afterwards.

4. Diet Effect and Functional Body

Movements that involve using the whole body to pin an opponent or escape from underneath intensely train the inner muscles. Unlike just running at a gym, as you continue this game-like exercise, you will find yourself with a toned body (not bulky, but supple and lean) before you know it.

5. Visualization of Growth Through the Belt System

Jiu-Jitsu has a belt system (White -> Blue -> Purple -> Brown -> Black). The road to black belt is steep and is generally said to take 10 years, but precisely because of that, the sense of accomplishment when tying a new belt is exceptional. Places where you can feel such clear "leveling up" as an adult are rare.

Summary

People with various backgrounds, such as students, office workers, business owners, doctors, and artists, gather at Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu dojos. Once you put on a gi and stand on the mat, social status and income do not matter. There is only technique and respect for the opponent. Making new friends as an adult, facing your own body, and becoming just a little stronger than you were yesterday. Such a fulfilling lifestyle exists in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. Why don't you take a step into this world, often called a "life-changing sport"?

At FREELETICS GOALS Gym, experienced instructors teach fun and safe classes, so please come and experience Jiu-Jitsu.

Thank you for reading to the end!