Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Take the fight to the ground with the grappling moves of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). This unique martial art and combat sport proves you don’t need to be bigger or stronger than your opponent to take them down effectively – with the right technique, leverage, joint locks and chokeholds, you’ll be able to defend yourself against giants.
Continue reading »Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu History
Even in the martial arts community, there tends to be confusion about BJJ and how it’s different from the ground fighting moves of judo.
Indeed, Brazilian jiu-jitsu was built on the ground fighting fundamentals of Kodokan judo. In 1909, the Japanese-born martial artist Geo Omori opened the first judo/jiu-jitsu school in Brazil, teaching and mentoring individuals including Luiz França, who would start a prominent lineage of BJJ spearheaded by Oswaldo Fadda. This BJJ lineage is typified by the clever and effective use of foot locks and still survives today through academies such as Nova União and the Grappling Fight Team.
Another lineage of Brazilian jiu-jitsu started with judo demonstrations by Mitsuyo (Otávio) Maeda, which inspired the brothers Carlos and Hélio Gracie to learn judo and develop it into a softer and more pragmatic martial art that focuses on ground fighting. The result was the most commonly known form of Brazilian jiu-jitsu with which we’re familiar today.
Famous Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Fighters
Today, famous names in Brazilian jiu-jitsu include the middleweights Marcelo Garcia and Ronaldo ‘Jacaré’ Souza, and heavyweights Alexandre Ribeiro and André Galvão. The king of ultra-heavyweights remains Roger Gracie, who became the first man to achieve three gold medals at the BJJ open-weight division, finishing all his opponents in the prestigious ADCC tournament.
The Best BJJ Equipment
If you’re on your way to become the next champion in grappling and submission wrestling, Blitz Sport can provide you with the gear you need. From hard-wearing gis and kimonos to training shorts, rash guards and belts, we provide great value BJJ equipment at the best price on the market.
