Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Most Popular Martial Arts

Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (also known as BJJ) is a martial art form rich with history, and because of its health benefits, is now becoming one of the most popular martial arts in the world. BJJ is a form of martial art that requires great strength, but also keen technique as it was originally invented so that a smaller opponent would be able to take down a larger one with the use of different grappling techniques. BJJ is also one of the best workouts a person can get, not only requiring great strength, but also cardiovascular endurance as well. In recent years, BJJ has grown to be one of the most popular martial arts world-wide. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, otherwise known as BJJ was derived from Kodokan Judo and brought to
Where other martial art forms cater to the more fit and slim body types, BJJ is practiced by people of varying fitness levels. Anthony Gracewood of CrossFit Excalibur and Mixed Martial Arts, who’s gym is affiliated with Carlos Gracie (one of the members of the founding family of BJJ) claims that “It’s a great way to not only learn how to defend yourself, but also get into shape” (Lennie, 2011). Proper conditioning is required of this sport because the joint locks, holds, and submissions used are vigorous and require not only strength, but endurance as well. Each BJJ lesson usually starts with a warm up consisting of pushups, abdominal exercises, and various drills (Guarneri, 2008). The rest of the class consists of the instructor (also called Sensei or Master depending on rank) teaching moves by demonstration, then having the students practice with a partner. With more experienced students, the instructor often has them participate in a “free roll” where they practice the moves learned that day in 5 minute sparring rounds. Anyone that has tried BJJ can attest to the fact that it is a great workout, and many get into the best physical shape of their lives by doing
Not only does BJJ help improve with strength and teach self-defense, it also is a great cardiovascular workout and a great way to help keep in shape. With its foundations in Kodokan Judo, BJJ has developed into its own form of martial art that is easily learned by people of all ages and body types. BJJ’s foundation of teaching proves that technique and leverage can overpower strength, and makes the sport available to a wider range of people to practice, thus increasing its