In 1914, a Japanese judoka named Mitsuyo Maeda emigrated to Brazil and began teaching judo to the Gracie family. Hélio was smaller and weaker than his brothers and apparently had difficulty executing the judo-style techniques that had been passed down from Maeda. This led Hélio to adjust these techniques, focusing more on leverage and making them easier for smaller fighters to use successfully against larger opponents. He began to modify and adapt the techniques he learned, creating a new martial art known as Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

BJJ is a combat sport that focuses on grappling and ground fighting and is known for its effectiveness in self-defense situations. Over the years, BJJ has evolved and grown in popularity, becoming one of the most popular martial arts in the world. Mixed martial artists have used it in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and other combat sports with great success. It has gained a reputation for being an effective and practical form of self-defense and it is well known that any competitive mixed martial artist needs to know at least how to defend the techniques.

There are several reasons why BJJ is an excellent form of self-defense. First, it is designed to be effective against larger and stronger opponents. Second, BJJ practitioners use leverage and technique to control and submit their opponents rather than relying on brute strength. This makes it a good option for smaller and weaker individuals who may not be able to defend themselves as effectively using other martial arts.

Another reason why BJJ is an excellent form of self-defense is because it focuses on ground fighting. In a real-life self- defense situation, it is common for the altercation to end up on the ground. BJJ practitioners are trained to defend themselves and gain a dominant position on the ground, allowing them to control the situation and escape. They are also adept at taking others down and defending being taken down.

BJJ teaches practitioners to remain calm and composed in high-stress situations. It is one of the few arts where people can practice with a high level on intensity on a consistent basis. Through the practice of BJJ, individuals learn to control their emotions and make rational decisions, even when facing a potentially dangerous situation. This mental discipline can be invaluable in self-defense situations and other aspects of one’s life.

In addition to its practical benefits, BJJ is also a fun and engaging activity. Many people who practice BJJ find it to be a rewarding and enjoyable hobby, and it can provide a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment. Further, due to the nature of its partner-based training people tend to develop close relationships with those they train with. This can make it easier for individuals to continue their training and improve their skills.

The skills, discipline, poise, and demeanor learned through practicing BJJ will impact every aspect of one’s life.

Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals (All ages)

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a great way to teach your kids valuable lessons: how to make friends, be respectful, be active, and be healthy. Students learn efficient and effective techniques while training cooperatively with a partner. This requires students to develop trust with the training partners. This process forms extremely strong bonds that often lead to friendships. Children also develop a great deal of confidence that carries over into the rest of their lives. One of the most amazing aspects of BJJ is how training creates confidence while garnering respect for others and humility.

Champion Jiu Jitsu Class Scheduling:

• MON/WED/FRI: 5 – 6 pm GI Jiu Jitsu Fundamentals (All ages)
• MON/TUE/WED/THURS/FRI: 12-1:00 pm Open Mat
• MON/WED: 6 – 7:30 pm NO GI Jiu Jitsu
• TUES/THURS: 7:30-9 pm NO GI Jiu Jitsu/Submission Grappling
• FRI: 6:30-8 pm GI Jiu Jitsu
• SAT: 11 am – 12:30 pm NO GI Jiu Jitsu/Submission Grappling
• SAT: 11 am – 12:30 – 1:30 pm Mixed Martial Arts/MMA