Lets take a look at Brazilian Ju-jitsu

What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?

Often known as BJJ
Even though it has been around for many years, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu was made famous in the United States by Royce Gracie in the Ultimate Fighting Championship.  Many people weren't at all familiar with the style until Gracie entered the UFC and dominated fighters of all styles and weight classes. Once people began to see how quickly Gracie could defeat an opponent,  the art of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu grew in populartiy.

What is BJJ?
As you may know, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a martial art that utilises ground grappling, with very little in the way of stand up skills involved.   The techniques taught don't always require a lot of strength from the student, as most of them are all about the technique behind the move. In Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, students that weigh 100 lbs or less can quickly put a submission lock on someone who is 2 - 3 times their weight and size, if they know what they're doing. So you may well find all different ages in one class.

Excellent for one on one fighting
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is excellent in one on one fights, you will be able to dominate your attacker, and escape from his or her holds. In terms of self defence, if you're up against multiple attackers it will be much harder to pull off one of the choke holds or arm locks.

Fighting on the ground
Once on the ground, a student of BJJ has some very effective moves that he can utilize. A student will learn to pull off choke holds, arm locks, leg locks, and and take-downs. When the student is flat on the ground, with an opponent on top of him/her, he will learn to wraps his legs around the attacker. From the guard position, the student will learn to execute dozens effective of moves.

Primary positions
The mount, side control, and back mount are primary positions, along with the guard. The mount position is where the student  is mounted on top of the attacker on the ground - a position where he can punch or execute a submission hold. With side control, the student is laying on the opponent’s chest, a position where he can easily execute an arm lock.

Ranking system
With Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, the ranks start out at white belt, then move on to blue, purple, brown, and the highest color - black belt. Though each center may have a slightly different belt system, incorporating other levels. To move through the ranks it takes practice and dedication, as with any martial art. Once a student reaches the black belt, he/she will be encouraged to teach other students.

Studying BJJ
In the world of martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is a very effective ground fighting style. Students may decide to learn BJJ alongside one of the more upright fighting styles of martial art, such as karate, or kick boxing.

The dojo we attend no longer holds children's BJJ classes, as there was not enough interest.

Can children study BJJ?
Children can certainly study the art of Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, it is an excellent art to learn for any child who wants to learn how to defend themselves should they get into a fight. It is also good for children who love to be physical, rolling and wrestling on the ground. Children are of course encouraged to show respect, obey rules, engage with their instructors - eye contact when speaking and replying to questions, all the things that go along with learning any of the martial arts.