What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu?
9 out of 10 times, fights end up on the ground -- that is where Brazilian Jiu Jitsu excels. Traditional Martial Arts, like Karate and Tae Kwon Do, are amazing styles that offer practitioners valuable skills, but Brazilian Jiu Jitsu can literally save your life.
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu originated in Brazil by Carlos and Helio Gracie. Carlos Gracie learned and taught traditional Japanese JuJitsu, but Helio was always too physically frail to be able to practice. Helio decided to modify the techniques of Japanese JuJitsu to focus more on leverage and timing over strength and speed. More importantly, because Helio couldn't go "toe-to-toe" with his opponents, he decided to bring the fight to the ground, "where everyone is the same size."
Helio ultimately set out to develop a martial art in which the "smaller guy" can take on the "bigger guy." Brazilian Jiu Jitsu has become more than a martial art; it has become a community of individuals working to build up the sport, build up each other, and help make everyone safer.
What is Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu NOT?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is also NOT dangerous. At Ohio Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Self Defense Academy, we believe in providing a relaxed environment, detailed instruction, and safe training environments. Our goal is for you to be part of our gym's family, supply you with the skills to defend yourself in any situation, and to feel healthier in all aspects of your life.
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is NOT Mixed Martial Arts. "JuJitsu" is translated to "the Gentle Art." Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is more of a human chess game than it is a fight. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu does not ask, "how can I be stronger than hurt my opponent?" Rather, Brazilian Ji-Jitsu asks, "how can I outsmart my opponent and let them trap themselves?"
