Gracie Jiu Jitsu and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu come from Brazil. Some people in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C. think they are two different martial arts. But they are the same. The Gracie family from Brazil started this Jiu Jitsu form. First, people used it for street fighting in Brazil. Now, it’s a sport in the western world.
Techniques and Ground Fighting
Gracie Jiu Jitsu likes ground fighting. It uses holds, arm locks, chokes, and more to win. This takes away an opponent’s advantage if they are stronger or better at striking. Anyone can use GJJ for self-defense.
A Way to Fight Back
GJJ helps a smaller person fight a bigger one. It uses the bigger person’s size against them. These moves come from Japanese Jiu Jitsu and early Judo. Together, they make the GJJ mixed martial arts form.
Teaching Self-Defense
Now, people in the western world learn Gracie Jiu Jitsu to protect themselves. Many women and children learn it. Some people still compete in bouts. But most learn it for self-defense. Even children as young as 6 like learning this martial art.
Goals of Gracie Jiu Jitsu
Gracie Jiu Jitsu wants to take the opponent to the ground. Then, the fighter can strike or hold them in a way that cuts off their air. This makes the opponent give up. The UFC, or Ultimate Fighting Championships, made GJJ popular in the US.
UFC and Mixed Martial Arts
The UFC worked to make mixed martial arts a sport. They looked at other sports and used some of their rules. Then, they made competitions. TV networks showed these fights. That’s why this martial art is popular today.
Success of the Gracie Family
In 1993, Royce Gracie won a UFC trophy. He weighed only 170 pounds. But he won 3 of the first 4 UFC tournaments. Since then, more rules and more fighters have joined this Jiu Jitsu style.
Try Gracie Jiu Jitsu Yourself
For more about Gracie Jiu Jitsu, ask a local mixed martial arts school. You might even get to try a free class. See the benefits of GJJ for yourself.
