What is BJJ and What Can You Expect in Taking BJJ Class?
Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It is a grappling-based martial art that focuses on ground fighting and submission holds. In recent years, BJJ has gained popularity worldwide due to its effectiveness in mixed martial arts (MMA) competitions and self-defence situations.
If you are interested in learning BJJ, then Shaolin Tigers Martial Arts (STMA) BJJ in Wokingham is perfect place to start your journey. it is important to know what to expect in a STMA BJJ class, so lets shed some light on Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, its history and what you can expect in a BJJ class.
What is BJJ…
BJJ is a martial art that focuses on grappling and ground fighting. It was developed from traditional Japanese Jiu-Jitsu and adapted to suit the smaller stature of Brazilian fighters. BJJ emphasizes leverage and technique over brute strength, making it an effective martial art for people of all sizes and ages.
In a BJJ class, you will learn techniques such as takedowns, throws, joint locks, and chokeholds. These techniques can be used to control and submit opponents in self-defense situations or in BJJ competitions.
Benefits of Practicing BJJ:
There are many benefits to practicing BJJ, including:
Improved Physical Fitness:
BJJ is a full-body workout that can improve your strength, endurance, flexibility, and balance.
Self-Defence:
BJJ techniques can be used to defend yourself in real-life situations. BJJ emphasizes leverage and technique over brute strength, making it an effective self-defense martial art for people of all sizes and ages.
Mental Health:
BJJ can improve your mental health by reducing stress, increasing confidence, and providing a sense of community.
Competition
If you are interested in competing, BJJ offers a wide range of competition opportunities at local, national, and international levels.
F.A.Q’s
Q: Do I need to be in good shape to start BJJ?
A: No, you do not need to be in good shape to start BJJ. BJJ classes will help you get into shape over time.
Q: Do I need any special equipment to start BJJ?
A: To start BJJ, you will need a gi (also known as a kimono), which is a special uniform worn by BJJ practitioners. Some schools may also require you to wear a mouthguard and/or protective cup.
Q: Is BJJ safe?
A: BJJ is generally safe when practiced under the supervision of a qualified instructor. As with any physical activity, there is always a risk of injury, but this risk can be minimized by practicing proper technique and following safety guidelines.
Q: Can anyone do BJJ?
A: Yes, anyone can do BJJ, regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. BJJ can be adapted to suit individual needs and limitations.
Q: Is BJJ only for people who want to compete?
A: No, BJJ is for anyone who wants to learn self-defense, improve their physical fitness, or simply have fun while learning a new skill. Competition is optional and not required to enjoy the benefits of BJJ.
Q: Is BJJ a good form of self-defense?
A: Yes, BJJ is an effective form of self-defense that teaches practitioners how to control and subdue opponents using techniques such as joint locks and chokes.
Q: Is BJJ only for young people?
A: No, BJJ is suitable for people of all ages. In fact, many BJJ practitioners continue to train and compete well into their 40s, 50s, and beyond.
Q: Can BJJ help with stress and anxiety?
A: Yes, BJJ can help to reduce stress and anxiety by providing a physical outlet for tension and promoting mental clarity and focus.
What Can You Expect in Taking BJJ Class?
Taking a BJJ class is a great way to improve your physical fitness, learn self-defence, and meet new people. Here are some things you can expect in a typical BJJ class:
Warm-Up:
Most BJJ classes will start with a warm-up to prepare your body for training. The warm-up may include stretching, cardio exercises, and drills to improve your balance and coordination.
Technique Instruction:
After the warm-up, your instructor will demonstrate and explain a new technique. You will have the opportunity to practice the technique with a partner and receive feedback from your instructor.
Rolling:
Rolling is the term used in BJJ for sparring or live training. During rolling, you will practice applying the techniques you have learned in a live situation against a resisting opponent. Rolling is a great way to improve your timing, reflexes, and decision-making skills.
Cool-Down:
The class will end with a cool-down period to help your body recover from the workout. The cool-down may include stretching or breathing exercises to help you relax and reduce stress.
Why not check out our timetable now to see and attend your first
STMA BJJ beginners class!!
History of BJJ:
BJJ was developed by the Gracie family in Brazil in the early 20th century. The Gracie family was originally involved in traditional Japanese jiu-jitsu, but they found that many of the techniques were not effective against larger opponents. The Gracie family then began to develop their own system of jiu-jitsu, which emphasized ground fighting and submissions.
In 1993, the first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) was held in the United States. The UFC was an open-style fighting competition that pitted martial artists from different disciplines against each other. Royce Gracie, a member of the Gracie family, won the tournament by using his BJJ skills to defeat opponents who were much larger than him. This victory put BJJ on the map and led to an explosion in its popularity.
Since then, BJJ has continued to grow and evolve. Today, BJJ is practiced all around the world, and there are many different styles and variations of the art. BJJ has also become a popular sport, with competitions held at the local, national, and international levels.
