Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a martial art that developed in Brazil, originating from the Judo branch of Japanese Jujutsu (for which Jiu-Jitsu is merely an alternate spelling). BJJ specifically comes from Kosen Judo, which is a variant of Kodokan Judo (the original Judo by Kano Jigoro) that emphasises ‘newaza’ (groundfighting).
Training for Sport vs Self-Defence
Before you train in BJJ, decide if you want to learn for competition purposes, or for self-defence, or fitness, or any other reason, then seek out an appropriate club that shares your vision. Please don’t mistake Sport BJJ for Self-Defence because there are some significant differences. Don’t take our word for it – listen to Rickson Gracie, who is largely considered to be the world’s most technically skillful BJJ practitioner alive today.
UFC’s legendary 1st year, 2nd year and 4th year champion, Royce Gracie, doesn’t entirely disagree either.
Rickson Gracie on ‘Invisible’ BJJ
Rickson Gracie’s concept of ‘Invisible’ BJJ is basically Tai Chi, in principle, applied to ground grappling. The invisible force emphasised within this school of BJJ equates to Chinese principle of Chi or Qi (a la Chi-Kung or Qi-Gong), and the Japanese principle of Ki (a la Ai-Ki-Do).